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Senior Financial Analyst - Cost Accounting (Hybrid, 3 days onsite in Palo Alto, CA Office) - job 1 of 2

Company Description

Guardant Health is a leading precision oncology company focused on guarding wellness and giving every person more time free from cancer. Founded in 2012, Guardant is transforming patient care and accelerating new cancer therapies by providing critical insights into what drives disease through its advanced blood and tissue tests, real-world data and AI analytics. Guardant tests help improve outcomes across all stages of care, including screening to find cancer early, monitoring for recurrence in early-stage cancer, and treatment selection for patients with advanced cancer. For more information, visit guardanthealth.com and follow the company on LinkedInX (Twitter) and Facebook.

 

Job Description

Senior Financial Analyst, Cost Accounting

Guardant Health is looking for a Senior Financial Analyst, Cost Accounting who will contribute to the inventory and cost accounting functions of a publicly traded multinational company.  The position will play a key role in the development, implementation and improvement of inventory accounting, cost analysis and related system and process improvements. 

The ideal candidate will either have proven operational experience from companies with in-house productions or operations of commercial product(s), or public accounting experience with clients who have manufacturing operations.   This is a highly visible role, working cross-functionally and partnering closely with multiple Operations functions in addition to Finance and IT teams to deliver cost accounting solutions that support evolving business needs. 

To be successful, the incumbent will be a strong, collaborator, communicator, project/process manager, with the focus on details and the drive for continuous improvement.  The position will be based in our Palo Alto office reporting to the Director, Finance.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Deliver accurate, timely and efficient accounting processes including preparation of month-end and quarter-end close activities, monthly and quarterly account reconciliations and fluctuation analysis.
  • Ensure the delivery of timely and accurate financial information that can be relied on by various functions with sufficient clarity and granularity enabling the measurement of operational efficiency.
  • Lead COGS analytics with a strong finance focus; develop and maintain detailed COGS variance analysis.
  • Manage monthly E&O review meetings and partner with Operations and Supply Chain to analyze inventory for potential excess and obsolete reserves and make related entries in accordance with the company’s policies.
  • Plan, collect, and analyze data to drive the standard cost revaluation processes; implement cost update periodically with inputs from Supply Chain; provide impact analysis for review and approval; investigate/resolve significant variances in between updates.
  • Analyze standard and actual costs, materials, external costs, labor and overhead costs, for inaccuracies, and lead the efforts to address the underlying root causes.
  • Identify and maintain key metrics related to materials consumptions and external costs that highlight operations performance and help improve operational efficiency.
  • Develop and maintain methodology for calculating and applying material costs, labor costs and overhead rates as required by generally accepted accounting principles.
  • Support ERP and technology initiatives
  • Assist with the coordination of the cycle count process and ensure discrepancies are resolved.
  • Assist with the coordination of quarterly and/or annual physical inventories.
  • Partner with Operations, supply chain, quality control, quality assurance to ensure the accuracy of inventory costs for Operations and R&D.
  • Interact with internal/external auditors and provide various analysis and audit schedules and work to ensure compliance with all internal control procedures.
  • Develop and document controls, processes and procedures related to inventory and cost accounting to ensure SOX compliance.
  • Assist in developing processes and utilizing systems enhancements to ensure inventory control and the accuracy of inventory data, implement changes as needed.
  • Prepare monthly/quarterly reporting related to costing and inventory, other ad hoc analysis/reporting and project as needed.

 

Qualifications

Skills and Requirements:

  • 3+ years experience supporting in-house manufacturing, and/or public accounting experience with clients who have manufacturing operations.
  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related field; CPA or MBA a plus.
  • Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel.
  • Extensive ERP experience, Oracle Fusion inventory and materials movement experience strongly preferred.
  • A solutions-oriented team player who enjoys a dynamic work environment.
  • Ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. 
  • Ability to effectively work with all levels and cross-functionally within the company including Senior Management.
  • Strong analytical skills, with a sharp focus on details.


