Cost Accountant

Hounen Solar America Inc. is a leading U.S.

-based manufacturer of high-quality photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, with a state-of-the-art 200,000+ sq ft facility in Orangeburg, SC. Established to support the growing demand for American-made solar products, we are committed to innovation, sustainability, and powering a greener future.

Job Summary The Cost Accountant will support accurate product costing, inventory control, and cost analysis to enable effective operational and financial decision-making at our state-of-the-art solar module manufacturing facility. This role requires strong technical accounting skills with a focus on manufacturing cost structures in the renewable energy sector. Bilingual capability in English and Mandarin (Chinese) is required to facilitate effective communication with suppliers, and other stakeholders.

• Analyze and estimate costs of new and existing product lines, including solar modules, cells, and related components.
• Partner with management to develop and maintain cost standards and costing methodologies tailored to high-volume photovoltaic manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate production costs, including labor efficiency, equipment utilization, material variances, overhead allocation, and inventory valuation.
• Prepare and support month-end close activities, including cost-related journal entries, reconciliations, and accruals.
• Review, reconcile, and maintain inventory accounts; investigate variances and discrepancies in raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
• Conduct and support physical inventories, cycle counts, and inventory audits to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities and recommend cost-effective strategies to management, such as process improvements or supplier negotiations.
• Prepare and present cost analysis, variance analysis, profitability reports, and key performance metrics to senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards (e.g., GAAP), internal controls, and financial reporting requirements in a manufacturing setting.
• Support internal and external audits and assist with general ledger preparation and ad-hoc financial projects.

• Proven experience as a Cost Accountant, Cost Analyst, or Accountant in a manufacturing or operational environment (solar/renewable energy industry experience is a plus).
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles and general accounting procedures, including standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory management.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems (e.g., Net Suite or similar manufacturing-focused platforms) and advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data modeling).
• Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail, accuracy, and problem-solving ability.
• Effective time management and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, close-driven environment.
• Bilingual capability required:
  Fluency in English and Mandarin (Chinese) for verbal and written communication with global teams and stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (Master’s degree or CPA/CMA certification preferred).