Inventory and Cost Accounting Lead

Company DescriptionDave Wilson Nursery is a leading wholesale provider located in Hickman, California, specializing in high-quality nursery products. Renowned for its commitment to excellence, the company serves a diverse customer base with a wide range of fruit, nut, and shade trees. With deep roots in agriculture, Dave Wilson Nursery has established a strong reputation as a trusted partner in the industry. The company's dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction sets it apart as a leader in the field.Role DescriptionDave Wilson Nursery is seeking a highly capable and detail-oriented professional to lead inventory valuation and cost accounting processes in support of the company’s transition to modern ERP and Inventory Management Systems. This role is responsible for ensuring that DWN’s inventory assets are accurately tracked, valued, and reflected across systems. The Inventory & Cost Accounting Lead will work at the intersection of operations, accounting, and systems to ensure that production activity is translated into reliable financial outcomes.This is a hands-on role focused on execution, reconciliation, and system alignment, with the opportunity to improve how inventory and cost data flows through the business over time.Key ResponsibilitiesInventory Valuation & Cost AccountingOwn inventory valuation across all stages: Work in process (WIP) Finished goods Support and validate: Standard vs. actual costing COGS calculations Variance analysis Partner with Controller to ensure alignment with financial reporting and close Inventory Adjustments & ReconciliationLead inventory adjustment processes, including backlog reduction Investigate and resolve discrepancies between: Physical inventory Agriware (production system) Business Central (financial system) Ensure all adjustments are: Timely Documented Supported by clear rationale ERP System Alignment (Financial Side)Ensure alignment between: Production data (Agriware) Financial data (Business Central) Support transition from dual entry (Great Plains to Business Central) Identify and escalate system gaps impacting inventory accuracy and invoicing Cost Structure & Data IntegritySupport development and maintenance of: Item cost structures Base materials and relationships Labor and material cost allocation Ensure cost structures reflect operational reality and production workflows Reporting & AnalysisDevelop and maintain reporting on: Inventory valuation Cost trends and drivers Variance drivers Provide clear insights to the Director of Business Operations and the Controller on: Risks Inconsistencies Opportunities for improvement Qualifications & Experience5–10+ years of experience in: Inventory, cost accounting, or operational finance OR operations roles with direct exposure to inventory and cost structures Experience working in: Agriculture, nursery, manufacturing, or inventory-based environments are strongly preferred Demonstrated experience with: Inventory valuation and reconciliation Standard vs. actual costing concepts COGS and variance analysis  Technical & Systems ExperienceExperience working with ERP or inventory management systems (e.g., Business Central, NetSuite, SAP, or similar) Strong Excel skills and comfort working with large datasets Experience supporting or participating in ERP implementations preferred Accounting & Financial AcumenWorking knowledge of accounting principles related to: Inventory Cost accounting Financial close processes Ability to work closely with Controllers and finance teams to ensure alignment between operational data and financial reporting