Principal Cost Accountant

Leonardo DRS, Inc.; Melbourne (FL); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Health savings account

401(k) savings plan

Paid parental leave

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

Leonardo DRS, Inc. seeks a Principal Cost Accountant to provide expertise in business operations and cost accounting. The role involves complex analyses and supporting strategic decisions. It also requires preparing cost reports, guiding staff, and conducting variances analysis.

With a focus on defense contracting, an accounting degree and 8+ years of relevant experience are essential. Benefits include competitive salaries, comprehensive health coverage, a health savings account, and flexible work schedules.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of directly related experience, preferably in a defense/government contracting environment.
• Experience in excess and obsolete inventory analysis, Bill of Material (BOM), and scrap/yield analysis.
• Ability to obtain DOD security clearance within a reasonable time.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex analyses, forecasts, and special projects supporting decision-making.
• Prepare and review cost and forecast reports and ensure proper cost allocation.
• Provide guidance to less experienced staff and serve as a resource to management.

Skills

Manufacturing Operations Variance Analysis

ERP systems knowledge (Costpoint preferred)

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Expert knowledge of accounting standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Tools

Costpoint

MRP systems

Job description

Job ID: 114733

Location: Melbourne FL (Hybrid preferred, possibility for Remote work)

Schedule: 9/80

The Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business within DRS has locations in Dallas and Austin, TX, Melbourne, FL, and Cypress, CA. EOIS develops, manufactures, and supports infrared and electro‑optical solutions for soldiers, ground vehicles and airborne platforms.

Job Summary

The Principal Cost Accountant provides advanced business operations and cost accounting expertise, leading complex analyses, forecasts, and special projects that support strategic decision‑making across the organization. This role interprets accounting data and manufacturing variances, ensures proper cost allocation, prepares and reviews cost and forecast reports, supports audits, and presents key findings and recommendations to senior management. The position also serves as a resource to leadership and less experienced staff and enhances the cost accounting systems and processes.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform highly complex tasks for Business Operations
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of accounting standards and practices
• Conduct independent research and apply analytical and problem solving skills to lead and complete numerous and diverse special projects
• Present findings of work to senior management
• Prepare, consolidate and review company forecasts
• Provide assistance to management, interpreting accounting reports and identifying and resolving problem areas
• Analyze and explain manufacturing variances
• Provide guidance to less experienced staff members
• Assist in audits
• Prepare and analyze cost reports
• Conduct analysis comparing forecasts with actual expenses
• Ensure that costs are allocated in accordance with established procedures
• Gather cost data on labor, material and subcontract costs, etc.
• May assist with gross margin analysis
• May be involved with the administration and enhancement of the cost accounting system

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field with 8+ years directly related experience (Manufacturing, etc.), preferably in a defense/government contracting environment (or equivalent combination of education/training and experience)
• Experience with Manufacturing Operations Variance Analysis (excess and obsolete inventory analysis, Bill of Material (BOM), attrition rate analysis, scrap/yield analysis, etc.)
• Working knowledge of ERP (Costpoint preferred) and MRP (supply chain)

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

Benefits

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well‑being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career‑growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.

*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Equal Opportunity Statement

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.