Lead Accountant- Inventory and Operations
Auburn, MA, US, 01501
Job Purpose
We are seeking a Senior Accountant as the primary finance and accounting partner for our North American warehouses. This role provides end-to-end ownership of inventory and operations accounting and serves as the key financial liaison between distribution center leadership and the broader finance organization.
This is a high-autonomy position designed for a self-driven, ownership-oriented accountant who can operate independently, apply judgment, and partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and Warehouse Leadership—in an environment with no on-site finance supervision. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting skills with a hands-on operational mindset and the ability to clearly explain financial results to non-finance stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Inventory Accounting
- Own all inventory-related accounting for the warehouse, ensuring accurate valuation, completeness, and proper GAAP treatment.
- Review and analyze inventory transactions.
- Maintain and assess inventory reserves (excess, obsolete, slow-moving, damaged).
- Ensure inventory cut-off accuracy and completeness during month-end close.
- Partner with Operations to investigate inventory discrepancies, identify root causes, and drive corrective actions.
- Support and participate in physical inventory and cycle counts, including variance analysis and control improvements.
- Proactively identify inventory-related risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
General Accounting & Close
- Prepare, review, and post journal entries in accordance with company policies and GAAP.
- Own and reconcile assigned balance sheet accounts; investigate and resolve reconciling items timely.
- Lead inventory-related activities within the monthly close process, meeting deadlines with minimal oversight.
- Analyze and explain period-over-period variances to Finance leadership and Operations stakeholders.
- Prepare audit-ready documentation to support internal and external audits.
Business Partnership & Site Support
- Act as the primary finance contact for warehouse leadership and operations teams.
- Provide financial insight and guidance to support operational decisions.
- Translate accounting/financial concepts into clear, actionable insights for non-finance partners.
- Build strong relationships across Operations, Supply Chain, Logistics, and Corporate Finance.
- Improve financial discipline and awareness at the site through partnership and influence.
Controls, Process Improvement & Ownership
- Assess and strengthen inventory controls and accounting processes.
- Identify process inefficiencies and lead improvements to enhance accuracy, controls, and scalability.
- Take full ownership of assigned processes and outcomes from identification through resolution.
- Serve as a trusted, dependable financial presence at the site, operating independently with sound judgment.
Additional COGS Responsibilities
- Own and analyze non-inventory COGS.
- Prepare and review COGS accruals and estimates, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and GAAP compliance.
- Analyze and explain purchase price variances (price, volume, and timing drivers).
- Ensure appropriate accounting treatment of tariffs and duties in COGS and product cost.
- Support the establishment and ongoing assessment of warranty and returns reserves, including assumption validation.
- Provide audit-ready support and clear explanations for COGS estimates, reserves, and variances.
Minimum Knowledge, Education, and Skill Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field
- 8+ years of relevant accounting experience with significant inventory exposure
- Strong understanding of GAAP, particularly inventory and COGS
- Experience owning balance sheet accounts end-to-end
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis)
- Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced, operational environment
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in distribution, manufacturing, logistics, or warehouse-intensive environments
- Prior experience as the primary/sole accounting or finance resource at a site
- ERP experience (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)
- Experience supporting physical inventories and audits
- CPA or progress toward certification
Work Model: Hybrid – 3 days per week in office
#LI-KY1
KARL STORZ is committed to maintaining a safe work environment for our employees and customers. Most field-based roles at KARL STORZ require hospital credentialing/health screens as a condition of employment. Credentialing can include required vaccinations, health screens & other requirements as outlined by our customers. During the interview process, we encourage you to ask how credentialing/health screens may impact the role you are seeking and if you require any reasonable accommodations regarding these requirements.
The pay range and/or hourly pay rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job posting and may be modified in the future. When determining a specific team member’s base salary and/or hourly pay rate, several factors will be considered including such things as location, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, professional credentials, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the role.
KARL STORZ is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills and unique experiences. To achieve this goal, we are committed to diverse voices, and all applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. KARL STORZ is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations during our recruitment process. Should you need assistance or accommodation please email us at taoperations@karlstorz.com.
Nearest Major Market: Worcester