Inventory and Cost Accounting Lead
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for skilled accounting professionals in tech is on the rise, with a 25% increase in job postings over the past year. As a leader in AI technology, Openai is seeking an experienced Inventory and Cost Accounting Lead to drive financial growth. With the company's commitment to innovation and employee development, this role offers a unique opportunity for professionals to make a significant impact. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their expertise in manufacturing accounting, cost accounting, and ERP systems, as well as their ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguity-rich environment.
Job Description
About the Role
The Inventory and Cost Accounting Lead will play a critical role in Openai's financial growth, responsible for building and scaling manufacturing accounting and product costing capabilities across consumer hardware and robotics businesses. This role requires strong collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Finance, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Operations, Technical Accounting, Strategic Finance, and Systems teams. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of manufacturing accounting, cost accounting, and ERP systems, particularly Oracle Fusion.As a key member of the Controllership team, the Inventory and Cost Accounting Lead will be responsible for delivering accurate, timely, and decision-grade financial data to support business growth. This role will also involve establishing scalable costing methodologies, inventory valuation processes, manufacturing close procedures, and reporting infrastructure to support rapid growth and product launches.
Openai's commitment to financial integrity and rigorous controls requires a strong accounting professional with a keen eye for detail and a passion for driving process improvements. The company's hybrid work model, offering 3 days in the office per week, provides a unique opportunity for professionals to balance work and personal life.
What You Will Do
- Lead product costing and inventory accounting across consumer hardware and robotics programs
- Partner with Supply Chain, Operations, and Strategic Finance to support BOM accuracy, labor and overhead assumptions, and gross margin analysis
- Develop scalable accounting processes for NPI, prototyping, engineering builds, and mass production
- Own inventory-related accounting policies and controls, including capitalization, overhead allocation, LCNRV/NRV assessments, rebates, freight, tariffs, and inventory controls
- Serve as a finance lead for Oracle Fusion manufacturing costing and inventory implementations, enhancements, and process optimization
- Partner with Systems, IT, and Operations to design scalable finance processes, controls, reporting structures, and operational workflows
- Drive ERP configuration decisions related to standard costing, inventory subledger processes, manufacturing transactions, and cost books
- Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual cost accounting close activities and improve scalable reconciliations, reporting, and management review processes
- Partner with Strategic Finance on margin reporting, inventory analytics, and budget versus actual analysis
- Establish SOX-ready controls, support audits and technical accounting matters, and drive continuous improvement across close and reporting processes
What We Are Looking For
- Deep expertise in manufacturing accounting and cost accounting within consumer hardware or other high-volume manufacturing environments
- Experience with Oracle Fusion, particularly in manufacturing costing and inventory implementations
- Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory subledger processes, manufacturing transactions, and cost books
- Ability to operate between strategic leadership discussions and operational execution
- Strong communication, executive presence, and data-driven recommendations
- Experience with cross-functional leadership and influence
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Ability to thrive in ambiguity and drive process improvements
- Experience with financial close, reporting, and controls
- Strong understanding of SOX-ready controls and auditing procedures
Nice to Have
- Experience with contract manufacturing and supply chain management
- Knowledge of robotics and consumer hardware manufacturing processes
- Experience with NPI, prototyping, engineering builds, and mass production
- Strong understanding of inventory valuation, manufacturing variances, reserves, and close processes
- Experience with ERP configuration and process optimization
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to work with a leading AI technology company
- Hybrid work model with 3 days in the office per week
- Relocation assistance for new employees
- Professional development opportunities
- Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Recognition and reward for outstanding performance
How to Stand Out
- Develop a strong understanding of manufacturing accounting, cost accounting, and ERP systems, particularly Oracle Fusion, to stand out as a candidate.
- Showcase your ability to drive process improvements and establish scalable accounting processes.
- Highlight your experience with cross-functional leadership and influence, as well as your strong communication and executive presence skills.
- Be prepared to provide specific examples of your experience with financial close, reporting, and controls, as well as your knowledge of SOX-ready controls and auditing procedures.
- Research Openai's company culture and values to demonstrate your passion for the company's mission and vision.
- Consider creating a portfolio or case study that showcases your experience and skills in manufacturing accounting and cost accounting.
- Be prepared to negotiate your salary and benefits package, and do not be afraid to ask about opportunities for professional development and growth.
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