Cost Accounting Manager

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. Job Overview We are seeking a Cost Accounting Manager to join our Accounting team supporting Saronic’s rapid growth. This role owns the core cost accounting processes, including standard costing, product costing, inventory valuation, and the cost accounting components of the month-end close. You will become an expert in our products, their manufacturing processes, and their costs, and ensure accurate, auditable financial reporting of inventory and cost of goods sold. You will work closely with Manufacturing Finance, Supply Chain Finance, Production, Manufacturing Engineering, and Inventory Control to ensure information flows cleanly between our systems and that inventory transactions are recorded and valued correctly. You will define the standards of excellence for cost accounting at Saronic and build processes that scale with the business. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys owning a function end to end, working side by side with production teams, and building resilient, controlled processes in a fast-moving, high-growth manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities - Own the standard costing process. Maintain cost accounting standards and standard costs for finished goods and production components in the ERP, including cost roll-ups that incorporate raw material standards from Supply Chain Finance and overhead rates from Manufacturing Finance. - Own inventory valuation. Own the inventory costing process and the related financial reporting impacts, including capitalization, absorption, and valuation in accordance with GAAP. - Own the cost accounting close. Own month-end close activities for inventory and cost accounting, including reconciliations, journal entries, reserves, and support schedules, and ensure accurate and timely reporting. - Analyze variances. Lead analysis of purchase price, usage, labor, overhead, and yield variances and other anomalies, and prepare clear explanations of discrepancies for senior management. - Ensure ERP integrity. Ensure the validity and accuracy of cost data and inventory records across PMS, MES, and ERP systems through analysis, internal audit, and coordination with Inventory Control, Production, and Manufacturing Engineering. - Partner with Manufacturing Finance and Supply Chain Finance. Coordinate on overhead pools and rates, raw material standard costs, and the financial impact of production and sourcing decisions. - Partner with production and operations. Work with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to understand variances, resolve root causes, and improve how inventory transactions flow through the systems. - Define standards and controls. Define the standards of excellence for cost accounting, and design and implement controls and practices that prevent systemic issues and support audit readiness. - Drive process improvement and automation. Identify and execute improvements across production, cost accounting, and supply chain processes, and streamline and automate complex processes to improve accuracy and efficiency. - Support decision-making. Prepare financial analysis of manufacturing costs, inventory, and expense information to support leadership decisions. - Support audits and technical accounting. Support internal and external audits and apply sound technical accounting judgment to inventory and cost accounting matters. - Anticipate risks. Identify risks to cost accuracy and inventory valuation early, mobilize resources to address them, and make decisive calls in ambiguous situations. Required Qualifications - 7-9 years of accounting experience, including significant cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment - Hands-on experience with standard costing, including cost roll-ups, variance analysis, and inventory valuation - Strong grasp of GAAP and cost accounting principles for inventory and cost of goods sold, and of inventory management practices - Experience owning month-end close activities for inventory and cost accounting - Understanding of how data flows between production, manufacturing execution, and ERP systems (e.g., PMS, MES, and ERP) - Extremely strong Excel skills, especially advanced financial modeling and analytical techniques - Ability to streamline and automate complex processes - Excellent analytical skills with a strong focus on accuracy and attention to detail - Excellent communication skills and high confidence in stating professional opinions to cross-functional and senior stakeholders - Ability to work independently and under pressure in a fast-paced environment, prioritize against deadlines, and solve problems as they arise - NetSuite experience (preferred) or other accounting ERP experience - Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance Preferred Qualifications - CPA or CMA - Experience in high-growth, defense, aerospace, shipbuilding, robotics, or deep-tech manufacturing environments - Experience with low-volume, high-complexity, or program-based manufacturing and the transition from prototype to production costing - Experience with overhead absorption and overhead rate methodologies - Experience with standard costing - Experience with government contract costing or cost accounting standards - Experience supporting internal and external audits of inventory and cost accounting - Experience establishing or scaling cost accounting processes and controls Physical Demands - Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer - Occasional standing and walking within the office - Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment - Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports - Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies - Occasional lifting and carrying of items up to 20 pounds (e.g., office supplies, packages) Benefits - Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services. Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents. - Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care. Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents. - Time Off: Generous PTO and holidays - Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents - Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses - Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match - Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success - Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage - Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options, including a 24/7 telehealth helpline - Additional Perks: Free lunch and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees https://saronic-assets-public.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Saronic%20CCPA%20Notice%20for%20Candidates%20and%20California%20Employees.pdf If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/8/1324b. Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.