Cost Accounting Manager

Saildrone • Alameda, CA

4d

About The Position

Saildrone is seeking a Cost Accounting Manager to join our Finance organization and support the continued scaling of our global manufacturing and Fleet operations. This role will own cost accounting operations, ensure accurate inventory valuation and cost of goods sold, and build scalable processes that support production, supply chain, and mission execution growth. This is a hands-on leadership role in a fast-moving, hardware-enabled technology environment. The Cost Accounting Manager will drive cost visibility across vehicle builds, strengthen inventory controls, and support compliance requirements aligned with government and defense customers. We are looking for a disciplined, detail-oriented operator who thrives in ambiguity, builds structure where it doesn’t exist, and elevates cost discipline across a scaling organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required
• CPA with experience in Public Accounting or Audit a strong plus
• 8–12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including strong cost accounting experience in a manufacturing or hardware-based technology environment
• Experience with inventory accounting, WIP, standard costing, and variance analysis required
• Experience with government contracts, defense customers, or regulated environments preferred
• Hands-on ERP experience (NetSuite strongly preferred)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to partner across technical and operational teams

Responsibilities

• Own and manage standard costing, including development, maintenance, and variance analysis across materials, labor, and overhead
• Oversee inventory accounting across raw materials, WIP, and Finished goods, ensuring accuracy and compliance
• Lead the change from Average costing to Standard Costing
• Finance Business Partner in the initiative for new MRP, PLM and QMS systems at Saildrone
• Analyze and report purchase price variance (PPV), production variances, and inventory reserves
• Partner with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Engineering to track cost drivers and improve unit economics
• Support month-end close with focus on inventory, COGS, BOMS, and cost-related journal entries
• Strengthen inventory controls and documentation to support audit readiness, including potential DoD-related compliance frameworks
• Lead physical inventory processes, cycle counts, and reconciliation activities
• Improve accounting systems, automation, and cost reporting workflows within NetSuite. Build, lead, and develop a team supporting cost accounting and inventory operations

Benefits

• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave
• Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents
• Equity grants
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options
• Annual professional development reimbursement program
• Relocation assistance for eligible roles

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees