Senior Manufacturing Cost Accountant

Job Details

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

We are seeking a motivated and analytical individual that can work well, both independently and in a team environment, to serve as Cost Accountant IV in our Cost Accounting Group. This unique opportunity is part of the Controller and Financial Planning Division, which supports the exploration and innovation of the laboratory's missions by performing professional accounting work. This position requires knowledge of the theory and practice of recording, classifying, examining, and analyzing the data and records of financial transactions to guarantee compliance to the prime contract, various regulatory provisions and maintain the integrity of JPL's financials. The Division's functions encompass Institutional Accounting, Travel and Invoice Management, Financial Planning, Analysis & Compliance, and the CFP Strategic Planning Office. The Division ensures that the finance and accounting policy and procedures of the laboratory are efficient, effective and compliant with relevant regulations so that JPL can "Dare Mighty Things". We pride ourselves on providing innovative solutions to overcome business challenges facing JPL on a regular basis. Our collaborative teaming approach ensures us a unique window into the amazing work being accomplished at JPL.

As a Cost Accountant IV, you will conduct timely and relevant analysis of accounting issues to support internal and external requirements, perform reconciliations, support audit requests, and prepare and analyze reports as requested.

Some Challenges You May Tackle:

• Analyze complex and wide-ranging accounting transactions for various business processes

• Prepare, identify, and resolve discrepancies in various complex reconciliation processes

• Oversee accounting aspects of manufacturing processes

• Develop and maintain standard labor rates for manufacturing labor resource pool

• Monitor standard equipment rates developed for manufacturing usage pools

• Develop reconciliation procedures for manufacturing accounting processes

• Responsible for cost accumulation and distribution processes across JPL

• Perform cost impact studies and provide recommendations

• Review, update and issue the Cost Accounting Disclosure Statement based on accounting changes

• Lead the design of new accounting processes in accordance with accounting regulations

• Facilitating resolution of policy non-compliance by all levels of JPL employees and organizations

• Review charging requests and provide guidance to the JPL community

• Support internal/external audits related to Cost Accounting

• Support strategic initiatives that align with the division’s mission/visions and other hoc assignments

Required Skills:

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or related discipline with a minimum of 9 years of related experience; or a Master's degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 7 year of related experience.

• Extensive knowledge in related fields of: Accounting, Cost Accounting, Manufacturing & Standard Rates

• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex and critical issues.

• Extensive experience in manufacturing accounting environment

• Ability to work effectively and independently in a dynamic environment.

• Demonstrated ability to exert business authority and resolve accounting concerns and conflicts independently

• Ability to lead and facilitate implementation of new business processes, or enhancements to current processes

• Ability to lead small teams on new initiatives

• Advance skills with Microsoft Office; Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication and presentation skills.

Desired Skills:

• Knowledge of applicable industry and/or academic practices and standards in Accounting.

• Broad knowledge of Federal Government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).

• Broad knowledge of Aerospace, Non-profit or Higher Education accounting practices.

• Broad knowledge of Manufacturing practices, and IT business models

• Knowledge of JPL policies and procedures, NASA policies and procedures, and government regulations.

• Advance knowledge and experience working with an integrated financial system.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training. Hiring range for this job may be adjusted based on primary work location outside of Pasadena, California. This adjusted range will be provided to candidates by the Recruiter when applicable.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$115,336 - $145,392

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.

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Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.