Senior Inventory Cost Accountant

Job Title: Senior Inventory & Cost Accountant

Department: Accounting

Location: Elmira, NY (Onsite)

Shift: First Shift

Employment Type: Full-Time

Exemption Status: Exempt

Company Overview

Forkardt Hardinge is a leading provider of precision manufacturing solutions and tooling systems. We are committed to delivering high-quality products and exceptional service to our customers in the machining and manufacturing industries. Our team is dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Position Overview

The Senior Cost Accountant (Inventory Focus) is responsible for leading inventory accounting, cost analysis, and financial accuracy related to manufacturing operations. This role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate inventory valuation, improving costing processes, and supporting operational decision-making. This position will focus on both day-to-day execution and strategic improvements, including reorganizing inventory processes, improving ERP (JDE) data integrity, and strengthening cost controls across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Accounting & Control

• Own inventory valuation for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods
• Lead inventory reconciliations and resolve discrepancies
• Oversee and improve cycle count and physical inventory processes
• Identify root causes of inventory variances and implement corrective actions

Cost Accounting

• Develop, maintain, and improve standard costing processes
• Analyze material, labor, and overhead variances
• Provide insights to improve margins and cost performance
• Partner with Operations to improve cost accuracy and visibility

ERP (JDE) & Data Integrity

• Serve as the subject matter expert for inventory and costing within JDE
• Ensure accuracy of BOMs, routings, and inventory transactions
• Identify and correct system/data issues impacting financial accuracy
• Support system improvements and process standardization

Process Improvement & System Rebuild

• Evaluate and reorganize inventory and costing processes
• Lead initiatives to improve inventory accuracy and control
• Establish best practices and standardized processes
• Drive improvements in reporting, controls, and operational alignment

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner closely with Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain
• Act as a key advisor on inventory and costing decisions
• Communicate risks, issues, and improvement opportunities clearly

Financial Reporting

• Support month-end close activities related to inventory and cost accounting
• Prepare analysis and reporting for leadership
• Assist with audits and compliance requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• 4-7+ years of experience in cost accounting or manufacturing accounting
• Strong ERP experience required (JDE strongly preferred)
• Experience in a manufacturing environment required
• Experience leading process improvements or system clean-up strongly preferred

Skills & Requirements:

• Strong expertise in cost accounting and inventory control
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and data accuracy
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives
• Strong Excel and data analysis capabilities
• Ability to operate independently and drive improvements

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary $90,000-$115,000
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Short- and long-term disability

Work Environment

This position is on site at our Elmira, NY facility. Forkardt Hardinge is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Veteran/Disability.