Inventory Accountant

Robert Half · Charlotte metro, United States

We are seeking a detail-oriented Accountant with experience in inventory accounting, cost analysis, and month-end close support. This role will be heavily focused on maintaining accurate inventory records, analyzing inventory-related variances, supporting cost accounting activities, and ensuring compliance with accounting policies and internal controls. The ideal candidate combines solid general accounting skills with hands-on experience in inventory transactions, reconciliations, and operational analysis in a manufacturing, distribution, or product-based environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and reconcile inventory subledger activity to the general ledger.
• Prepare journal entries related to inventory, cost of goods sold, reserves, accruals, and related balance sheet accounts.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and year-end inventory close activities.
• Analyze inventory balances, transactions, and trends to identify discrepancies, slow-moving inventory, excess and obsolete stock, and other risks.
• Monitor and investigate inventory variances, including purchase price variances, usage variances, cycle count results, and production-related discrepancies.
• Partner with operations, supply chain, warehouse, and procurement teams to ensure accurate inventory reporting and transaction processing.
• Support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs, including reconciliations and root-cause analysis of count differences.
• Review inventory costing, standard cost updates, and valuation processes for accuracy and consistency.
• Prepare account reconciliations, schedules, and supporting documentation for internal and external audits.
• Help strengthen inventory accounting processes, reporting, and internal controls.
• Develop recurring and ad hoc inventory reports, KPIs, and analyses for management.
• Assist in and oversight of the PO receipts activities including reviewing and overseeing reconciliation of PO receipt variances at month end.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 2+ years of accounting experience, with significant exposure to inventory accounting, cost accounting, or related analysis.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and core accounting principles.
• Experience working in a manufacturing, distribution, consumer products, retail, or other inventory-intensive environment preferred.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and inventory modules.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.