Manufacturing Cost Accountant

Manufacturing Cost Leader

Signia Aerospace is built on decades of proven performance and partnership in the aircraft systems industry. The proven brands that operate under the Signia Aerospace ecosystem lead the field in thermal management and mission-specific equipment. They are the brands of choice for pilots, maintenance directors, ground crews, and supply chain professionals worldwide, in commercial, private, and military applications. Our depth of expertise and unique pool of resources allows us to act as an integrated, nimble partner in the design, manufacture, delivery, and service of highly specialized aircraft systems and components.

Hartzell Engine Tech (HET) is a leading OEM supplier and aerospace technology company that includes branded components from Janitrol Aero, Plane-Power, Aeroforce Turbocharger Systems, Sky-Tec, Fuelcraft and PowerUP, providing engine accessories and heating solutions that meet the demanding challenges of today's aircraft systems.

We are a team that prides ourselves on a culture that supports shared values of empowerment, accountability, drive, integrity, and respect. Our team shares a deep commitment to safety and collaboration. We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being and professional growth including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, life insurance, 401(K) plans with employer match, company provided Growth Participation Units (GPU) and so much more.

Our GPU benefit is unique to the industry and encourages all employees to think like owners and receive future financial reward for contributions to business growth. Join our team to be part of a culture that encourages growth and development and celebrates our success.

The Manufacturing Cost Leader is responsible for leading the cost team in ensuring the accuracy of product costs, inventory valuation and manufacturing variances for the Hartzell Engine Tech (HET) & Hartzell Aerospace MRO (HA MRO) sites. This role supports operations, supply chain and engineering by providing reliable cost data, analyzing production performance and driving continuous improvements in standard costing, BOM/routing accuracy and manufacturing financial controls. This position has one direct report.

Key deliverables of position:

• Standard Costing & Product Cost Structure
• Maintain and update standard costs for materials, labor and overhead in the ERP system (SAP, Epicor or similar)
• Review and validate BOMs and routings in partnership with Operations and Manufacturing Engineering
• Support annual cost roll including overhead calculation, rate-setting and validation of cost assumptions
• Analyze financial impact of make-buy decision and production process changes

• Manufacturing Variance Analysis
• Reporting and analysis of:
• Material usage variance
• Purchase price variance (PPV)
• Labor efficiency and rate variances
• Overhead absorption variances
• Scrap and rework costs
• Work order closure variances
• Investigate root causes with operations, supply chain and engineering
• Provide reporting and actionable insights to HET management

• Inventory & Work Order Accounting
• Ensure accurate accounting of WIP, raw materials and finished goods
• Perform monthly inventory reconciliations/cycle count analysis (with help of Asst. Controller)
• Review and close manufacturing work orders for accuracy
• Support Physical Inventory counts and year end audits

• Operational Support & Cross Functional Collaboration
• Partner with Operations to drive cost improvements and throughput
• Provide costing support for new products
• Assist Supply Chain with supplier cost analysis/PPV root cause reviews

• Financial Reporting & Month-End Close
• Prepare cost related journal entries (inventory adjustments, scrap, overhead allocations).
• Support month-end close to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting
• Maintain and document costing policies and procedures
• Work with Controller and VP Group Finance to support budgeting, forecasting and cost driver modeling

First Year Success Factors

• Learn the business, products and build strong partnerships with Operations, Supply Chain and Manufacturing Engineering
• Participate in ERP migration
• Accuracy in standard costs
• Reduction in manufacturing variances with more predictable forecasting
• Timely, meaningful variance analysis that drives decisions and actions
• Clean inventory reconciliation with minimal adjustments

Requirements

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field; experience in aerospace, defense, automotive or other high-mix manufacturing.
• 5-7 years of experience in cost accounting or manufacturing finance

Required Technical Competencies

• Solid knowledge of GAAP and inventory accounting
• Strong understanding of standard costing in a manufacturing ERP system
• Strong understanding of BOMS, routings, labor standards and work order flows
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail and accuracy
• Lean/Continuous improvement exposure (5S, Kaizen, Six Sigma)
• Proficient computer skills; (Microsoft Office, Outlook, Access, ERP); Excel skills should be advanced and include pivot tables and lookups. Preferred experience with Epicor Kinetic or SAP (S/4)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders

Behavioral Competencies – Demonstrates behaviors consistent with our values

• Thinks and acts like an owner
• Uses company resources wisely & cost-effectively
• Shows pride in the organization and a commitment to its long-term success
• Takes full responsibility for their actions
• Holds self to high standards of performance and integrity

• Demonstrates high integrity
• Consistently acts with honesty, transparency and high ethics
• Makes decisions based on what is morally right
• Owns their actions and holds self-accountable

• Puts team above self; in it together
• Prioritizes team and company over personal gain
• Collaborates with team members within the department and across all functions
• Contributes to a positive, inclusive work environment

• Innovates and improves
• Actively supports or initiates continuous improvement efforts
• Shares ideas and suggests solutions that enhance team or business performance
• Stays open to feedback and embraces changes
• Demonstrates a bias towards action

• Honors commitments
• Consistently follows through on project timelines, meeting and deliverables
• Takes ownership for responsibilities and delivers results
• Makes and holds commitment
• Communicates proactively when challenges arise and adjusts plans to stay on track

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veteran/Disability/E-Verify