Manager, Cost Accounting

Anduril Anduril · Defense · Ashville, OH · Finance & Accounting : Finance : Finance

Manager, Cost Accounting for a defense technology company that develops AI-powered military systems. The role involves leading a team, managing cost accounting processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance, supporting IPO readiness, and partnering with operations and engineering. Requires strong cost accounting experience in manufacturing, knowledge of government contracting, and ERP proficiency.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead, mentor, and develop a regional team of cost accountants and analysts dedicated to supporting the specific products and their associated production sites.
  2. Provide hands-on guidance and technical expertise to the team.
  3. Oversee and continuously improve standard costing practices to ensure accurate product costing, variance analysis, and margin reporting.
  4. Responsible for a portion of the Company’s cost accounting close process, including cost roll-ups, variance analysis, absorption reporting, and reconciliations of inventory and work-in-process.
  5. Support the Director with the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal controls to strengthen financial accuracy and compliance; identify and remediate control deficiencies as needed.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
  • 5-7 years of progressive cost accounting experience in manufacturing
  • Proven experience with standard costing in complex, low-volume, high-dollar manufacturing environments
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. government contracting cost principles (FAR/CAS)
  • Demonstrated experience with designing and maintaining effective internal controls and supporting external audits
  • Advanced proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, or similar) and data analysis tools
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, communicate effectively across functions, and influence senior leadership

Nice to have

  • CPA or CMA strongly preferred
  • ability to grow into a high-volume environment
  • Experience in a privately held company preparing for an IPO is highly desirable
  • Exceptional analytical, organizational, and leadership skills with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence

What the JD emphasized

  • standard costing methodology
  • standard costing practices
  • standard costing