Senior Cost Accountant

Mesa Labs Career•Lakewood, CO

9d•$88,500 - $110,500

About The Position

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference? At Mesa Labs we’re passionate about protecting the vulnerable by enabling scientific breakthroughs, ensuring product integrity, increasing patient and worker safety, and improving quality of life around the world. At Mesa Labs we offer competitive wages, including potential bonus opportunities, equity awards, commission, and a comprehensive benefits package based on the position. This position supports Mesa's Corporate business. At Mesa Labs, we apply technical expertise and technological innovation to improve quality of life for patients, workers, and consumers worldwide. Our products and services directly impact the critical environments that advance medical breakthroughs, keep industry moving, and ensure the safety of products we use every day. Job Summary The Senior Cost Accountant independently leads advanced cost accounting activities, providing in-depth analysis, strategic insights, and recommendations to improve cost efficiency and profitability. This role serves as a key business partner to operations, finance, and leadership, owning complex cost analyses, supporting strategic planning, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and operational functions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Typically 5+ years of experience in cost accounting or manufacturing finance roles.
Advanced proficiency in cost accounting systems, ERP platforms, and Microsoft Excel.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills with a high level of attention to detail.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, inventory management, and cost control methodologies.

Responsibilities

Advanced Cost Analysis and Reporting Lead the analysis of production and operational costs, preparing comprehensive cost reports and dashboards for leadership. Independently monitor, analyze, and explain complex cost variances, trends, and drivers, providing clear and actionable recommendations. Design, enhance, and maintain cost accounting methodologies, models, and systems to ensure accurate and timely cost tracking. Serve as a subject matter expert for cost structures, standard costing, and variance analysis.
Budgeting, Forecasting, and Strategic Planning Lead cost-related components of annual budgets, rolling forecasts, and long-range planning activities. Partner with department leaders to develop assumptions, analyze scenarios, and assess financial impacts of operational changes. Evaluate budget performance and proactively recommend corrective actions or process improvements. Support strategic initiatives through detailed cost modeling and sensitivity analysis.
Inventory and Cost Control Leadership Oversee inventory valuation, standard cost updates, and reserve analyses to ensure accuracy and compliance. Lead physical inventory processes and reconciliation efforts, resolving discrepancies and improving controls. Develop and implement inventory and cost control strategies to reduce waste, optimize stock levels, and improve margins. Provide guidance on inventory-related accounting decisions and best practices.
Cost Optimization and Continuous Improvement Identify, evaluate, and lead cross-functional cost reduction and efficiency initiatives. Conduct detailed cost-benefit and ROI analyses for capital investments, process changes, and new product introductions. Collaborate with operations, supply chain, and engineering teams to embed cost discipline into decision-making. Drive continuous improvement in cost accounting processes, tools, and reporting.
Compliance, Audit, and Governance Ensure adherence to accounting standards, internal controls, and company policies related to cost accounting and inventory. Lead preparation for internal and external audits, serving as a primary point of contact for cost-related inquiries. Review audit findings and partner with stakeholders to implement corrective actions as needed.
Cross-Functional Leadership and Mentorship Act as a trusted advisor to finance and operational leaders by translating complex cost data into business insights. Lead or participate in cross-functional projects focused on operational efficiency and financial performance. Provide training, guidance, and informal mentorship to junior accounting staff on cost accounting principles and practices.

Benefits

Eligible for benefits the first day of the month after you start
Tiered Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance options, Health savings (HSA), healthcare & dependent care flexible spending (FSA) accounts
Company paid short term and long-term disability (unless covered by a state disability plan)
Company paid life insurance and AD&D
Flexible Time Off Policy
Paid sick leave of 48 hours per calendar year
Eligible employees may receive four (4) weeks paid Care Giver leave after 1 year of service or in accordance with state leave laws
401(k) plan that provides a 4% Safe Harbor company match on a 4% employee contribution that begins on Day 1
Employee Wellness and Financial Assistance Resources through Cigna and NY Life
Nine (9) paid company holidays per year