Cost Accounting Manager

JPL

$138K — $174K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related discipline with a minimum of 9 years of experience, or master's with 7 years, or PhD with 5 years; minimum 2 years in a lead role.
  • Significant expertise in project cost accounting and financial management systems.
  • Experience with ERP systems is required.
  • Proven ability to lead and develop high-performance teams.
  • Advanced knowledge of rigorous accounting principles and ability to apply them innovatively.
  • Strong problem-solving skills in complex business environments.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills necessary for team collaboration.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage major accounting functions including project and property accounting.
  • Ensure employee performance and productivity through effective management.
  • Build a high-performance team and provide strategic direction.
  • Ensure compliance with laboratory and institutional policies and contract requirements.
  • Maintain a safe working environment conducive to productivity.
  • Cultivate relationships with stakeholders to enhance collaborative efforts.
  • Develop strategic goals for continuous improvement in cost accounting processes.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Paid time off and flexible scheduling arrangements.
  • Childcare support and parental leave policies.
  • Access to learning and professional development programs.
  • Work-life balance initiatives and wellness programs.
Full Job Description
Job Details

We are seeking a motivated and analytical individual that can work well, both independently and in a team environment, to lead the Cost Accounting Group (CAG) in the Enterprise Accounting Services Section. This unique opportunity is part of the Accounting and Contracts Division, which supports the exploration and innovation of the laboratory's missions by performing professional accounting work. This position requires knowledge of the theory and practice of recording, classifying, examining, and analyzing costs across various projects and cost centers to guarantee compliance with the prime contract, various regulatory provisions and maintain the integrity of JPL's financials. The Division's functions encompass Enterprise Accounting Services, Payment & Travel Services and Contracts Management, Policy & Compliance Office. The Division ensures that the finance and accounting policy and procedures of the laboratory are efficient, effective and compliant with relevant regulations so that JPL can "Dare Mighty Things". We pride ourselves on providing innovative solutions to overcome business challenges facing JPL on a regular basis. Our collaborative teaming approach ensures us a unique window into the amazing work being accomplished at JPL.

Responsibilities of a Cost Accounting Manager include the following:

  • Lead and manage the following major accounting functions: project, property, manufacturing work in process and service center accounting.
  • Ensure the performance and productivity of employees under your supervision.
  • Build and maintain a high-performance team, offering direction to meet organization objectives.
  • Ensure employees are aware of and comply with Laboratory and Institutional policies, procedures, regulatory and prime contract requirements.
  • Maintain a safe and focused environment.
  • Hire, develop and retain a diverse, highly skilled staff, providing career coaching and personal growth opportunities.
  • Cultivate effecting working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Maintain adequate and effective internal controls to safeguard and properly record financial transactions.
  • Develop and implement Strategic goals for the Group, promoting continuous improvement, best practices, and efficiency in cost accounting and reporting operations.
  • Employ industry best practices to ensure success and compliance with the areas of responsibility.
  • Support internal and external audits and reviews, regularly assessing and enhancing processes to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Required Skills:

  • Bachelors degree in Accounting, or related discipline with a minimum of 9 years of related experience; Masters degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 7 years of related experience; or PhD in similar disciplines with a minimum of 5 years related experience. Minimum of 2 years of lead experience.
  • Knowledge in the Accounting field with significant expertise in project cost accounting, cost allocations, integrated financial management systems and automated project cost systems discipline.
  • Experience with ERP systems.
  • Demonstrated experience in leading work groups and teams.
  • Extensive understanding and wide application of advanced principles, theories, and concepts in accounting field of knowledge resulting in contributions to the development of new theories and methods.
  • Demonstrated ability to solve complex business system issues.
  • Demonstrated communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to facilitate and/or work in a team environment and strong desire to manage in an organization dedicated to providing customer focused services.

Desired Skills:

  • Has wide-ranging experience and advanced knowledge in one or more related fields of knowledge with Federal government requirements including those in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), NASA FAR, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) Guidelines.
  • Has complete knowledge of Laboratory policies and procedures, NASA policies and procedures, and government regulations across a range of applications.
  • Considered an expert in Accounting Theory within own organization.
  • MBA or equivalent with 10 years of progressive experience including three years as a supervisor of a project/cost accounting organization.
  • Experience resolving internal and external audit findings.
  • Experience in dealing with post implementation system and business process improvement issues.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee27s start date.

For further benefits information click

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate27s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$138,632 - $174,304

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