Cost Account Manager - Cost Plus Contracts

Overview

This role supports Cost Plus Civil Space programs and involves managing, monitoring, and reporting cost account performance to ensure compliance with contract requirements, internal financial controls, and program objectives. Responsibilities require strong financial acumen, attention to detail, and the ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, procurement, scheduling, and program management teams.

The position is based in Palo Alto, CA, and may also be performed remotely within the U.S.

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

Minimum Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field
  • A masters 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 required; 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

• 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, and each location where hiring occurs may have a different range.

Starting pay will be determined based on job-related factors, including experience, qualifications, knowledge, skills, geographic work location, and market conditions; candidates with the minimum necessary experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skillsets should not expect to receive the upper end of the pay range.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Health and welfare insurance
• 401(k) for eligible employees

Location

• Palo Alto, CA
• Remote option within the U.S.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 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.