Manufacturing Cost Controller III

Who we are:  

We're transforming one of the world’s oldest industries with cutting-edge technology and an innovative approach. Backed by top-tier investors and recognized by Time as one of the "best Inventions of 2024" and Fast Company as one of 2024's "Next Big Things in Tech", Electra is scaling rapidly, and we're looking for bold, driven individuals to help us reshape the future of iron production. If you're ready to make a real impact in a company that's redefining heavy industry for a cleaner, smarter world, we want to hear from you.

What you will do:  

The Manufacturing Cost Controller is a key member of the accounting team, responsible for building and maintaining cost accounting processes, systems, and controls to ensure accurate costing and reporting across manufacturing operations. This role supports both day-to-day activities and future growth by providing visibility into manufacturing costs, inventory, and labor. 

You will own core cost accounting functions, including month-end close support, inventory journal entries and reconciliations, and management reporting. Partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain, you will drive cost accuracy, identify efficiencies, and deliver insights that inform product profitability and business decisions. 

This role owns inventory accounting and internal controls, enhances data integrity, and improves systems and workflows to support effective cost management. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth manufacturing environment and is motivated to build and refine scalable processes.

Responsibilities include:

• Cost Accounting System Development: Establish and maintain robust cost accounting systems to track raw materials, labor, and overhead costs in accordance with GAAP inventory methods. Serve as the accounting liaison for NetSuite enhancements, testing, and system changes impacting inventory 
• Inventory & WIP Management: Monitor work-in-process (WIP) and inventory levels. Support monthly/quarterly physical inventory counts and reconcile discrepancies 
• Variance Analysis: Analyze manufacturing variances (material, labor, overhead, and purchase price) and communicate findings to Finance and Operations management to drive process improvements  
• Month-End Close: Lead month-end close activities, including preparing journal entries and reconciling inventory sub-ledgers to the general ledger 
• Profitability & Margin Analysis: Prepare monthly gross margin reports by product, customer, and production job to assist in pricing strategies 
• Process Improvement: Partner with FP&A, Operations, and Supply Chain to assess cost changes and downstream financial impact. Identify opportunities to reduce costs and increase efficiency in production and purchasing 
• Controls, Risk & Audit:  
  • Own inventory-related internal controls, including documentation, testing, and periodic self-assessment 
  • Serve as a key accounting contact for financial and inventory-related audits; support audit requests and resolution of findings 
  • Ensure compliance with GAAP and company inventory accounting policies 
  • Develop, document, and maintain inventory accounting policies and procedures 
  • Assist with monitoring the cycle count program, execute the year-end physical inventory, and report results. You will be responsible for reconciling raw material and finished goods inventories 
• System Implementation: Assist in ERP/software implementation or optimization to ensure accurate costing data 

What we need you to bring to the team:   

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field 
• 5+ years of progressive experience in inventory or cost accounting, including direct ownership of inventory valuation, reconciliations, and reporting (not including internship, co-ops, or other school projects) 
• Strong knowledge of inventory costing and valuation methods within manufacturing environments (e.g., Weighted Average Cost, Standard Cost, FIFO)  
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including working with large datasets, pivot tables, and lookup functions  
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems (preferably NetSuite), including inventory workflows, reconciliations, and reporting  
• Proven ability to perform variance analysis, identify root causes, and resolve discrepancies proactively  
• Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail, with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities  
• Effective communication skills with the ability to partner cross-functionally and translate complex data into actionable insights