Manager, Inventory & Cost Accounting

Company Overview: MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is rebuilding American industrial capability for a new era of autonomy, robotics, and electrification. We are the only U.S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain—from mining and refining to advanced metal and magnet manufacturing. Our products include both the critical materials used to make permanent magnets and the finished magnets themselves—enabling next-generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems. These materials are the foundation of physical AI—the convergence of computation, movement, and control. We hire ambitious, mission-driven people who want to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of strategic industries. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, resiliency, and integrity, with a deep commitment to operational excellence and national purpose. MP is rapidly evolving from a materials producer into a leading U.S. manufacturer—and our people are driving that transformation. Position Overview: The Manager, Inventory & Cost Accounting, is a member of the Company’s corporate operational accounting team and supports cost accounting, inventory valuation, and production reporting processes, with a primary focus on the Company’s Texas magnetics facility and related magnetics costing operations. This role partners with facility operations and corporate accounting, costing, and finance teams to support consistent application of policies, procedures, controls, and reporting standards. The Manager, Inventory & Cost Accounting, will work closely with the corporate accounting team, primarily the operational accounting team, operations, IT, the Plant Controller, and FP&A to support production reporting, standard costing, variance analysis, month-end close, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role will also help develop, implement, and maintain systems, procedures, and policies for inventory and costing as the Company expands its manufacturing operations. Specific focus and attention will be on the Texas magnetics facility’s control environment, including the identification, capture, review and analysis of material and labor costs. The role currently has no direct reports but may support future organization growth at the magnetics facility as operations expand. Position Responsibilities: Review daily and weekly cost of sales and production reports to ensure completeness and accuracy within SAP. Review and update cost standards for material and labor price changes. Review inventory accounts and inventory activity rollforwards. Evaluate monthly activity rates and standard costing calculations to verify the accuracy of month-end close reporting. Monitor variance accounts for accuracy, research discrepancies from standards, and determine required changes including purchase price variances and other cost-related variances. Review and approve magnetics-related monthly journal entries prepared by Cost and Inventory Accountants in the corporate office. Complete monthly analysis of under- and over-absorption by department compared to established standards. Complete quarterly reviews and analyses of actual costs and activity rates to determine whether updated standard cost rates are needed. Support inventory valuation processes and help ensure inventory is valued accurately and consistently in accordance with Company policies and U.S. GAAP. Identify opportunities to improve internal processes in a controlled Sarbanes-Oxley environment. Recommend and maintain appropriate internal controls and financial procedures to support SOX compliance. Maintain Company compliance and reporting standards. Support external and internal audits by preparing required documentation and analysis. Implement new costing functionality within SAP for expanding manufacturing departments and future operations. Work closely with IT and Operations to create efficiencies in reporting production data into SAP. Assist with the setup and implementation of additional departments and companies in SAP as they relate to production, new products, and customers. Support Company initiatives through design, development and reporting requests. Assist FP&A with monthly analysis of cost of goods sold compared to forecast. Continue to improve accuracy and efficiency across growing production and manufacturing processes. Partner closely with the Corporate Inventory & Cost Accounting function, operations, IT the Plant Controller, FP&A, and other key stakeholders to support accurate inventory valuation, production reporting, and effective process execution for the Texas magnetics facility. Assist the Corporate Inventory & Cost Accounting Manager with mentoring the corporate team of Inventory and Cost Accountants. Other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. 5+ years of progressive experience in inventory and cost accounting, preferably in a manufacturing or distribution environment. Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of cost accounting, standard costing, variance analysis, inventory control, and general accounting practices. Strong knowledge of SAP ERP, particularly FI/CO, MM, and PP modules. Experience working in a SOX-controlled environment. Strong attention to detail, with excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and applicable accounting and finance systems, including Excel and financial reporting tools. Ability to occasionally walk extended distances, up to approximately one mile, within warehouse and production environments. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds while performing inventory activities and collaborating with operations. Desired Qualities: MBA, CPA, or CMA preferred. Strong leadership, people management, communication, and influencing skills. Ability to manage, collaborate with, and influence key stakeholders. Working knowledge of optimization techniques and process improvement initiatives. Ability to connect business strategy to day-to-day operations and delivery. Proven ability to drive results and accountability for business needs. Verifiable record of career stability and successful project management. Demonstrated decisiveness in resolving business problems, making decision, and identifying priorities. Proactive and results-driven, with a continuous improvement mindset. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position’s requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation. Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire. For Assistance with Application - Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at 702-844-6111; dial 7 when prompted for HR; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.