Operations Cost Controller

Eleven Recruiting is searching for a Cost Controller to join one of our largest and fastest-growing Space & Defense clients, sitting onsite in Santa Ana, CA.

This role is responsible for leading cost accounting, financial compliance, gross margin analysis, variance reporting, and SKU-level profitability tracking within a complex aerospace manufacturing environment. The Cost Controller will play a critical role in maintaining CAS-compliant cost systems while providing leadership with clear visibility into profitability by part number, program, and contract type.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing, government contract accounting, and ERP-driven cost systems, with the ability to translate detailed financial data into actionable operational insight.

Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain cost accounting methodologies in compliance with CAS, FAR, and DFARS requirements.
• Manage and optimize ERP-based cost accounting systems, ensuring accuracy, traceability, and audit readiness.
• Analyze standard vs. actual costs, including labor, material, overhead, and burden rates; identify and explain key variances.
• Own SKU-level cost and profitability analysis, delivering margin visibility by part number, production volume, and contract type.
• Prepare cost reports, forecasts, budgets, and margin analyses to support operational and leadership decision-making.
• Support Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Cost-Plus contracts through accurate cost allocation, pricing support, and proposal development.
• Lead month-end close activities related to manufacturing costs, inventory roll-forwards, and conversion cost reconciliation.
• Oversee inventory valuation, cycle counts, and audits to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Support internal, customer, and government audits by ensuring cost structures and documentation meet regulatory requirements.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management to improve cost visibility and profitability.
• Mentor and oversee members of the FP&A team, driving consistent financial reporting and analysis.
• Identify and implement continuous improvements to cost accounting processes, controls, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (required).
• 7–10+ years of cost accounting experience in aerospace, defense, or high-mix manufacturing environments.
• 1–3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong experience with standard and actual costing methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience managing SKU- or part-number-level profitability, including material, labor, overhead, and burden allocations.
• Working knowledge of government contract accounting, including CAS, FAR, and DFARS.
• Experience supporting government or customer audits.
• Proficiency with ERP-based cost accounting systems in a manufacturing setting.
• Solid understanding of GAAP and Cost Accounting Standards.
• Experience supporting FFP and Cost-Plus contracts.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, regulated manufacturing environment.

Salary: $160,000 - $175,000

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