Senior Cost Accountant

AboutVector Laboratories’ mission is to empower scientific advancement through a culture of service, reliable products, and unmatched technical expertise, allowing scientists and organizations to move science forward with impact. A day in the life of every Vector Labs employee provides the opportunity to work collaboratively, build trusting relationships, and experience how diverse perspectives and approaches lead to success. We are a culture where a growth mindset is valued and leveraged, and our employees care about the work we do, how we do it, and ultimately, the impact we create. With more than 50 years of history, Vector Laboratories’ unparalleled reputation in protein labeling, and detection and conjugating are well-earned. With our latest acquisitions, we have significantly expanded our portfolio to serve the biopharma industry, along with continuing to serve academia, life science tools, and diagnostics to provide solutions to the life science industry. We are looking to take Vector Laboratories to new heights and hope you’ll consider joining our team!Position OverviewWe are seeking a Senior Cost Accountant with deep expertise in cost accounting and business intelligence to serve as a key individual contributor within our multi-site manufacturing organization. This role is ideal for a hands-on accounting professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about driving cost excellence, operational insight, and financial accuracy across the enterprise.The Senior Cost Accountant will be responsible for the full lifecycle of cost accounting from standard cost development and ERP maintenance to variance analysis, inventory management, and financial reporting. This position works closely with operations, FP&A, and senior leadership and reports directly to the Director of Accounting and Finance.Key ResponsibilitiesCost AccountingDevelop, implement, and maintain cost accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls across multiple manufacturing locations.Own accurate and timely recording of inventory balances, cost transactions, and cost allocations; set and periodically review labor and overhead ratesMonitor and analyze cost variances, investigate discrepancies, and partner directly with operations to implement corrective actionsMaintain and update standard cost data in NetSuite, including raw material updates and cost rollups for subassemblies and finished goods to support new product launches and ongoing manufacturing improvementsPrepare and present cost reports, forecasts, and budget variance analysis to senior managementEnsure proper accounting for intercompany inventory sales and movementsCollaborate with senior leadership on the annual budgeting and forecasting processIdentify cost reduction opportunities and champion cost optimization initiatives across the organizationEnsure compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirementsFinancial Analysis & ReportingSupport month-end and year-end close processes with accurate, timely journal entries and reconciliationsConduct in-depth analysis of expense and cost data to identify trends, patterns, and areas of improvementProvide actionable insights and recommendations based on cost analysis to support strategic decision-makingContribute to the development and evaluation of business cases for new projects, products, or servicesIdentify, develop, and implement strategic KPIs and operational metrics to enhance business performanceQualificationsEducation: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; CPA or CMA designation a plusExperience: Minimum 5–7 years of progressive cost accounting experience; manufacturing or production environment experience strongly preferred; public accounting background a plusTechnical Skills: Proficiency in cost accounting within ERP systems; advanced experience with NetSuite, Tableau, and Excel for financial analysis and modelingKnowledge: Strong command of GAAP and cost accounting standardsIndustry Knowledge: Familiarity with industry-specific cost accounting practices and compliance matters in a manufacturing contextProblem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions with urgencySystems Integration: Proven ability to standardize cost accounting processes and systems across multiple manufacturing sites, including newly acquired businessesAI Fluency: Demonstrated experience applying AI tools to accounting workflows, including reporting, analysis, and process automation.Competencies for SuccessCost Accounting Expertise: Deep knowledge of cost accounting principles, techniques, and best practices, including cost allocation methods, standard costing, and variance analysisCommunication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to present financial information clearly to stakeholders at all levelsAnalytical Thinking: Strong ability to interpret complex financial data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable recommendationsAttention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in maintaining accounting records, reconciliations, and reportsAdaptability: Comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic, acquisition-driven environmentFinancial Acumen: Solid command of financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysisThe anticipated salary range for this position is $87,000- $120,000 per year. The salary offer will depend on multiple factors which may include the successful candidate's skills, experience, and other qualifications. We offer flexibility on location, this role can be based at any of our sites in Newark, CA, Scottsdale, AZ, or Plain City, OH, with remote available for the right candidate.