Cost Controller

**Cost Controller Position**

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of government contracts, cost structures, and financial reporting within manufacturing operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Cost Accounting & Compliance

• Implement, maintain, and enhance cost accounting methodologies, ensuring compliance with CAS, FAR, and DFARS regulations.
• Develop and maintain the BPCS (Arrowhead ERP) cost system, ensuring data accuracy and efficiency.
• Analyze standard vs. actual costs, labor and material variances, and manufacturing efficiencies to drive cost optimization.
• Lead cost audits and provide financial recommendations to senior leadership.

Inventory & Variance Management

• Oversee inventory cycle counts, regular audits, and inventory management strategies to minimize costs while maintaining availability.
• Analyze cost fluctuations due to changes in product design, raw materials, manufacturing processes, or services provided.

Government Contracts & Financial Reporting

• Maintain expertise in Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Cost-Plus contracts, ensuring accurate cost allocations and regulatory adherence.
• Prepare cost proposals and financial reports compliant with government contracting standards.
• Support government audits by ensuring financial records and cost structures align with regulatory requirements.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Prepare monthly and annual cost reports, financial forecasts, and budgeting strategies to support operational decision-making.
• Lead month-end closing processes, including journal entries, inventory roll-forwards, and reconciliation of conversion costs.
• Calculate burden rates and establish expense budgets for manufacturing and service departments.

Cross-functional Collaboration & Leadership

• Oversee and mentor the Finance Planning & Analysis (FP&A) team, currently consisting of three analysts.
• Collaborate closely with Accounting, Operations, and other cross-functional teams to enhance financial transparency and reporting accuracy.
• Ensure financial systems and internal controls align with corporate objectives and industry best practices.

Other Responsibilities

• Continuously evaluate and enhance cost accounting procedures, updating documentation as needed.
• Support executive leadership with financial insights, cost control strategies, and process improvements.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of cost accounting experience in either aerospace or high-volume manufacturing industries.
• Proven experience with both standard and actual costing methodologies.
• Strong understanding of government contract accounting principles, CAS, FAR, and DFARS compliance.
• Prior experience with government audits is preferred.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Advanced proficiency in cost accounting, financial reporting, and variance analysis.
• Expertise in ERP systems (BPCS/Arrowhead ERP preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
• Experience managing Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Cost-Plus contracts.
• Ability to effectively present financial information to senior management and cross-functional teams.
• Strong leadership skills with at least 1-3 years of supervisory experience.
• Effective time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.