Cost Accountant, Lead

Location: Santa Clarita, California — hybrid or remote within the USA

Salary: $98,900–$130,000 per year plus bonus; range reflects a position based in California.

Company

Defense Solutions facility focused on hardware-level system integration, advanced package design, and high-TRL solutions for customer technical challenges.

What you will do

• Perform month-end closing duties and reconcile inventory, prepaid asset, warranty, and general ledger accounts.
• Prepare excess and obsolete inventory reserves, inventory accruals for Percentage of Completion projects, and customer progress billings based on actual project costs.
• Analyze inventory trends, purchase price and production variances, manufacturing cost-center spending, and standard labor, activity, and overhead rates.
• Collaborate with Purchasing on standard material costs and report on manufacturing inventory cycle-count performance.
• Support month-end and quarter-end corporate reporting, government compliance audits, internal and external audits, and Sarbanes-Oxley controls testing.
• Produce ad hoc reporting and analysis and perform other accounting and finance activities as required.

Requirements

• 5+ years of progressively responsible cost accounting and financial analysis or similar business experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment with a thorough understanding of general and cost accounting principles and practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to extract data, set direction, and make business recommendations and decisions.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and interact with cross-functional departments and employees at all levels.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks with strong attention to detail, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Demonstrable ability to envision, develop, and implement processes and tools addressing complex financial reporting and operational business issues.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Nice to have

• Experience with standard costing within a project-based system.
• Proficiency in SAP.
• Experience in the technology or manufacturing industry.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time position with hybrid or remote work available within the USA.
• Paid time off, health and wellness benefits, and a 401(k) with employer match and profit sharing.
• Learning and development opportunities, referral program, recognition, and employee stock purchase plan.
• Inclusive and supportive culture with competitive pay.
• The position may involve exposure to export-controlled information and additional security screening; an offer may be reconsidered or withdrawn if access eligibility is not confirmed.