Staff Cost Accountant
Saildrone
Accounting & Finance
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 Staff Cost Accountant to join our Finance organization and support cost accounting and inventory operations across our manufacturing and fleet lifecycle. This role will assist in ensuring accurate tracking of inventory, production costs, and cost of goods sold in a fast-scaling hardware environment. This is a hands-on role ideal for someone who wants to build deep expertise in cost accounting within a complex, real-world production system. The Staff Cost Accountant will support month-end close, inventory processes, and cost analysis while partnering closely with Manufacturing and Supply Chain teams.
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
- Support inventory accounting across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
- Assist with standard cost updates and variance analysis (material, labor, overhead).
- Prepare journal entries related to inventory, COGS, and manufacturing activity.
- Experience with Standard Costing models, and also with MRP, PLM and QMS systems.
- Reconcile inventory accounts and investigate discrepancies.
- Support cycle counts and physical inventory processes.
- Partner with Manufacturing and Supply Chain teams to ensure accurate BOMs and cost inputs.
- Assist in month-end close and reporting related to cost accounting.
- Maintain documentation and support audit requests.
THE QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
- 2–5+ years of accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing or inventory-heavy environments.
- Exposure to cost accounting concepts (inventory, WIP, standard costing, variance analysis).
- Experience with ERP systems (NetSuite preferred).
- Must have a strong attention to detail and analytical mindset.
- Proven ability to partner across technical teams in a fast-paced environment.
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.