← Search all jobs

Cost Accountant, Lead

Curtiss Wright

Remote (US) · Posted October 30, 2026

Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks

See every open role at Curtiss Wright

More in All Cost Accountant jobs (95) · Manufacturing & Industrial · Finance jobs

More roles at Curtiss Wright

Similar jobs

Finance jobs in the rankings

How AI is used in this kind of work

Among accountants and auditors, AI is already used for a large share of the tasks. Measured exposure for accountants and auditors: 35% (high).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

Check how this applies to your own job

Skills this job asks for

Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.

About the job

Cost Accountant, Lead – Hybrid or Remote

We have a rewarding opportunity for a Lead Cost Accountant join our team in Santa Clarita, CA!

As our Lead Cost Accountant, you are responsible for accurate and timely accounting transactions and operations, account reconciliation and reporting. This position reports to the Cost Accounting Manager and works in collaboration with all accounting departments to provide accurate monthly financials, account reconciliations, detailed reporting and analysis to support business needs for executive management of the company. You will be a major contributor to a timely month-end close as well as all functional accounting transactional activities, such as inventory and cost accounting functions, and ad-hoc reporting. You will be an essential part of the accounting team and will need to integrate well with other departmental leaders to execute the business strategy and ensure operational and financial excellence.

Location: Santa Clarita, CA - Hybrid / Remote

We Take Care of Our People

Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture

Salary Range: $ 98,900.00 - $130,000.00 per year plus bonus. Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in California. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

Your Challenge:

Perform month-end closing duties and general ledger account reconciliations related to inventory, prepaid assets, and warranties.

Prepare a monthly excess and obsolete inventory reserve analysis/journal entry

Prepare and post inventory accruals for Percentage of Completion (POC) projects.

Analyze inventory to determine trends and possible inventory issues and opportunities.

Analyze purchase price and production variances

Analyze and report on manufacturing cost center spending variances to budget and forecast

Collaborate with Purchasing to update and review the standard material costs for inventory

Calculate and analyze standard labor, activity, and overhead rates

Analyze and report on manufacturing inventory cycle count performance

Assist with month-end and quarter-end reporting to Corporate

Assist in preparation of timely customer progress billings related to actual project cost incurred

Assist in Government compliance audits and reporting

General accounting and finance tasks as required

Aid in various internal/external audits including Sarbanes-Oxley controls testing

Ad Hoc reporting and analysis

What You Bring:

5+ years of progressively responsible cost accounting and financial analysis or similar business experience

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

Experience with cost accounting in a manufacturing environment with a thorough understanding of general and cost accounting principles and practices

Experience working with standard costing within a project-based system preferred

Strong analytical skills; problem solving skills that respond quickly and effectively to operational issues

Ability to analyze and extract data to set direction and make business recommendations and decisions

Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Ability to effectively interact with cross functional departments and employees at all levels

Ability to manage multiple tasks through prioritization of workload with strong attention to detail, accuracy and high efficiency

Demonstrable ability to effectively envision, develop, and implement new processes and tools to solve complex financial reporting and operational business issues

Proficient in the use of SAP would be a plus

Must be able to work with Excel/Word and PowerPoint at an advanced level

Experience in technology/manufacturing industry a strong plus

Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills

Who We Are:

Our Values

Environmental, Social and Governance

The Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions facility in Santa Clarita, California is the center of excellence for hardware level system integration and advanced package design.

Integrated Systems in Santa Clarita prides itself on experience, expertise, and low risk solutions. Our primary focus is understanding the technical challenges our customers face and creating partnerships in order to provide a high TRL solution.

For more information visit: Santa Clarita, California | Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions (curtisswrightds.com)

#LI-YH1

No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.

Compliance Statement

This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.

Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.

For US Applicants: EEO is The Law – click here for more information.

If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.