Senior Cost and Project Accountant I

About The Role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.  

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 

FINANCE

Rocket Lab’s Finance team is responsible for all financial transactions for the company, operating as a well-oiled machine to maximize the value of our work. Our Finance team are made up of planners, analysts and accountants, and manage our policies, compliance, and reporting. They’re the ones who keep our financial operations in check, always thinking ahead and taking care to meet all of our financial, business, and government obligations. They’re attentive, diligent, and meticulous, and are mission-critical to Rocket Lab. 

SENIOR COST AND PROJECT ACCOUNTANT I

Based at Rocket Lab’s Solar Manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico the Senior Cost and Project Accountant will be responsible for contract revenue, cost of sales and inventory. This position requires the ability to maintain accurate revenue and cost of sales for significant Rocket Lab customer contracts.

The Senior Cost & Project Accountant I will report to the Program Accounting Manager and work closely with the accounting team and partner with various team members throughout the organization.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Responsible for project revenue & cost recognition
• Update and reconcile customer contract backlog and customer contract asset & liability
• Track and reconcile inventory
• Support EAC cycle for project estimates and revenue recognition
• Review and interpret new contracts using the 5 step 606 accounting revenue standards
• Set up programs and charge codes in the accounting system
• Initiate process improvement projects
• Investigate and provide feedback on accounting irregularities
• Other duties as assigned
• Month End Activities:
  • Book journal entries to recognize OT and PIT revenue and cost of sales
  • Book journal entries and reconcile contract asset & liability
  • Book journal entries to adjust and reconcile inventory as needed
  • Document revenue and cost of sales processes - SOX control requirements
  • Prepare monthly and quarterly reporting requests as needed
  • Develop project cost processes as required

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of experience and a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent years of work experience (HS Diploma and 9+ years of work experience)
• Strong cost accounting experience in a complex manufacturing environment
• Strong ERP systems knowledge and experience
• Proven experience in providing financial decision support

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to explain project cost information to others
• Advanced Excel and analytical skills desirable

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. 

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at View email address on rocketlabcorp.com dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.