Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Position Summary
The Senior Cost Accountant will be one of the initial hires in the Global Finance Shared Services Center (SSC) in Penang. The role supports global manufacturing entities by performing standardized costing activities, preparing month-end and balance sheet support schedules, and helping establish a stable and scalable SSC operating model.
As part of the initial setup, the role will also support knowledge transfer, documentation, process standardization, and stabilization activities as work transitions into the SSC.
Key Responsibilities
Costing Operations
Perform standard cost maintenance and cost updates based on approved inputs.
Support annual and ad hoc standard cost roll activities.
Execute routine costing transactions in Oracle ERP.
Prepare inventory valuation, costing, and inventory movement reports for supported entities.
Prepare inventory reserve and Profit in Inventory (PII) schedules using approved methodology.
Validate costing data and highlight unusual variances for Site Finance review.
Month-End Close and Reporting
Prepare recurring costing-related balance sheet schedules assigned to SSC.
Run pre-close report reviews and provide supporting output to Site Finance.
Support standardized close activities assigned to SSC.
Monitor completion of assigned close tasks and escalate issues promptly.
Prepare recurring management reports and ad hoc costing analyses.
Support trend analysis on inventory and manufacturing costs.
Provide information needed for business reviews, subject to site ownership and approval.
Audit and Controls
Process Standardization and Transition
Participate in knowledge transfer from site and regional teams during SSC setup.
Document SOPs, desktop procedures, and work instructions.
Help standardize costing reports and templates across supported entities where practical.
Support UAT and system improvement activities for costing-related processes.
Maintain a knowledge repository for transferred activities and standard reports.
Continuous Improvement
Recommend process improvements to improve efficiency, consistency, and control.
Identify opportunities to automate manual or repetitive activities.
Support KPI development and SSC performance tracking as the team grows.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent.
Professional qualification such as ACCA, CPA, or CIMA is an advantage.
5 to 7 years of manufacturing cost accounting experience preferred.
Oracle ERP cost accounting experience strongly preferred.
Strong Excel skills and attention to detail.
Experience with Power BI or similar reporting tools is an advantage.
Experience supporting multiple entities or regions is an advantage.
Core Competencies
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently in a build-and-transition environment.
Clear communication and stakeholder management.
Process documentation and continuous improvement mindset.
Ability to work across time zones and support global stakeholders.
Initial SSC Setup Expectations
Support transition planning and knowledge transfer from existing regional teams.
Develop and maintain SOPs, desktop procedures, and training materials.
Help stabilize migrated processes during hypercare.
Support onboarding and mentoring of future SSC team members as the function grows.
Working Conditions
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.
