Cost Accounting Manager

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.

Apex is seeking a highly skilled and driven Cost Accounting Manager to join our growing accounting team. Reporting to the Director of Accounting, the Cost Accounting Manager will own cost accounting processes that drive accurate product costing, inventory valuation, and manufacturing overhead allocation. You will ensure that cost structures — from raw materials to finished goods — are properly defined, documented, and reported to support pricing strategies, internal reporting, and audit readiness.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives in a dynamic environment, effectively manages multiple priorities, and works well both independently and across teams. This role will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Procurement, and Finance to deliver cost insight, improve forecasting, and support data-driven decisions.

Costing & COGS Analysis:

• Develop, implement, and maintain cost accounting methodologies for hardware deliverables (e.g., satellite buses, custom components, assemblies)

• Define and compute manufacturing overhead rates, including allocation drivers, and monitor variances

• Lead regular margin and cost of goods sold (COGS) analysis on individual products and contract lines

• Partner with cross-functional teams to analyze part-level costs, cost drivers, and pricing implications

Inventory Valuation & Analysis:

• Own inventory valuation processes in accordance with GAAP, ensuring accuracy of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods balances

• Lead quarterly inventory reviews and year-end physical inventory counts including planning, execution, and reconciliation

• Analyze inventory variances and investigate cost discrepancies, with recommendations for corrective actions

Month-End, Quarterly & Audit Support:

• Drive monthly and quarterly close related to cost accounts, variances, and adjustments

• Prepare and present cost roll-ups, forecasts, and budget comparisons for leadership

• Support internal and external audit requests on cost accounting, inventory, overhead, and COGS reporting

Process & System Improvements:

• Develop and maintain cost accounting policies and documentation

• Collaborate on ERP system build-outs (Campfire and custom Palantir ERP), ensuring cost flows and inventory controls are accurately configured

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance accuracy, reduce cycle times, and strengthen controls

Must-Have:

• 5+ years of cost accounting, manufacturing accounting, or related experience in a complex production environment (aerospace/manufacturing preferred)

• Deep understanding of cost structures, overhead allocation methods, inventory costing, and variance analysis in a dynamic environment

• Experience with BOMs, routings, work orders, and inventory transactions in an ERP. You will help develop our home grown ERP and inventory management systems

• Hands-on experience with product costing, manufacturing cost drivers, and COGS reporting under GAAP in line with ASC
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• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills and Excel fluency

Nice-to-Have:

• Experience with government contract accounting, FAR/CAS compliance, or aerospace cost standards

• Cost accounting in high R&D environment or new product development

• Prior involvement with physical inventory programs, cycle counts, and annual…