Director of Cost Accounting
Aerospace Company El Segundo, California, United States (On-site)
Director of Cost Accounting (Onsite – El Segundo, CA)
Confidential, VC‑Backed Manufacturing & Aerospace Platform
A rapidly scaling, VC‑backed aerospace manufacturing platform is seeking a Director of Cost Accounting to build and lead the cost accounting function across a growing portfolio of acquired companies. This role is fully onsite in El Segundo, CA and reports directly to the Corporate Controller.
The company launched in 2024, secured significant venture funding, and completed multiple acquisitions in 2025. With additional acquisitions underway and several subsidiaries still in R&D phases, the organization is building its first consolidated financial reporting environment, implementing Epicor across all entities, and preparing for future government contract compliance.
This is a rare opportunity to join a fast‑moving, founder‑led environment where you will architect cost accounting systems from the ground up, modernize processes, and influence financial infrastructure across a multi‑entity manufacturing platform.
What You’ll Lead
• Build and own the cost accounting function across all subsidiaries.
• Implement standard costing, real‑time inventory processes, and BOM/time‑study methodologies.
• Lead the ERP migration into Epicor for cost accounting, inventory, and manufacturing workflows.
• Establish scalable GAAP‑compliant processes for consolidations, inventory valuation, and monthly reporting.
• Conduct deep‑dive assessments of newly acquired entities and implement efficient, standardized processes.
• Partner with plant controllers, GMs, and operations leaders to drive accuracy and accountability.
• Prepare the organization for future DCAA/government contract compliance as contract size increases.
• Support the company’s first external audit and build internal controls across fragmented legacy systems.
• Mentor indirect accounting staff across subsidiaries and leverage offshore support for transactional work.
• Travel as needed to facilities to implement systems and ensure operational alignment.
What You Bring
• CPA preferred; Big 4 or large public accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Background in manufacturing cost accounting; aerospace experience is a major plus.
• Experience with standard costing, inventory accounting, BOMs, labor allocation, and cost modeling.
• Strong systems orientation; ERP implementation experience (Epicor preferred).
• Ability to build processes from scratch in a fragmented, multi‑entity environment.
• Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, VC‑backed, high‑growth setting.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to translate complex cost concepts to non‑finance leaders.
• Self‑starter mindset with the ability to work autonomously and deliver results.
• Willingness to travel to plants across SoCal, the East Coast, and Mexico.
Why This Role Is Unique
• High autonomy — direct impact on financial infrastructure across all subsidiaries.
• Ground‑up build — implement cost accounting systems that will scale with future growth.
• Exposure to M&A — integrate newly acquired companies and standardize processes.
• Future‑proofing — help prepare for government contract audits and DCAA compliance.
• Leadership visibility — direct reporting line to the Corporate Controller
• Startup energy + manufacturing rigor — best of both worlds.
Compensation & Benefits
• Competitive base salary with potential cash bonus and equity for the right candidate.
• 100% employer‑paid medical, dental, and vision for single coverage.
• Free lunch daily, dinner provided when working late, stocked fridge, and daily coffee.
• Flexible start times; results‑driven culture (leadership often works 10:30–7:30/8).
• Onsite, 5 days per week in El Segundo, CA.