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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Cost and Project Accountant to join its Finance team at the Solar Manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This role is mission-critical to Rocket Lab's financial operations, supporting the company's work in building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems for space missions.
You will report to the Program Accounting Manager and work closely with the accounting team and cross-functional partners throughout the organization. Your primary responsibilities include managing contract revenue and cost of sales for significant customer contracts, maintaining accurate financial records, and supporting complex project accounting in a manufacturing environment.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage project revenue and cost recognition using ASC 606 accounting standards
- Update, reconcile, and maintain customer contract backlog, assets, and liabilities
- Track and reconcile inventory across programs
- Support Estimate at Completion (EAC) cycles for project estimates and revenue recognition
- Review and interpret new contracts using the five-step 606 revenue recognition framework
- Set up programs and charge codes in the accounting system
- Initiate and lead process improvement projects
- Investigate accounting irregularities and provide feedback to stakeholders
- Execute month-end close activities including journal entries for revenue, cost of sales, and inventory adjustments
- Document revenue and cost of sales processes to meet SOX control requirements
- Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reporting as needed
- Develop and refine project cost processes
The role involves prolonged periods of computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
QUALIFICATIONS (Required):
- 5+ years of accounting experience and a bachelor's degree, OR equivalent work experience (high school diploma with 9+ years of relevant work experience)
- Strong cost accounting experience in a complex manufacturing environment
- Strong ERP systems knowledge and hands-on experience
- Proven experience providing financial decision support to business stakeholders
QUALIFICATIONS (Preferred):
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with ability to explain project cost information clearly
- Advanced Excel and analytical skills
Note: This position requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or eligible authorization status due to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance requirements for space technology work.
