New

Principal Inventory Cost Analyst

Whole Foods Market, Inc.
paid time off, retirement plan, relocation assistance
United States, Texas, Austin
550 Bowie Street (Show on map)
Sep 06, 2025
We're seeking an experienced Principal Inventory Cost Analyst to pioneer our manufacturing accounting operations as we expand into food production. This strategic role will establish and optimize costing processes while partnering with operational leaders to drive business growth. This position will lead all manufacturing costing activities, ensuring accurate standard costing, inventory valuation, and financial reporting while partnering with operational leaders to drive business performance.Note: Position available in Austin, TX and currently on a 5-day in office model. Relocation assistance available. Core Responsibilities: Design and implement standard costing methodologies for food manufacturing operations Ensure accurate inventory valuation and maintain robust accounting controls aligned with GAAP Act as strategic consultant for Manufacturing Accounting, providing expert guidance to stakeholders Partner with Accounting and Finance teams to manage monthly financial close process and reporting Transform complex production data and efficiency metrics into actionable recommendations Serve as technical expert for X3 system costing functionality and optimization Develop and implement best practices for manufacturing accounting operations Build effective communication channels between GL Accounting, Finance and Facility teams Work with Facility Teams to ensure Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) compliance Engage with Operational Leadership to identify and resolve product costing gaps Foster strategic alignment between accounting practices and Facilities operations Analyze manufacturing cost variances and KPIs to identify optimization opportunities Build scalable processes to support growing manufacturing operations Required Skills & Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field 6+ years of manufacturing cost accounting experience 2-4 years of project planning experience Strong knowledge of standard costing principles and inventory valuation methods Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems (X3 preferred) CPA or CMA certification is a plus SQL and Data Analytic experience is a plus Technical Expertise: Manufacturing accounting principles and cost allocation methodologies Standard costing and variance analysis Inventory valuation and controls Production efficiency metrics ERP systems and financial software Process improvement and automation Leadership Competencies: Strategic thinking and business acumen Cross-functional collaboration and influence Data-Driven decision making and change management Process improvement Communication and influence Risk management Additional Requirements: Position requires regular travel to manufacturing facilities, averaging 25-50% of the time. Travel frequency may increase during strategic periods such as new facility openings and implementations. Flexibility to adjust travel schedule is essential. Position is based in Austin, Texas Strong communication and presentation skills Experience in food manufacturing preferred The wage range for this position is $100,244.00-$170,415.00 Annual, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, eligibility for a store discount, paid time off and access to other benefit programs. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person's date of hire. For additional information, visit our Whole Foods Market Careers site: https://careers.wholefoodsmarket.com/benefits. At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs. Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.