Sr. Director, Cost Accounting

Calix

22h•$161,100 - $328,900•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Director, Cost Accounting is a strategic finance leader responsible for the vision, performance, and transformation of Calix’s cost accounting function. The role leads inventory accounting, product costing, cost of goods sold (COGS), manufacturing and supply chain accounting, operational forecasting, and financial support for global operations. Working closely with Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and executive leadership, this leader establishes scalable processes, strengthens financial controls, improves forecasting accuracy, and develops a high-performing cost accounting organization. The role drives continuous improvement, ensures compliance with U.S. GAAP and SOX requirements, and serves as a trusted business partner to operational leaders. This is a remote opportunity based in the United States. Travel is less than 5% per year. Base pay varies by geographic location: $205,900–$328,900 annually in the San Francisco Bay Area; $179,000–$286,000 annually in select U.S. metros and states; and $161,100–$257,400 annually in other U.S. locations. The role may be eligible for a bonus. Individual compensation depends on location and job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
At least 15 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including significant cost accounting experience in manufacturing, hardware, or supply chain environments.
At least 7 years of leadership experience managing managers and accounting teams.
Deep expertise in cost accounting, standard costing methodologies, inventory accounting, manufacturing accounting, supply chain finance, variance analysis, forecasting and financial planning, and financial reporting and controls.
Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and SOX compliance requirements.
Advanced financial modeling and data analytics skills.
Proven ability to develop strategy and provide direction across multiple functional areas.
Demonstrated success leading complex organizational and process transformation initiatives.
Strong executive presence and ability to influence senior leaders and build alignment across stakeholder groups.
Ability to work 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.

Nice To Haves

CPA.
Public accounting experience.
Experience with large ERP platforms, preferably Oracle Cloud.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the long-term vision and strategy for the Cost Accounting organization.
Lead continuous improvement and transformation of cost accounting processes, systems, controls, and reporting capabilities.
Establish inventory, costing, and operational accounting practices that support business scale and growth.
Partner with executive leadership to align cost accounting strategy with company objectives.
Build organizational capability through talent development, succession planning, and leadership coaching.
Own global inventory accounting, product costing, COGS, and supply chain accounting.
Oversee 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 and maintain internal controls in compliance with SOX requirements.
Establish governance and controls for standard costing methodologies and inventory management processes.
Lead operational forecasting with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Operations, FP&A, and Finance leadership.
Develop models and processes to improve forecasts for inventory, manufacturing costs, COGS, and supply chain expenses.
Provide strategic insights on 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.
Modernize cost accounting 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 improve visibility into inventory, product profitability, manufacturing performance, and operational efficiency.
Drive adoption of technology solutions that reduce manual effort and improve organizational effectiveness.
Serve as the primary finance partner for Operations and Supply Chain leadership.
Translate complex financial information into actionable insights and influence cross-functional strategies.
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.