Cost Accounting Manager

Aston Carter; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Cost Accounting Manager to oversee accounting operations in a Ventura, CA manufacturing environment serving aerospace and defense customers. The ideal candidate will bring strong cost accounting experience, GAAP knowledge, and the ability to partner with operations to support budgeting, forecasting, and decision-making.

This leadership role requires overseeing month-end close, working with AP, and driving continuous improvement across cost accounting, KPIs, and internal

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of accounting or finance experience in manufacturing.
• Strong GAAP knowledge and ERP experience (SAP/Oracle).
• Experience with month-end close, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; detail-oriented.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Supervise AP to ensure timely, accurate accounting tasks.
• Oversee month-end close and ensure accurate results.
• Lead monthly forecasting and annual budgeting activities.
• Monitor sales and use tax filings and ensure timely compliance.
• Approve weekly pay runs and cash reconciliations.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and track KPIs.
• Ensure compliance with accounting policies, procedures and controls.
• Ensure compliance with government contracting requirements.
• Analyze financial performance to support decision-making.
• Partner with operations to support cost accounting and continuous improvement.

Skills

Cost accounting

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Budgeting & forecasting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Master's degree (preferred)

CPA (preferred)

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Manufacturing | Aerospace & Defense

We are seeking a Cost Accounting Manager to oversee accounting operations and support financial performance within a manufacturing environment serving aerospace and defense customers. The ideal candidate will have strong manufacturing cost accounting experience, knowledge of GAAP, and the ability to partner across the business to support budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and operational decision-making.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervise and work directly with the Accounts Payable Specialist to ensure accounting responsibilities are completed accurately and timely.
• Supervise the month-end close process and ensure the accuracy of financial results.
• Lead monthly forecasting, annual budgeting, and related financial analysis activities.
• Monitor collection of sales and use tax and ensure associated filings are completed timely and accurately.
• Approve weekly pay runs and cash control reconciliations.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop, track, and manage KPIs.
• Ensure compliance with all accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with government contracting requirements.
• Analyze financial performance and support business decision-making through reporting and analysis.
• Partner with operations and leadership teams to support cost accounting activities and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of accounting or finance experience.
• Strong cost accounting experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Broad knowledge of accounting and financial functions.
• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Experience with financial software and ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.
• Experience with month-end close, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA certification.
• Prior supervisory, team lead, project lead, or management experience.
• Experience with Government Contracts.
• Knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) regulations.
• Experience in Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable.
• Experience within aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to support a specialized manufacturer serving aerospace and defense customers.
• High-visibility role with exposure to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Opportunity for an experienced Cost Accountant to step into a management role.
• Combination of cost accounting, financial analysis, strategic planning, and accounting leadership responsibilities.
• Collaborative environment focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Ideal Backgrounds

• Cost Accounting Manager
• Accounting Manager
• Cost Accountant
• Cost Accounting Supervisor
• Cost Accountant
• Plant Accountant
• Manufacturing Accountant
• Accountant with significant manufacturing cost accounting experience

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Ventura, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $135000.00 - $135000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

• Medical, dental, vision, 401K.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Ventura, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 27, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ventura,CA.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.