Cost Account Manager - Cost Plus Contracts

Overview

This role supports Cost Plus civil space programs for offices in Palo Alto, CA. The work may also be performed remotely within the U.S. The position manages, monitors, and reports cost account performance to ensure compliance with contract requirements, internal financial controls, and program objectives. Cross-functional collaboration with engineering, procurement, scheduling, and program management teams is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned cost accounts within the Cost Plus program, ensuring accurate tracking of labor, materials, subcontracts, and other direct costs
• Monitor budget-to-actual variances and provide timely analysis of cost performance
• Develop and maintain Estimates at Completion (EAC) and Estimates to Complete (ETC)
• Support monthly financial close processes and reconciliation activities
• Identify cost trends, risks, and opportunities for cost savings
• Prepare variance analysis reports and explanations for management review
• Support Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs) and other program reviews
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS regulations and contract requirements for Cost Plus programs
• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Support government audits (DCAA/DCMA) by providing documentation and cost justification
• Maintain proper cost segregation between contract line items and ensure allowability of costs
• Partner with project leads, engineers, and program managers to forecast resource needs
• Collaborate with procurement on subcontract cost management
• Work with accounting to ensure proper cost allocation and recording
• Participate in program meetings to provide financial insights and recommendations

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field. A master’s degree may count as two years of experience
• 8 years of experience in cost account management, preferably in aerospace/defense
• Experience with Cost-Plus government contracts (CPFF, CPAF, CPIF) with responsibility for technical, financial, and contractual performance
• Experience managing program financials, including forecasting, funding management, Estimates at Completion (EACs), staffing, and resource planning

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Accounting, or MBA
• Professional certification (CPA, CMA, or EVP certification)
• Knowledge of commercial space architectures, missions, systems, requirements, and acquisition methods; ability to strategize unique solutions
• Experience with Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) development and maintenance
• Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)

Compensation & Benefits

Base pay ranges by location:

• Colorado: $97,000.00 - $161,000.00 annually
• New Jersey: $97,000.00 - $161,000.00 annually
• Delaware: $97,000.00 - $161,000.00 annually
• Washington, DC metropolitan area: $107,000.00 - $178,000.00 annually
• California: $111,000.00 - $185,000.00 annually

For all other states, geographic cost of labor is used to develop market-driven ranges.

Benefits include paid time off, health and welfare insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees.

Location

• Palo Alto, CA (office-based)
• Remote within the U.S. may be available

Equal Opportunity

Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Window

The application window is three days from the date the job is posted and remains posted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire. If reposted, it remains posted three days from the repost date and continues until a qualified candidate has been identified.