Cost Accountant

Company profile: Valueonshore Advisors is a niche advisory services firm formed by senior professionals from Big 4 and top Industry executives. The firm helps companies identify and capitalize on business opportunities. We offer practical solutions, in-depth expertise, and implementation support to complex business issues faced by our clients. The firm is known for its distinctive solutions, hands-on approach, and relentless focus for achieving the desired results.

Responsibilities

• Cost Accounting Processes: Develop, implement, and maintain robust cost accounting processes and internal controls in the NetSuite ERP, ensuring accurate inventory valuation and cost of goods sold reporting in a semiconductor manufacturing environment.

• Standard & Average Costing: Establish and maintain product cost records (standard costs or average costing as applicable for materials, labor, and overhead); continuously monitor and analyze cost variances (price, usage, labor, overhead) to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.

• Inventory Tracking & Reconciliation: Track all inventory movements (raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods) through the ERP system and ensure transactions are recorded properly. Reconcile inventory sub-ledgers to the general ledger regularly, investigating and resolving discrepancies to maintain accurate stock records.

• Physical Inventory & Cycle Counts: Plan and oversee the annual physical inventory count and periodic cycle count programs. Reconcile count results with financial records, investigate any variances, and implement improvements to inventory control procedures to prevent future discrepancies.

• Month-End Close & Reporting: Perform and coordinate month-end and quarter-end close activities related to inventory and cost of goods sold. This includes preparing and posting journal entries (e.g. COGS adjustments, inventory write-downs, accruals), reconciling inventory and WIP accounts, and delivering detailed cost variance analysis and inventory valuation reports for management review.

• Inventory Reserves & Cost Analysis: Manage the evaluation of excess, slow-moving, or obsolete inventory and recommend appropriate reserve levels or write-offs. Prepare quarterly inventory reserve analyses and provide insights into inventory turns and gross margin impacts. Analyze manufacturing cost reports and gross margin data to support decision-making and identify opportunities for cost improvement.

• Budgeting & Forecasting Support: Support the annual budgeting and forecasting processes by providing accurate cost of goods sold and inventory-related inputs. Develop cost estimates for new products or engineering changes and contribute to financial models for production cost planning. Conduct variance analysis comparing actual results to budget/forecast to explain cost drivers and trends.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to ensure Bill of Materials (BOM) accuracy and proper tracking of production costs. Provide financial insights on production efficiency, yield, and inventory usage, and partner with these teams to drive cost reduction and process improvements.

• Process Improvement & Systems: Drive continuous improvement in cost accounting and inventory management processes as the company scales. Identify and implement best practices and enhancements in NetSuite (or related systems) for automating cost tracking, reporting, and analysis, while strengthening internal controls and operational efficiency.

• Audit Support & Compliance: Serve as the point person for cost accounting and inventory during audits. Prepare required audit schedules and documentation for inventory, COGS, and variance analyses, and ensure all accounting procedures in your area comply with US GAAP and company policies. Assist auditors (external and internal) by providing explanations and supporting data for inventory valuations, journal entries, and cost accounting processes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in accounting, Finance, or related field. CA / CPA certification preferred.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in accounting and finance roles, with a focus on US GAAP standards.

• Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP accounting principles and regulations and their application to financial reporting.

• Experience leading and managing client engagements, including project planning, execution, and delivery.

• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to effectively identify and address accounting issues and challenges.

Education & Experience:

• Academic Background: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required. An advanced degree or professional certification such as CPA is preferred (active CPA preferred).

• Industry Experience: 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years focused on cost accounting in a manufacturing environment. Experience in the semiconductor, electronics, or high-tech manufacturing industry is strongly preferred.

• Technical Skills: Deep knowledge of inventory accounting principles and cost accounting methods (including standard costing and average costing techniques). Demonstrated expertise in cost variance analysis, inventory reconciliation, inventory revaluation, and manufacturing cost reporting.

• ERP Systems: Hands-on experience with ERP systems in a manufacturing context is required; NetSuite ERP experience is a must for this role. The ability to leverage ERP tools for cost accounting, inventory tracking, and reporting is essential.

• GAAP & Compliance: Familiarity with U.S. GAAP and accounting standards related to inventory valuation and revenue/cost of goods sold recognition. Experience ensuring compliance with financial policies and supporting audits is important (audit support experience is a plus).

• Financial Close & Reporting: Solid experience managing monthly/quarterly close processes for inventory and COGS, including preparing journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statement support schedules. Ability to produce accurate financial reports and analysis under tight deadlines.

• Analytical Tools: Advanced MS Excel skills (pivot tables, v-lookups, complex formulas) and experience analyzing large data sets. Experience with financial modeling or business intelligence tools is beneficial.

• Startup/Growth Environment: Prior experience in a fast-paced, high-growth company or startup environment is highly desirable. Must be comfortable adapting to evolving processes and taking initiative to build structure in a scaling organization.

• On-Site Availability: Must be willing and able to work full-time on-site in Santa Clara, CA, to engage directly with the operations and finance team (this is not a remote or hybrid role).

Attributes:

• Detail-Oriented: High level of attention to detail and accuracy when dealing with financial data, inventory records, and reports – ensuring nothing falls through the cracks

• Analytical & Insightful: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of interpreting complex cost data and manufacturing metrics to derive actionable insights and drive data-informed decisions

• Excellent Communicator: Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to convey financial information to non-financial stakeholders in operations or engineering. Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and explain cost drivers or issues in an understandable manner

• Team Player with Initiative: Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Proactive and self-motivated, able to take ownership of projects and drive them to completion. Adaptable in approach and willing to “roll up your sleeves” to support colleagues in a fast-paced environment

• Time Management: Excellent organizational and time management abilities, able to juggle multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines, especially during month-end closes or audits.

• Integrity & Accountability: High ethical standards with a strong sense of integrity. Takes accountability for one’s work and responsibilities, ensuring confidentiality of financial information and compliance with company policies.

• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Enthusiastic about streamlining processes and improving efficiency. Always looking for ways to enhance accuracy, reduce manual work, and implement best practices in accounting operations.