Senior Manager, Cost Accounting

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions.Click here to learn more.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly capable Senior Manager of Cost Accounting to play a key role in driving cost transparency, operational insight, and financial discipline across the organization. This position partners closely with operational and functional leaders to analyze cost drivers, support planning and forecasting, and influence decision-making.

This role is focused on forward-looking cost management and business partnership. The successful candidate will bring strong judgment, analytical depth, and the ability to translate financial information into actionable insight. This position is viewed as a critical role within the finance organization, offering meaningful scope, visibility, and long-term growth opportunity for the right individual.

Key Responsibilities

• Own analysis and forecasting of departmental spending, headcount, and cost drivers, supporting forecasts, budgets, and long-range planning

• Lead absorption and variance analysis, identifying drivers across labor, overhead, inventory, and other operating costs

• Partner with business leaders to explain results, challenge assumptions, and support cost and productivity decisions

• Support inventory planning and analysis, including valuation trends and alignment with operational forecasts

• Prepare clear, concise reporting and analysis for senior leadership to support decision-making

• Drive continuous improvement in cost models, forecasting approaches, and analytical tools

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CMA preferred

• 7+ years of progressive experience in cost accounting, plant finance, or operations-focused FP&A within a manufacturing environment

• Strong understanding of cost drivers, absorption concepts, variance analysis, and inventory principles

• Experience supporting forecasting, budgeting, and planning activities tied to operational performance

• Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with non-financial leaders and influence outcomes

• Advanced Excel skills and experience working with ERP systems (IFS experience a plus)

• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills

Additional Considerations

• This role does not have direct reports initially; however, prior people leadership experience or demonstrated leadership capability is important

• The role is designed to take on increasing scope and responsibility over time, based on performance and business needs

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.