Cost Accounting Manager
Saildrone
Accounting & Finance, Sales & Business Development
Alameda, CA, USA
THE COMPANY
Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With more ocean miles and real-world operational experience than any USV manufacturer or operator, Saildrone maintains active, combat-deployed systems supporting national security and force projection around the world, 24/7/365.
Saildrone’s manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA, with business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, and deployment hubs in Europe and the Middle East. By combining proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing, renewable power, and the most advanced and robust unmanned surface technology on the planet, Saildrone is shaping how the Navy of the future operates. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the forefront of maritime security and autonomous innovation.
THE POSITION
Saildrone is seeking a Cost Accounting Manager to join our Finance organization and support the continued scaling of our global manufacturing and Fleet operations. This role will own cost accounting operations, ensure accurate inventory valuation and cost of goods sold, and build scalable processes that support production, supply chain, and mission execution growth. This is a hands-on leadership role in a fast-moving, hardware-enabled technology environment. The Cost Accounting Manager will drive cost visibility across vehicle builds, strengthen inventory controls, and support compliance requirements aligned with government and defense customers. We are looking for a disciplined, detail-oriented operator who thrives in ambiguity, builds structure where it doesn’t exist, and elevates cost discipline across a scaling organization.
THE TEAM
The Finance team ensures Saildrone’s Financial foundation scales with global deployments and advanced technology development. We partner closely with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, and FP&A to deliver accurate, timely Financial insights that support operations in a national security and defense environment.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Own and manage standard costing, including development, maintenance, and variance analysis across materials, labor, and overhead
- Oversee inventory accounting across raw materials, WIP, and Finished goods, ensuring accuracy and compliance
- Lead the change from Average costing to Standard Costing
- Finance Business Partner in the initiative for new MRP, PLM and QMS systems at Saildrone
- Analyze and report purchase price variance (PPV), production variances, and inventory reserves
- Partner with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Engineering to track cost drivers and improve unit economics
- Support month-end close with focus on inventory, COGS, BOMS, and cost-related journal entries
- Strengthen inventory controls and documentation to support audit readiness, including potential DoD-related compliance frameworks
- Lead physical inventory processes, cycle counts, and reconciliation activities
- Improve accounting systems, automation, and cost reporting workflows within NetSuite. Build, lead, and develop a team supporting cost accounting and inventory operations
THE QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required
- CPA with experience in Public Accounting or Audit a strong plus
- 8–12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including strong cost accounting experience
- in a manufacturing or hardware-based technology environment
- Experience with inventory accounting, WIP, standard costing, and variance analysis required
- Experience with government contracts, defense customers, or regulated environments preferred
- Hands-on ERP experience (NetSuite strongly preferred)
- Strong communication skills with the ability to partner across technical and operational teams
The base salary range for this position is shown below. Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and qualifications. This range reflects the base salary for candidates in states requiring pay transparency disclosure.
To view Saildrone's candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy.
BENEFITS
At Saildrone, we’re building operational capability that matters—and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term. We invest in our team’s well-being, financial security, and professional growth so you can focus on delivering real-world impact with confidence and stability. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you and your family while you contribute to a mission with lasting significance.
- Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents—providing security and peace of mind.
- Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long-term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.
- Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.
- Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
- Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world’s best talent to our mission-critical locations.
Saildrone is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.