Director, Cost Accounting ($180K - $215K + Equity + Bonus Potential)

AGTalentAlliance; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential High-Growth Aerospace & Defense Company Start Up in Los Angeles seeks a Director of Cost Accounting to lead cost accounting operations in a manufacturing setting. You will own standard costing, inventory valuation, and cost reporting, partnering with finance and operations leadership.

The role requires 11+ years in accounting with manufacturing cost experience, strong GAAP knowledge, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 11+ years of progressive accounting experience with manufacturing cost accounting.
• Strong technical foundation in inventory accounting and standard costing.
• Demonstrated leadership within an accounting function.
• Understanding of U.S. GAAP.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee cost accounting functions within a manufacturing environment.
• Manage standard costing processes, including cost updates and variance analysis.
• Oversee inventory accounting, including valuation, reconciliations, and reserves.
• Analyze manufacturing variances and provide actionable insights into cost drivers.
• Partner cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, and finance leadership.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes related to inventory and cost accounting.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and internal control standards.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen processes, controls, and reporting visibility.
• Lead, mentor, and develop cost accounting team members.

Skills

Leadership

Cost accounting

Variance analysis

Inventory accounting

Manufacturing costing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Job description

Director, Cost Accounting ($180K - $215K + Equity + Bonus Potential)

Job Openings Director, Cost Accounting ($180K - $215K + Equity + Bonus Potential)

About the job Director, Cost Accounting ($180K - $215K + Equity + Bonus Potential)

Confidential High-Growth Aerospace & Defense Company Start Up

Position Type: Full-time/Onsite

Reports to: Controller & CFO

Pay: $180-$215K + Equity + Bonus Potential)

Work Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a permanent basis without current or future employer sponsorship.

Position Overview

Our client is seeking a Cost Accounting Director to lead cost accounting operations within a manufacturing environment. This role will oversee standard costing, inventory accounting, and cost reporting processes while partnering closely with finance and operations leadership.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting foundations with hands-on manufacturing cost accounting expertise and a leadership mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee cost accounting functions within a manufacturing environment
• Manage standard costing processes, including cost updates and variance analysis
• Oversee inventory accounting, including valuation, reconciliations, and reserves
• Analyze manufacturing variances and provide actionable insights into cost drivers
• Partner cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, and finance leadership
• Support month-end and year-end close processes related to inventory and cost accounting
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and internal control standards
• Identify opportunities to strengthen processes, controls, and reporting visibility
• Lead, mentor, and develop cost accounting team members

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Accounting or Finance
• 11+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant exposure to manufacturing cost accounting
• Strong technical accounting foundation, including inventory accounting and standard costing
• Demonstrated leadership experience within an accounting function
• Understanding of U.S. GAAP

Highly Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within aerospace or other highly regulated manufacturing environments
• Public accounting background
• Experience supporting multi-entity or multi-location operations