Senior Cost Accountant

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.

Base Compensation Range: $88,500 – $110,500
*In addition, you qualify for:

• Annual bonus opportunity of 12% based on company performance 
• Annual equity award of $10,000

Outstanding Benefits and Perks
We are proud to offer a variety of benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees:

• 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

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.

Duties/Responsibilities

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Physical Demands (US Only):

• Sitting: Often for extended periods at desks or meetings.
• Standing or walking: Occasionally for meetings or office tasks. 
• Using computers: Typing and using office equipment. 
• Lifting: Light, less than 10 pounds. 
• Repetitive motions: Frequent use of keyboard and mouse. 

Environmental Conditions:

• Workspace: Climate control (air conditioning or heating) to ensure comfort.
• Lighting: Adjustable lighting to reduce eye strain.
• Noise Levels: The noise level is moderate, with occasional interruptions from phone calls and conversations. Use non-canceling headphones if necessary.
• Ergonomics: Workstations with desk and adjustable chairs to support good postures.
• Ventilation: Good ventilation to ensure a comfortable working environment, though this can vary depending on the building. 

Mesa Labs is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Mesa Labs prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment against applicants or employees based on age, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.  Please note that Mesa Labs conducts criminal background checks upon offer acceptance.