Manager, Cost Accounting
ArcherArcher is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.
Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.
We are seeking a highly motivated, results-driven Cost Accounting Manager with over 8 years of progressive experience in cost accounting. This role requires a self-starter with a proactive mindset, capable of leading cost initiatives, identifying opportunities for process improvement, and driving financial insights that support operational efficiency. This is a critical role, reporting to the Director of Cost Accounting, and will work with cross functional teams as we move towards commercialization.
The ideal candidate is a go-getter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates strong ownership, and is comfortable partnering across departments to influence key business decisions. SAP experience is strongly preferred.
What You'll Do:
- Lead all cost accounting functions, including standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation.
- Analyze manufacturing performance by comparing actual costs to standards and identifying drivers of variances.
- Collaborate with operations, supply chain, and engineering to ensure accurate costing, inventory control, and margin management.
- Provide strategic insights through in-depth financial and operational analysis to drive profitability and cost control.
- Own and manage the month-end close process for cost and inventory accounting.
- Develop, document, and continuously improve cost accounting procedures and internal controls.
- Lead annual standard cost roll and support budgeting and forecasting efforts related to cost of goods sold (COGS).
- Coordinate physical inventory counts and cycle counts to ensure accurate reporting.
- Act as a key business partner to leadership, bringing a hands-on and solution-oriented approach to complex challenges.
What You Need:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
- CPA, CMA, or other relevant certification is a strong plus.
- 8+ years of progressive accounting experience.
- SAP experience is highly preferred, especially in cost, inventory, and production modules.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently, and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work across teams and influence non-financial stakeholders.
- Familiarity with business intelligence platforms (eg. Power BI, Tableau, Sigma) is highly desirable.
- Experience in Aviation or aerospace industry is a plus.
Bonus Qualifications:
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for solving problems and delivering results.
- Experience in fast-paced, highly regulated manufacturing environments.
- Strong leadership presence and team development skills.
Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.
At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $124,800 - $156,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer’s People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.