Sr. Manager, Cost Accounting

Bloom Energy is the leading force in transforming the way energy is generated and delivered.  We are driving toward the parallel goals of growing a dynamic and forward-thinking company while creating a positive impact on our environment. Our company is filled with smart and innovative thinkers and doers, and we never stop striving to improve our technology, to expand and improve our company performance, and to develop and support the many talented employees that serve our mission. 

We are looking for a Senior Manager, Cost Accounting to join our team in one of today’s most exciting technologies. This role will report to Director, Cost Accounting and will be based in San Jose, California.

The Senior Manager, Cost Accounting will be responsible for leading key aspects of the Company’s cost accounting and inventory accounting functions, including the integrity, accuracy, and timely completion of inventory valuation, standard costing, manufacturing variance analysis, cost of revenue, excess and obsolete inventory reserves, and related close and reporting deliverables. This leader will oversee technical accounting analysis and documentation for complex manufacturing, inventory, and supply chain matters, and will serve as a key advisor to finance leadership and business partners. The Senior Manager will manage the monthly and quarterly cost accounting close process, support the quarterly review and annual audit process for cost and inventory-related areas, and drive alignment across cross-functional teams. This role requires strong cost accounting expertise and extensive U.S. GAAP experience, including inventory accounting, standard costing, manufacturing variances, lower of cost or net realizable value assessments, excess and obsolete inventory reserves, warranty and accrual considerations, cost capitalization, and other complex operational accounting matters.

Role and Responsibilities

• Lead key aspects of the Company’s cost accounting and inventory accounting functions, including standard costing, manufacturing variance analysis, inventory valuation, cost of revenue, and related close and reporting processes
• Own the monthly and quarterly cost accounting close process, including journal entries, account reconciliations, inventory roll forwards, purchase price variance analysis, work order analysis, reserves, and related management reporting
• Drive the quarterly cost and inventory review cycle, including cross-functional reviews, executive updates, audit support, and coordination with leaders across Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, FP&A, and Procurement
• Support the quarterly review and annual audit process for cost accounting and inventory-related areas, including preparation and review of audit schedules, issue resolution, and coordination with external auditors
• Oversee analysis and documentation of technical accounting conclusions for inventory valuation, excess and obsolete inventory reserves, lower of cost or net realizable value assessments, capitalization judgments, warranty-related matters, and other complex operational accounting topics
• Serve as a cost accounting advisor to business functions, helping evaluate manufacturing, sourcing, inventory, and supply chain activities and communicate accounting implications to support business objectives
• Monitor emerging accounting, operational, and process matters related to inventory and cost accounting, assess their impact on the Company, and support implementation of related accounting and control changes
• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, FP&A, Procurement, Logistics, and Engineering to improve cost visibility, inventory accuracy, variance analysis, and reporting discipline
• Develop, update, and enhance cost accounting policies, procedures, controls, and related SOX documentation, as needed
• Lead, mentor, and develop cost accounting team members and promote strong execution, ownership, and continuous improvement

Education, Skills and Experience

• Strong cost accounting background with comprehensive knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SOX, inventory accounting, standard costing, manufacturing variance analysis, and preparation of related accounting analyses and documentation
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required; CPA or CMA preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience preferred, including cost accounting, inventory accounting, manufacturing accounting, or related operational accounting experience; public company experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to lead cost accounting close processes, inventory accounting, audit support, internal controls, and cross-functional operational accounting processes at scale
• Deep expertise in standard costing, inventory valuation, purchase price variances, manufacturing variances, overhead absorption, work order analysis, inventory reserves, cost capitalization, and cost of revenue reporting
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and judgment skills, with the ability to evaluate complex manufacturing, inventory, supply chain, warranty, accrual, and operational accounting matters
• Ability to clearly and concisely document and communicate complex accounting and operational matters to finance leadership, external auditors, operations partners, and other stakeholders
• Proven ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and lead team members effectively
• Outstanding project management and organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to establish clear timelines, manage dependencies, and drive accountability
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex accounting issues clearly, succinctly, and in plain English
• Excellent interpersonal skills, strong attention to detail, and a high level of ethics and integrity