Inventory Accountant

Gotion Inc. is based in Silicon Valley, CA, currently building a Manufacturing facility in Manteno, IL and has R&D centers in Ohio, China, Japan and Europe. We innovate in the next generation electric vehicle and energy storage technologies (lithium batteries and related systems) with the aim to accelerate electrified transportation and achieve sustainable development. Gotion is powered by a leading power battery technology company that provides solutions for vehicles including the world's first mass commercial e-bus route. Gotion is a career destination - we are not simply attempting to just fill another job, but to pursue a dream of global green energy together! We offer outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting and challenging working environment. Everyone is highly valued and plays a vital role in the growth of our organization. Inventory Accountant Department: Finance Location: Chicago Area, Illinois Reports To: Accounting Manager / Finance Manager Position Summary The Inventory Accountant is responsible for inventory accounting, reconciliation, cost analysis, and financial controls within a manufacturing environment. This position works closely with Finance, Supply Chain, Warehouse, Production, and Procurement teams to ensure inventory transactions are accurately recorded, inventory balances are properly reconciled, and financial reporting complies with company policies and applicable accounting standards. Experience in manufacturing, automotive, lithium-ion battery, or other high-volume production environments is preferred. Key Responsibilities • Inventory Accounting & Reconciliation • Perform monthly inventory reconciliation between the ERP system, warehouse records, and the General Ledger. • Monitor and reconcile raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), finished goods, spare parts, and other inventory categories. • Investigate inventory discrepancies and coordinate corrective actions with Warehouse, Supply Chain, Production, and Finance teams. • Prepare and record inventory-related journal entries and account reconciliations. • Month-End Closing • Support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing activities related to inventory and cost accounting. • Ensure inventory transactions are recorded accurately and within the appropriate accounting period. • Prepare inventory schedules, reconciliation reports, and supporting documentation for financial reporting. • Inventory Control • Monitor inventory movements, adjustments, transfers, scrap, and write-offs. • Review inventory aging and identify slow-moving, obsolete, or excess inventory. • Support inventory reserve and obsolescence calculations. • Assist in strengthening internal controls related to inventory management. • Physical Inventory & Cycle Counts • Coordinate and participate in physical inventory counts and cycle-count programs. • Reconcile physical count results with ERP inventory balances. • Analyze count variances, identify root causes, and follow up on corrective actions. • Maintain supporting documentation for inventory adjustments. • Manufacturing Cost Support • Assist with analysis of material consumption, production variances, scrap, and inventory-related manufacturing costs. • Review inventory valuation and standard/actual cost information as applicable. • Work with Cost Accounting and Operations teams to investigate unusual cost or usage variances. • Audit & Compliance • Prepare inventory-related documentation for internal and external audits. • Ensure inventory accounting activities comply with U.S. GAAP, company accounting policies, and internal control requirements. • Support SOX/internal control testing where applicable. • Cross-Functional Support • Partner with Warehouse, Procurement, Supply Chain, Production, IT, and other Finance functions to improve inventory accuracy. • Support ERP process improvements and inventory-related system testing. • Identify opportunities to improve inventory reporting, reconciliation, and control processes. Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. • 2–5 years of accounting experience; inventory accounting, cost accounting, or manufacturing accounting experience strongly preferred. • Experience working in a manufacturing environment is preferred. • Solid understanding of inventory accounting principles and General Ledger reconciliation. • Knowledge of U.S. GAAP and basic internal control requirements. • Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar manufacturing ERP systems preferred. • Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, and data analysis. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail. • Ability to work effectively across Finance, Warehouse, Supply Chain, and Production teams. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Qualifications • Experience in lithium-ion battery, automotive, EV, electronics, or high-volume manufacturing. • Experience with SAP inventory and manufacturing modules. • Familiarity with standard costing, BOM, WIP, material consumption, and manufacturing variance analysis. • CPA or CPA candidate is a plus. • Experience supporting annual physical inventory and external financial audits. Key Competencies Inventory Accounting | Inventory Reconciliation | Manufacturing Accounting | Cost Analysis | Month-End Closing | ERP/SAP | Internal Controls | Physical Inventory | Cycle Counts | Financial Reporting | Advanced Excel Base pay is one part of our total compensation package at Gotion, and is determined within a range. This provides you with the opportunity to progress as you grow and advance your career at Gotion. The base pay range for this role is shown below, and will depend on your skills, qualifications, experiences, and location. Expected Pay Range $75,000—$85,000 USD Gotion Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve, cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging, and ensuring equal employment opportunities for all. We provide equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), parental status, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other characteristic protected by law. At Gotion Inc., we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.