Operations Cost Controller

Eleven Recruiting; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

A recruiting firm is searching for a full-time Cost Controller to join a leading aerospace and defense company in Santa Ana, CA. The role involves managing cost accounting and financial compliance while providing insights into profitability. Successful candidates will have over 7 years of cost accounting experience in manufacturing, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with ERP systems. This mid-senior level position offers competitive benefits including medical and vision insurance, and a 401(k).

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of cost accounting experience in aerospace, defense, or high-mix manufacturing.
• 1–3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong experience with standard and actual costing methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain cost accounting methodologies in compliance with CAS, FAR, and DFARS.
• Manage and optimize ERP-based cost accounting systems.
• Analyze standard vs. actual costs and identify key variances.

Skills

Cost accounting

Analytical skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

ERP-based cost accounting systems

Job description

Eleven Recruiting is searching for a Cost Controller to join one of our largest and fastest‑growing Space & Defense clients, sitting onsite in Santa Ana, CA.

This role is responsible for leading cost accounting, financial compliance, gross margin analysis, variance reporting, and SKU‑level profitability tracking within a complex aerospace manufacturing environment. The Cost Controller will play a critical role in maintaining CAS‑compliant cost systems while providing leadership with clear visibility into profitability by part number, program, and contract type.

The ideal candidate brings hands‑on experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing, government contract accounting, and ERP‑driven cost systems, with the ability to translate detailed financial data into actionable operational insight.

Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain cost accounting methodologies in compliance with CAS, FAR, and DFARS requirements.
• Manage and optimize ERP‑based cost accounting systems, ensuring accuracy, traceability, and audit readiness.
• Analyze standard vs. actual costs, including labor, material, overhead, and burden rates; identify and explain key variances.
• Own SKU‑level cost and profitability analysis, delivering margin visibility by part number, production volume, and contract type.
• Prepare cost reports, forecasts, budgets, and margin analyses to support operational and leadership decision‑making.
• Support Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Cost‑Plus contracts through accurate cost allocation, pricing support, and proposal development.
• Lead month‑end close activities related to manufacturing costs, inventory roll‑forwards, and conversion cost reconciliation.
• Oversee inventory valuation, cycle counts, and audits to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Support internal, customer, and government audits by ensuring cost structures and documentation meet regulatory requirements.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management to improve cost visibility and profitability.
• Mentor and oversee members of the FP&A team, driving consistent financial reporting and analysis.
• Identify and implement continuous improvements to cost accounting processes, controls, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (required).
• 7–10+ years of cost accounting experience in aerospace, defense, or high‑mix manufacturing environments.
• 1–3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong experience with standard and actual costing methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience managing SKU‑or part‑number‑level profitability, including material, labor, overhead, and burden allocations.
• Working knowledge of government contract accounting, including CAS, FAR, and DFARS.
• Experience supporting government or customer audits.
• Proficiency with ERP‑based cost accounting systems in a manufacturing setting.
• Solid understanding of GAAP and Cost Accounting Standards.
• Experience supporting FFP and Cost‑Plus contracts.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, regulated manufacturing environment.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Finance

Industries

• Defense and Space Manufacturing

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)

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