Cost Accounting Manager — Lead Project Cost & Compliance

Jet Propulsion Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 138,632 - 174,304; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Rideshare

Childcare support

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, seeks a Cost Accounting Manager to lead the Cost Accounting Group within Enterprise Accounting Services. This role focuses on project cost accounting, cost allocations, ERP-driven processes, and ensuring compliance with prime contracts while safeguarding financial integrity.

You will lead and develop a high-performance team, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement in cost reporting and controls across the lab.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 9 years of related experience in accounting with emphasis on project cost accounting.
• Experience leading work groups and teams in a large organization.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems and cost allocation methodologies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage major accounting functions: project, property, manufacturing WIP and service center accounting.
• Ensure performance and productivity of employees under supervision.
• Build and maintain a high-performance team with career coaching.
• Ensure compliance with Laboratory policies, procedures and prime contract requirements.
• Develop and implement strategic goals for the Cost Accounting Group.
• Support internal and external audits and drive process improvements.

Skills

Cost accounting

ERP systems

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Master's degree in related discipline

PhD in related discipline

Job description

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, seeks a Cost Accounting Manager to lead the Cost Accounting Group within Enterprise Accounting Services. This role focuses on project cost accounting, cost allocations, ERP-driven processes, and ensuring compliance with prime contracts while safeguarding financial integrity.

You will lead and develop a high-performance team, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement in cost reporting and controls across the lab.