Sr. Director, Cost Accounting

The Senior Director, Cost Accounting is a strategic finance leader responsible for the overall vision, performance, and transformation of Calix's cost accounting function. This role provides leadership for inventory accounting, product costing, cost of goods sold (COGS), manufacturing and supply chain accounting, operational forecasting, and financial support of global operations.

Working closely with Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Executive Leadership, the Senior Director will establish scalable processes, strengthen financial controls, improve forecasting accuracy, and develop a world-class cost accounting organization that enables business growth and operational excellence.

This leader will drive continuous improvement across the cost accounting function, ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and SOX requirements, and serve as a trusted business partner to operational leaders in support of strategic decision-making.

This is a remote opportunity based in the US.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Functional Excellence

• Develop and execute the long-term vision and strategy for the Cost Accounting organization.
• Lead the transformation and continuous improvement of cost accounting processes, systems, controls, and reporting capabilities.
• Establish best-in-class inventory, costing, and operational accounting practices that support scale and business growth.
• Partner with executive leadership to align cost accounting strategies with Company objectives.
• Build organizational capability through talent development, succession planning, and leadership coaching.

Cost Accounting & Financial Operations

• Own all aspects of global inventory accounting, product costing, COGS, and supply chain accounting.
• Provide oversight of monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes related to inventory, manufacturing, and operations.
• Ensure accurate accounting for standard costs, purchase price variances, manufacturing variances, excess and obsolete inventory reserves, warranty reserves, and inventory valuation.
• Direct quarterly and annual audit support activities and maintain strong internal controls in compliance with SOX requirements.
• Establish governance and controls over standard costing methodologies and inventory management processes.

Operations Forecasting & Business Partnership

• Lead operational forecasting processes in partnership with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Operations, FP&A, and Finance leadership.
• Develop models and processes to improve forecast accuracy for inventory, manufacturing costs, COGS, and supply chain-related expenses.
• Provide strategic insights regarding product costs, margins, supply chain risks, inventory trends, and operational performance.
• Partner with Operations leadership to evaluate business initiatives, investments, manufacturing decisions, and cost optimization opportunities.
• Deliver financial analysis and recommendations to support executive decision-making and operational strategy.

Process Improvement & Digital Transformation

• Modernize cost accounting processes through automation, system enhancements, and analytics-driven reporting.
• Partner with IT and business systems teams to improve ERP functionality, reporting capabilities, and data quality.
• Implement scalable reporting and analytics that provide greater visibility into inventory, product profitability, manufacturing performance, and operational efficiencies.
• Drive adoption of technology solutions that reduce manual effort and increase organizational effectiveness.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary finance partner for Operations and Supply Chain leadership.
• Influence cross-functional strategies by translating complex financial information into actionable business insights.
• Communicate financial risks, opportunities, and operational performance to executive leadership.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of accounting and finance professionals through subordinate managers and senior individual contributors.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA preferred.
• Minimum 15+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including significant experience in cost accounting within a manufacturing, hardware, or supply chain environment.
• Minimum 7+ years of leadership experience managing managers and accounting teams.
• Public accounting experience is a plus
• <5% travel a year

Technical Expertise

• Deep expertise in:
  • Cost accounting
  • Standard costing methodologies
  • Inventory accounting
  • Manufacturing accounting
  • Supply chain finance
  • Variance analysis
  • Forecasting and financial planning
  • Financial reporting and controls
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and SOX compliance requirements.
• Experience with large ERP platforms, preferably Oracle Cloud.
• Advanced financial modeling and data analytics skills.

Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to develop strategy and provide direction across multiple functional areas.
• Demonstrated success leading complex organizational and process transformation initiatives.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior leaders and drive alignment across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, complex, and rapidly changing business environments.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Track record of building, mentoring, and retaining high-performing teams.

The base pay range for this position varies based on the geographic location. More information about the pay range specific to candidate location and other factors will be shared during the recruitment process. Individual pay is determined based on location of residence and multiple factors, including job-related knowledge, skills and experience.

San Francisco Bay Area:

Select US Metros and States:

Other US Locations:

As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for a bonus. For information on our benefits click here.