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

Seniority level

Employment type

Job function

Industries

Benefits

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