Cost Accountant

About Quantum Design

For more than 40 years Quantum Design (QD) has been providing technology solutions to researchers in the fields of physics, chemistry, biotechnology, materials science, and nanotechnology. Established in 1982, Quantum Design is the leading commercial source for automated materials characterization systems offering a variety of measurement capabilities. QD instruments are found in the world's leading research institutions and have become the reference standard for a variety of magnetic and physical property measurements.

Job Description:

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Global Controller, the Cost Accountant will serve as a key contributor to our manufacturing cost accounting function and act as an internal subject matter expert for product and inventory costing. This role is responsible for analyzing manufacturing costs, maintaining standard costing systems, supporting monthly and annual close activities, and delivering insights that inform pricing, profitability, and operational decision-making.

This role is responsible for analyzing manufacturing costs, maintaining standard costing systems, supporting monthly and annual financial close activities, and delivering cost insights that inform pricing, profitability, and operational decision-making across the organization. You will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Procurement, and Finance to translate complex cost data into actionable business recommendations. This role will play a critical part in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of product costing, inventory valuation, and manufacturing-related financial reporting.

This is a highly hands-on position requiring both technical accounting expertise and a process improvement mindset. We are looking for a professional who is comfortable working directly within the ERP system, investigating cost and inventory variances, reconciling cost-to-general ledger activity, documenting procedures, and strengthening internal controls. The ideal candidate will drive continuous improvement in costing processes, strengthen internal controls, and support the ongoing evolution of a scalable and efficient cost accounting environment.

Responsibilities

Cost Accounting and Analysis

• Analyze and monitor manufacturing costs, including materials, labor and overhead.

• Develop and maintain standard costing systems and update standard costs as needed.

• Prepare cost variance analysis and report findings to management.

• Analyze product profitability and provide recommendations for cost reduction.

Month-End Close and Inventory

• Assist in month-end and year-end closing processes related to inventory and cost of goods sold.

• Reconcile inventory accounts and investigate discrepancies.

• Assist with physical inventory counts and cycle counting procedures.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Reporting

• Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes.

• Prepare cost reports and analysis for management review.

Cross-Functional Partnership and Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with operations, engineering and procurement teams to identify cost-saving opportunities.

• Identify opportunities to automate manual costing processes and reporting.

• Support operations teams with cost reporting and analysis to inform production planning, performance monitoring and operational decision-making.

Controls, Audit and Compliance

• Support external audits related to inventory and cost accounting.

• Ensure compliance with GAAP and company policies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related field

• Five years of cost accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment

• Strong knowledge of standard costing, inventory valuation, variance analysis, and cost accounting principles

• Demonstrated experience with ERP systems and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel

• Experience supporting month-end close, inventory reconciliations, and cost analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA, CMA, or CGMA designation

• Experience with Infor ERP

• Background in scientific instruments, electronics, or high-tech manufacturing

• Experience supporting multi-entity or multi-site manufacturing operations

• Experience implementing or optimizing ERP costing modules

• Proven success partnering with Operations and Engineering on cost-reduction initiatives

Additional Information 

• This position’s work mode is 100% onsite. The employee will report to our facility in San Diego, CA five days a week

• Salary Range: $93,000 - $123,000

• Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills is critical

• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills imperative

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment vital

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments is essential

Quantum Design is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions, policies and practices are in accordance with applicable federal, state and local anti-discrimination laws. Quantum Design will not tolerate or engage in unlawful discrimination including any form of unlawful harassment, on account of a person's sex, age, race, color, religion, creed, sexual preference or orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, veteran status, handicap, disability, or membership in any protected group.