Sr. Accounting Manager or Assistant Controller

Location: Santa Ana, CA (Onsite)
Compensation: Up to $130,000 DOE

Summary:

The Senior Accounting Manager oversees daily accounting operations to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting. This role will manage general ledger activities, month-end

close, cost accounting functions, inventory reconciliation, and support internal/external audits. The individual serves as a key partner to operations, supply chain, and leadership—helping drive financial discipline across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and perform month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities.
• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and variance analysis.
• Maintain accuracy and integrity of the general ledger.
• Produce timely financial statements and internal reports for leadership.
• Oversee and analyze cost accounting, including standard costs, overhead absorption, cost of goods sold (COGS), bill of materials (BOM), and production variances.
• Partner with Operations, Production, and Supply Chain to ensure accurate costing and support decision-making.
• Conduct regular inventory analysis and reconcile cycle counts and physical inventories.
• Monitor SKU profitability, freight, waste, labor efficiency, and production KPIs as requested.
• Support payroll review and payroll GL reconciliation (if applicable).
• Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, and audit requirements.
• Maintain and enhance internal control procedures to safeguard company assets.
• Prepare supporting schedules and documentation for audits (financial, lender, tax, and compliance).
• Support policy and procedure development for the Finance team.
• Supervise and mentor accounting staff; provide training, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to strengthen communication between Finance and other departments.
• Support ERP/WMS integrations, system enhancements, and process automation.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflow, reduce errors, and improve reporting reliability.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA, MBA or CMA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience; manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with standard costing, inventory accounting, and financial reporting in a production environment.
• Experience with ERP systems and migrations (Sage, Navision, MS Dynamics, etc.)

Leadership Attributes: We are seeking a strong people leader who embodies the following values and leadership traits:

High Emotional Intelligence (EI): Approaches challenges and feedback with self-awareness, empathy, and professionalism.

Team Builder: Creates a positive and inclusive team environment that fosters collaboration and respect.

Treats Everyone Equally: Holds all team members to the same standard with fairness and consistency.

Direct & Positive Communicator: Communicates expectations clearly and constructively.

Strategic Thinker: Anticipates long-term needs and aligns sanitation goals with plant priorities.

Caring Leader: Values team well-being and builds trust through genuine support.

Sets Clear Expectations: Defines goals, roles, and responsibilities to ensure accountability.

Holds Self and Others Accountable: Leads by example and follows through on commitments.

Agent of Change: Embraces innovation and drives improvements in sanitation practices and culture.