Senior Cost Accountant

At Ouster, we build sensors and tools for engineers, roboticists, and researchers, so they can make the world safer and more efficient. We've transformed LIDAR from an analog device with thousands of components to an elegant digital device powered by one chip-scale laser array and one CMOS sensor. The result is a full range of high-resolution LIDAR sensors that deliver superior imaging at a dramatically lower price. Our advanced sensor hardware and vision algorithms are used in autonomous cars, drones and many other applications. If you’re motivated by solving big problems, we’re hiring key roles across the company and need your help!

We are looking for an experienced Senior Cost Accountant to provide a foundation of cost accounting execution to ensure accurate and auditable accounting for Inventory and variances.  In addition, this role will support the Operations team to ensure inventory control integrity and providing inputs to the rest of Finance and the Business on cost accounting transactions. They will also provide input to make our accounting and business processes more efficient. Our candidate should hold a bachelor's degree in accounting (a CPA license or relevant Professional Qualification is preferred). 

Several years of cost-estimating experience (standard setting or forecasting), as well as knowledge of accounting software, especially invoicing and month-end close tools is required.

Responsibilities
A key member of the accounting and finance team who will be responsible for all cost accounting-related functions.

Key Activities include:

• Driving the standard cost setting process in the ERP system - updating standard costs on a quarterly or semi-annual basis and as required by policy, which includes the review and analysis of material, direct & indirect labor, subcontractor cost, and other overhead costs incurred in the operating department.
• Running the inventory accounting process and cost set up in the accounting system
  • Inventory Control – 
    • Collaborating with Operations to run cycle counting and physical inventory counts and monitoring variances 
    • Reviewing Operations control process to track and highlight any issues, working with Operations
  • Inventory transaction accounting –
    • Monitoring accounting (ERP) system transactions and ensuring system set up to account for inventory correctly and enable reporting
    • Process Accounting entries related to inventory Movements including Intercompany material movement 
    • Ensuring integrity of the accounting relating to Inventory transactions reconciling Inventory and Accrual balances related to Inventory
  •  Other Cost of Goods Sold / Variance Accounting
    • Responsible for COGS Reserve calculations, such as
      • Excess and Obsolete (“E&O”)
      • Warranty
    • Responsible for tracking variances, including
      • Purchase Price Variance
      • Work order variance
• Perform month-end / Quarter / Year end close activities including 
  • the preparation and review of inventory module close, journal entries, account reconciliation, and analysis of results along with required documentation and back up to satisfy External and Internal auditing
  • Coordinate with both external and internal auditors to complete financial audits and quarterly reviews
  • Support the Controller in managerial reporting and SEC filings and other ad hoc projects as needed
• Process Improvement
  • Maintain and improve cost accounting processes. Provide input and recommendations for streamline processes and update the cost accounting policies and procedures
  • Draft or update accounting process and technical memos related to cost accounting (e.g., E&O reserve, standard cost revision, warranty reserve).
• Analysis
  • Provide detailed analysis of financial data, key performance Indicators for manufacture overall performance.
  • Contribute to the annual and mid-year financial planning processes.
  • Perform ad hoc analysis to anticipate trends, explain actual vs. prior period vs. forecast results from operations.
• Collaborate with purchasing and fulfillment team on operational issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance (CPA or other professional certification (e.g., Cost Management certification) is preferred)
• 5+ years of experience with progressive cost accounting roles, preferably in a public company or auditing/accounting firm
• Possess a solid understanding of workflows and systems 
• Experience with an ERP system such as NetSuite or Oracle (Netsuite is preferred)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook) with advanced Excel skills and creative ability to use them
• Ability to work independently, coordinating priorities to meet deadlines. Must have the ability to set own pace and prioritize multiple projects and deadlines and adapt to changing work priorities
• Strong work ethic, capacity to get projects complete independently, and consistent performance with a sense of urgency and commitment
• Proactive and creative approach to problem-solving
• Demonstrate ability to work well with accounting and finance team globally
• Communicate effectively with management and business partners 
• Strong fluency in English; ability to effectively interact, verbally and in writing

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• MBA or CPA (or other Professional Qualification) is preferred