Senior Cost Accountant

PDW; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(K) with company match

Generous paid time off

On-site fitness center

Job summary

A leading defense technology firm in Huntsville, Alabama, is seeking a Senior Cost Accountant to enhance cost accounting and financial operations in a manufacturing setting. The ideal candidate will have 5-10 years of experience, strong analytical skills, and expertise in cost accounting principles. Responsibilities include developing cost models, performing variance analysis, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive profitability. This full-time role offers a comprehensive benefits package in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of inventory management and product lifecycle costing.
• Ability to analyze data and provide actionable financial insights.
• Advanced Excel and analytical skills; data visualization is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain standard cost models for products.
• Partner with teams to analyze costs from development to production.
• Perform variance analysis and report cost drivers to management.
• Perform detailed variance analysis and report key cost drivers to management.
• Support monthly and quarterly closes, inventory reconciliations, cost roll-ups, and journal entries.
• Maintain inventory valuation and cost of goods sold accounts and resolve discrepancies.
• Lead or support cost audits, cycle counts, and inventory control initiatives.
• Generate reports and dashboards to support decision-making and reviews.

Skills

Cost accounting principles

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

R&D to production costing

Inventory management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

NetSuite

Excel

Job description

Join to apply for the Senior Cost Accountant role at PDW

Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a highly skilled Senior Cost Accountant with 5–10 years of experience to support our cost accounting and financial operations in a hardware manufacturing environment with integrated product development. The ideal candidate will have strong experience working across the Research & Development (R&D) to Production lifecycle, providing insight into product costing, variance analysis, and process improvements that drive profitability and operational efficiency. Experience with NetSuite is a significant plus.

What You'll Do

• Develop and maintain standard cost models for hardware and software-integrated products, including material, labor, and overhead components.
• Partner with R&D, engineering, and production teams to analyze prototype and pilot run costs, ensuring accurate transition from development to full‑scale production.
• Perform detailed variance analysis (materials, labor, overhead) and report key cost drivers to management.
• Support monthly and quarterly close processes, including inventory reconciliations, cost roll‑ups, and journal entries.
• Maintain and reconcile inventory valuation and cost of goods sold accounts; identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Lead or support cost audits, cycle counts, and inventory control initiatives.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement throughout the product lifecycle.
• Generate reports and dashboards using NetSuite (and other tools) to support decision‑making and operational reviews.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting standards, and company policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of progressive cost accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing or technology hardware/software environment.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles, inventory management, and product lifecycle costing.
• Experience supporting both R&D and production functions, including prototype costing and standard cost establishment.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, particularly NetSuite (highly preferred).
• Advanced Excel and analytical skills; experience with data visualization or reporting tools a plus.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to work on‑site and collaborate with cross‑functional teams in a dynamic environment.

Preferred

• Familiarity with BOM (Bill of Materials) structures, routing, and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to translate operational data into actionable financial insights.
• Strong initiative, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement mindset.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Must be able to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about regularly throughout the day. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment (e.g., computer, phone, copier). Must be capable of extended periods of computer‑based work, including data entry and financial analysis.

This position typically operates in a professional office environment, with occasional interaction in a manufacturing setting. The role requires regular use of standard office equipment and may occasionally involve exposure to elevated noise levels when in the manufacturing area. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional overtime based on operations demand. This is a fast‑paced environment requiring cross‑departmental collaboration as well as independent execution of responsibilities.

In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Compensation and Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options
• On‑site fitness center

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non‑discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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Seniority Level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

• Full‑time

Job Function

• Finance

Industries

• Defense and Space Manufacturing and Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing