Senior Cost Accountant

ABOUT OUSTER

Ouster designs and manufactures sensors and software for engineers, roboticists and researchers building safer and more efficient systems. We have transformed lidar from an analog device containing thousands of components into a digital device powered by a single chip-scale laser array and a single CMOS sensor. The result is a full range of high-resolution lidar sensors that deliver superior imaging at a substantially lower cost.

Our sensor hardware and perception algorithms are deployed in autonomous vehicles, drones, industrial automation and a wide range of other applications. If you are motivated by solving difficult problems at scale, we are hiring across the company and would like to hear from you.

POSITION SUMMARY

Ouster is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Accountant to lead cost analysis, manufacturing performance reporting, inventory reserve analytics and continuous improvement initiatives for its Thailand operations. The role sits within the Thailand Cost Accounting organisation and serves as the Cost Analysis Lead.

The successful candidate will partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Procurement, FP&A and Corporate Finance to deliver actionable financial insight that supports operational and strategic decision-making. The role also carries accountability for the accuracy and integrity of cost data maintained in Ouster’s ERP system.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Cost Analysis and Manufacturing Performance

• Perform monthly cost and variance analysis, including purchase price variance (PPV), manufacturing variances and cost of goods sold (COGS) flux analysis, and present findings to Finance and Operations leadership.
• Conduct root cause analysis of variances and communicate the financial impact clearly to Operations and Supply Chain stakeholders.
• Identify, quantify and track cost reduction and margin improvement opportunities.

Standard Costing and Product Cost Modelling

• Support standard cost simulations, the annual standard cost roll and update, and the costing of new products.
• Develop and maintain cost models for existing and future products, including the derivation of standard costs.
• Prepare product cost and material analyses that support Operations objectives and provide inputs to product pricing models.
• Maintain accurate cost master data and related transactions within Ouster’s ERP system.

Month-End, Quarter-End and Year-End Close

• Prepare and maintain the excess and obsolete (E&O) inventory reserve analysis, including supporting documentation and commentary.
• Prepare journal entries and complete assigned account reconciliations within the close calendar.
• Maintain calculations and supporting schedules required for internal and external audit review.

Reporting and Business Intelligence

• Act as the focal point for Operations Finance reporting, ensuring that cost and variance reporting is accurate, timely and continuously improved.
• Develop tools, dashboards and processes that improve analysis of the Operations business, in collaboration with Operations and the wider Cost Accounting and Finance teams.

Business Partnering

• Partner with Manufacturing, Procurement, Engineering, Supply Chain and FP&A to provide the financial analysis required for operational and commercial decisions.
• Translate financial results into clear, actionable recommendations for non-finance stakeholders.

Financial Planning Support

• Support the annual budget, quarterly forecast and long-range planning cycles for cost, margin and inventory.
• Prepare analytical schedules and commentary for management reporting.

Continuous Improvement, Controls and Compliance

• Lead process improvement and automation initiatives, and support selected finance projects.
• Document and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and recommend enhancements to internal controls.
• Ensure that supporting documentation complies with Ouster accounting policies and applicable accounting standards.

Team Collaboration and Coaching

• Coach team members on analytical tools, reporting techniques and cost accounting methodology.
• Act as backup for other Senior Cost Accountant responsibilities as required.
• Undertake other duties as reasonably assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in cost accounting, manufacturing finance or financial analysis, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated technical strength in standard costing and manufacturing variance analysis.
• Sound understanding of manufacturing and supply chain workflows and the systems that support them.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to build and maintain complex models.
• Hands-on experience with a major ERP system.
• Professional written and spoken English, with the ability to present financial information clearly and interact effectively with global stakeholders.

Preferred

• CPA or equivalent professional accounting qualification, or a cost management certification such as CMA.
• NetSuite experience; Oracle or SAP experience also considered.
• Proficiency with Google Sheets.
• Experience with business intelligence, reporting or process automation tools.
• Experience supporting external audit in a listed-company control environment.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Analytical rigour and a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Clear, concise communication with both finance and non-finance audiences.
• Ownership and accountability for deliverables and reporting deadlines.
• A collaborative, cross-functional working style.
• A continuous improvement mindset and comfort with ambiguity in a fast-moving environment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We recognise that strong candidates often hesitate to apply unless they meet every stated requirement. You do not need to meet all of the criteria above to be the right person for this role. If you meet most of them and are motivated by the work described, we encourage you to apply.