Senior Accountant

LIGHTERA has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more than a century ago.  We have a proven track record of being first in the industry with application specific fibers, optical connectors, ribbon cables, erbium doped fibers, Raman fiber lasers, fiber gratings and more.  Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and supplying the best optical fibers, fiber cable and components and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers and employees.  To do so, we must continue shaping the future of communications by applying the best minds to the challenges our customers will continually face.

We currently seek a Senior Accountant to join our division located in Avon, CT, and help support our continued business growth. 

The position is responsible for reviewing manufacturing costs and inventory reconciliations.  They will assist the controller with financial analysis and cost improvements.  Month end balance Sheet reconciliations, cost analysis and monthly journal entries are included in the roll.  The employee will need to be able to assist the Accounts Payable person in any variances and reconciliations.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Cost System Management

Developing and maintaining a comprehensive cost accounting system to ensure accurate product costs and financial reporting. 

Variance Analysis

Comparing standard costs to actual costs for materials, labor, and overhead to identify and explain variances, and suggesting corrective actions. 

Inventory Accounting

Monitoring inventory accuracy, reconciling physical inventory and cycle counts, and validating the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). Reconciling Inventory to General Ledger.  Responsible for reviewing and calculating inventory reserves.

Cost Reporting

Producing daily, monthly, and ad hoc reports on production costs, gross margins, variances, and profitability by customer, part number, and production job. 

Collaboration

Working with engineering and operations personnel to review and adjust Bills of Materials (BOMs) and implement cost-effective production changes. 

Month-End Close

Assisting with the timely and accurate completion of the monthly close process, including preparing journal entries related to cost of goods sold and inventory. 

Cost Reduction & Efficiency

Analyzing changes in product design, raw materials, or manufacturing methods to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve efficiency. 

Budgeting & Forecasting

Assisting in the preparation of departmental and company budgets and cost forecasts. 

Miscellaneous

Fixed Asset physicals and various audits.

Key qualifications include:

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Accounting or Finance
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience
• Background in a Manufacturing environment
• Working knowledge of JDE and/or SAP systems.

Working at LIGHTERA means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation and discover new solutions for the future.  In addition to our dynamic work environment, we offer the following for our employees:

• Competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including health, dental, vision and well-being.
• Company-sponsored 401(k) plan with a generous match and no vesting period.
• Tuition assistance, on-the-job training and opportunities for growth and advancement. We promote from within. 
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program and paid holidays.

Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors.  This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized work area, wearing, and properly storing all personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively engaging as a safety conscious worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.

If you'd like to be part of an energetic, world leader in optic fiber solutions, please apply through our Career portal at https://lightera.com/about-us/.

Note: Only those candidates selected for the interview process will be contacted. 

About Lightera
Lightera is a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions, delivering innovative technologies that drive communication networks, data centers, and specialty photonics applications. With a deep legacy of expertise in optical science, we provide high-performance solutions that enable faster, more reliable, and more sustainable connections for businesses, communities, and industries worldwide. 

Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, U.S.A., Lightera operates with a global footprint, serving customers across telecommunications, enterprise, industrial, generative AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, defense, and sensing markets. Lightera is part of Furukawa Electric Group, a multi-billion-dollar leader in optical communications. 

Lightera 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, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.