 

Additional Information

Hybrid Work Model: At Guardant Health, we have defined days for in-person/onsite collaboration and work-from-home days for individual-focused time. All U.S. employees who live within 50 miles of a Guardant facility will be required to be onsite on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. We have found aligning our scheduled in-office days allows our teams to do the best work and creates the focused thinking time our innovative work requires. At Guardant, our work model has created flexibility for better work-life balance while keeping teams connected to advance our science for our patients.

For positions based in Palo Alto, CA or Redwood City, CA, the base salary range for this full-time position is $109,900 - $148,410. The range does not include benefits, and if applicable, bonus, commission, or equity.

Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including, but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. If you are selected to move forward, the recruiting team will provide details specific to the factors above.

Employee may be required to lift routine office supplies and use office equipment. Majority of the work is performed in a desk/office environment; however, there may be exposure to high noise levels, fumes, and biohazard material in the laboratory environment. Ability to sit for extended periods of time.

Guardant Health is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our hiring processes for candidates with disabilities, long-term conditions, mental health conditions, or sincerely held religious beliefs. If you need support, please reach out to [email protected]

Guardant Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

To learn more about the information collected when you apply for a position at Guardant Health, Inc. and how it is used, please review our Privacy Notice for Job Applicants.

Please visit our career page at: http://www.guardanthealth.com/jobs/

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What You Should Know About Senior Financial Analyst - Cost Accounting (Hybrid, 3 days onsite in Palo Alto, CA Office), Guardant Health

At Guardant Health, we’re on a mission to transform cancer care and optimize patient outcomes, and we’re excited to welcome a Senior Financial Analyst in Cost Accounting to our dynamic team! Based in our Palo Alto, CA office, this hybrid role will see you contribute to our innovative approach to precision oncology. You’ll play a pivotal role in inventory accounting, ensuring that our financial processes are accurate and efficient. Your analytical prowess will empower our operations as you engage with multiple teams, including Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance. With your hands-on experience in manufacturing or public accounting, you will lead cost analytics, manage inventory reviews, and facilitate robust month-end close activities. Are you someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and craves continuous improvement? Then this opportunity is perfect for you! You’ll be entrenched in the nitty-gritty of cost structures, analyzing variances, maintaining key metrics, and developing solutions to enhance operational efficiency. Above all, you’ll be an integral part of a team that strives to make a real impact on patients' lives every day. So if you’re ready to take your career to the next level while making a difference in the healthcare industry, we would love to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Financial Analyst - Cost Accounting (Hybrid, 3 days onsite in Palo Alto, CA Office) Role at Guardant Health
What are the primary responsibilities of a Senior Financial Analyst at Guardant Health?

The Senior Financial Analyst at Guardant Health will be responsible for delivering accurate and timely accounting processes, managing month-end close activities, and conducting fluctuation analyses. The role also involves leading COGS analytics, supporting ERP initiatives, and partnering with Operations and Supply Chain to ensure inventory accuracy. You'll be engaging cross-functionally and developing clear financial information to drive operational efficiency.

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What qualifications are required for the Senior Financial Analyst role at Guardant Health?

For the Senior Financial Analyst position at Guardant Health, candidates should possess at least 3 years of experience in in-house manufacturing or public accounting with a focus on manufacturing operations. A Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance is essential, while a CPA or MBA is a plus. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and extensive ERP experience, especially with Oracle Fusion, are critical for success in this role.

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How does the Senior Financial Analyst contribute to inventory management at Guardant Health?

In the role of Senior Financial Analyst at Guardant Health, you will actively participate in managing inventory through monthly E&O reviews and analyzing potential reserves for obsolete products. You’ll work closely with diverse teams to address discrepancies and maintain accurate inventory cost assessments, which is essential for compliant financial reporting and successful operational outcomes.

