Eleven Recruiting is searching for a Cost Controller to join one of our largest Aerospace Manufacturing clients sitting onsite in Los Alamitos, CA. The Cost Controller is responsible for overseeing cost accounting, financial compliance, standard gross margin analysis, and variance reporting. This role plays a critical function in maintaining a fully compliant Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) system and ensuring the integrity of financial data within a high-volume manufacturing or aerospace environment. 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.
