Senior Cost Accountant

Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.!

Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry.

Headquartered in Bedford, NH, Safran DSI Optronics (formerly Optics 1) is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro-optic and navigation systems. Leveraging core competencies in defense technologies, Optronics provides unmatched, first-class mission solutions for military and law enforcement personnel.

We have a high-paced, high-energy environment focused on acknowledging individual and team successes, as well as overall growth. Optronics is a community that cares about the mission of our customers. Our team believes in supporting and enriching our community through engagement; whether that means giving back to our troops, veterans and their families, investing in next-generation innovators through STEM education or higher education initiatives, giving back is an important part of who we are as a team.

If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.

POSITION PROFILE:

The Senior Cost Accountant will be an integral member of the accounting team and responsible for a variety of accounting functions. The qualified candidate will work under minimal supervision as part of a small team and be an individual contributor. This role partners closely with operations, supply chain, and finance leadership to improve cost transparency and support strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, is detail-oriented, has deep knowledge of standard costing and inventory accounting, and has the ability to work in a fast-paced environment while prioritizing and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Possess a strong understanding of financial transactions and financial statements
• Perform detailed cost analysis, including standard cost updates, variance analysis, and monthly cost roll‑ups
• Monitor manufacturing performance and partner with Operations to identify cost drivers and improvement opportunities
• Lead Bill of Material (BOM) cost roll‑up activities, ensuring accuracy and timely support for product updates initiated by the Configuration Management team
• Create and distribute monthly reports related to inventory, production order variances, etc.
• Oversee the fixed asset accounting process, including capitalization, disposals, and depreciation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, GAAP standards, and audit requirements related to cost accounting
• Conduct gross margin analysis to evaluate product profitability and identify cost drivers impacting financial performance
• Complete purchase price variance analysis and corresponding journal entries
• Provide meaningful and accurate forecasts to assist leadership with decision-making
• Key contributor to internal and external audits
• Assist with SAP cost module enhancements, testing, and maintenance as needed
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes for production costs, inventory, and standard cost updates
• Assist in transfer pricing processes and calculations
• Back-up for other accounting functions as needed
• Ad hoc reporting as needed
• Special projects as requested

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in accounting/finance or related field
• Minimum five years’ experience in cost accounting in a manufacturing setting
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• ERP experience
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment
• Excellent analytical, organizational, verbal, and written skills
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident

IDEALLY, YOU’LL ALSO HAVE:

• Knowledge in Federal Acquisition Regulation and Cost Accounting Standards
• Prior experience working in an ITAR-compliant environment or for a DoD federal contractor
• Business Intelligence experience
• SAP experience

TRAVEL: Minimal travel may be required, including outside the local area and overnight.

EEO STATEMENT & ACCESSIBILITY:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – U.S. Protected Individual status required (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident as defined at 8 USC 1160(a)).