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What is the work environment like for a Senior Financial Analyst at Guardant Health?

The work environment for a Senior Financial Analyst at Guardant Health is hybrid, allowing for a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work. Employees are expected to be onsite in Palo Alto three days a week, which fosters teamwork while also providing flexibility for focused individual work. This balance enhances productivity and creativity, crucial for the innovative projects at Guardant Health.

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What opportunities for growth are available for a Senior Financial Analyst at Guardant Health?

At Guardant Health, a Senior Financial Analyst will find numerous growth opportunities within a supportive, high-impact environment. You'll develop transferable skills through project involvement, networking with stakeholders and cross-functional teams, and earning exposure to advanced financial systems and strategies. The company's commitment to continuous improvement paves the way for career advancements and professional development.

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Common Interview Questions for Senior Financial Analyst - Cost Accounting (Hybrid, 3 days onsite in Palo Alto, CA Office)
Can you explain the month-end close process you have followed in your previous role as a Senior Financial Analyst?

In my previous role, the month-end close process involved compiling financial data, ensuring all transactions were recorded accurately, and reconciling various accounts. I coordinated with multiple teams to validate figures and present the final reports to senior management within strict deadlines, ensuring clarity and accountability throughout the process.

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How do you approach variance analysis in cost accounting?

When conducting variance analysis, I start by comparing actual costs to standard costs to identify significant discrepancies. I delve into the reasons behind those variances by engaging with relevant departments, analyzing production processes, and reviewing external factors. My goal is to provide actionable insights that facilitate cost management and operational efficiency.

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What key metrics do you believe are most important to track in cost accounting?

In cost accounting, it's crucial to track metrics like Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), inventory turnover, labor costs, and overhead expenses. These indicators not only reflect the financial health of the manufacturing process but also help identify areas for improvement, ultimately enhancing overall operational performance.

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Describe your experience with ERP systems and how they can benefit cost accounting.

I have extensive experience using ERP systems, particularly Oracle Fusion, which I found essential for streamlining cost accounting processes. These systems provide real-time data and automation capabilities that improve accuracy, reduce manual workloads, and enhance decision-making, ultimately leading to better financial insights and operational efficiencies.

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How do you ensure compliance with financial regulations in your accounting practices?

Ensuring compliance begins with understanding the relevant financial regulations, which I regularly review and incorporate into my accounting practices. I also work closely with internal controls and auditors to develop documented processes that align with standards, conducting routine checks to identify and mitigate any non-compliance risks proactively.

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What strategies do you use to communicate complex financial information to non-financial teams?

I focus on simplifying complex financial concepts into relatable terms by using visual aids and clear examples. Engaging with teams through regular discussions and workshops also fosters understanding, ensuring that even those without financial expertise can grasp key information and how it relates to their operational roles.

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Can you share an experience where you initiated process improvements in cost accounting?

In my previous position, I observed inefficiencies in our inventory accounting process. I initiated a lean review, collaborated with stakeholders, and implemented a new ERP integration that automated data entry, significantly reducing errors and time delays. This initiative led to smoother operations and improved reporting capabilities.

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What do you think is the most challenging aspect of being a Senior Financial Analyst?

The most challenging aspect is balancing the need for detailed analysis with deadlines. As a Senior Financial Analyst, I’ve learned to prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring that while we meet our reporting deadlines, the integrity and thoroughness of financial data are never compromised.

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How do you handle tight deadlines and multiple projects in your role?

Handling tight deadlines involves effective time management and prioritization. I use project management tools to oversee all assignments and maintain open communication with team members about feasible timelines, allowing us to address potential bottlenecks proactively.

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What excites you most about the opportunity to work at Guardant Health?

What excites me most about the opportunity at Guardant Health is the chance to contribute to an innovative company dedicated to improving cancer care. Being part of a team that drives significant change through financial insights aligns perfectly with my professional goals and passion for meaningful work.

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Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
April 4, 2025

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