Director of Cost Accounting

We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light, and more things to come… for our customers, our communities, and our planet. 
 
Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light, and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting and Lighting Controls (ABL) and the Intelligent Spaces Group (ISG), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people’s lives.  
 
We are positioned at the intersection of sustainability and technology. Our businesses develop technology that helps save our customers energy and reduce their carbon emissions. We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and location-aware applications. 

Primary Responsibilities & Location

 

The Director of Cost Accounting at Acuity Brands is responsible for all cost accounting activities for Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL), conducting business in North America and other foreign countries. The Director ensures predictability, accuracy, and compliance with US GAAP while supporting financial decision-making through strong cost accounting and inventory valuation principles. The Director also works closely with internal and external auditors, enforces a compliance framework, and drives continuous improvement in cost accounting processes. Success in this role requires cross-functional collaboration, strong verbal and written presentation skills, and the ability to mentor and develop internal talent.

 

This role works remotely (from the U.S.) and travels based on business needs.

Primary Responsibilities Include

 

• Cost Accounting & Compliance: Lead cost accounting operations, ensuring accuracy, predictability, and US GAAP compliance. Oversee inventory valuation, provisions, and physical inventory processes/audits. Maintain cost accounting policies, SOX controls, and audit compliance.
• Business Support & Strategic Insights: Develop and propose a costing structure that improves financial visibility, accuracy, and business decision-making. Support forecasting, annual target setting, and strategic initiatives such as acquisitions and system integrations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Process Improvement: Partner with Sourcing, Finance, and Operations to align cost accounting functions. Improve intercompany transactions, including transfer pricing and markups. Identify and implement costing processes and system enhancements. Drive the Better, Smarter, Faster approach to enhance processes, analysis, and improve business insights.
• Leadership & Team Development: Manage and develop a high-performing team with the potential for expansion to support company growth. Provide training and mentorship to cost accounting stakeholders and internal customers to strengthen cost knowledge across the business.
• Month-End, Quarter-End & Audit Support: Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes related to cost accounting and inventory valuation. Provide leadership in internal and external audits to ensure compliance and financial integrity.

Qualifications

 

• CPA, CMA, or similar certification is required.
• 9+ years of cost accounting, inventory valuation, and management experience from a manufacturing organization is required. 
• A Bachelor’s degree from a related field is required.
• Demonstrated success in assessing key operational and financial risks to identify and implement process improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to be hands-on and dig into the root causes, identify opportunities, suggest solutions, and execute.
• Demonstrated ability to perform in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build a positive rapport with team members throughout a global organization.
• Exhibit a positive attitude, confidence, and poise under pressure.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are required.
• Available to travel 15-25% domestically and internationally is required.

 

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