Inventory Cost Accountant

Job Description

Position Summary
The Inventory Cost Accountant is responsible for overseeing all aspects of inventory valuation, cost accounting, and related financial reporting for the company’s commercial, construction, and mining tire operations. This role ensures accurate tracking of inventory across multiple branches and warehouses, implements standardized cost accounting policies, and supports strategic decision-making through detailed analysis of product costs, margins, and operational efficiencies.
The position will play a key role in developing and implementing inventory control policies, establishing cost standards, and ensuring compliance with accounting principles and internal controls. Key Responsibilities
Inventory Accounting & Cost Control

• Maintain and reconcile inventory sub-ledgers with the general ledger across all branches and warehouses.
• Analyze inventory transactions for accuracy, including purchases, transfers, write-offs, and returns.
• Perform monthly and quarterly inventory valuations and cost roll-ups.
• Monitor and report on inventory variances, shrinkage, and obsolescence.
• Develop and maintain standard costs for commercial, construction, and mining tires, including materials, labor, and overhead.
• Partner with operations and procurement to ensure accurate costing of inbound shipments, freight, and vendor invoices.

Policy Development & Implementation

• Design, document, and implement inventory and cost accounting policies and procedures to ensure consistency across the organization.
• Establish internal controls for inventory movement, adjustments, and reconciliation.
• Implement policies for physical inventory counts, cycle counts, and stock reconciliations.
• Develop processes for accurate job costing and allocation of direct and indirect costs related to tire installation, service, and fleet management operations.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and company financial policies.

Analysis & Reporting

• Prepare and present monthly inventory and cost variance reports to management.
• Analyze cost trends, gross margin performance, and product profitability by division and product line.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes by providing accurate cost and inventory data.
• Provide financial insights to operations and sales teams for pricing and margin management decisions.

Collaboration & Systems

• Work with IT and operations to enhance ERP and inventory management systems for better cost tracking and reporting.
• Train branch and warehouse personnel on new policies, procedures, and systems related to inventory management.
• Collaborate with external auditors during year-end audits to provide inventory and cost accounting documentation.

Qualifications
Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA or CMA preferred).
• 3–5 years of experience in cost accounting or inventory accounting (experience in tire, automotive, or construction supply industries strongly preferred).
• Proven experience implementing inventory policies or cost systems across multiple locations.