Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SENIOR COST ACCOUNTANT

Based at Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, California the Senior Cost Accountant will be responsible for the cost analysis and overtime customer contract revenue, cost of sales, project inventory and estimated margin analysis. This position requires the ability to maintain accurate revenue and cost of sales for significant Rocket Lab customer contracts.

The Senior Cost & Project Accountant will report to Cost Accounting Manager and work closely with the accounting team and partner with various team members throughout the organization.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Responsible for the Project Revenue & Cost Recognition
Reconcile Customer Contract Backlog and Customer Contract Asset & Liability
Track and reconcile project inventory WIP
Support EAC cycle for project estimates and revenue recognition.
Adheres to company policies and procedures Role Specific Deliverables/Outcomes Project Cost and Contract Activities
Update Contract Backlog Report with fully approved new contracts that meet the 5 Steps of the 606 Accounting Revenue Standard
Update Contract Backlog with contract values updates from customer changes due to contract scope updates
Organize monthly meetings with Project Managers and Planners to evaluate and to document project progress
Manage Customer Milestone Progress billing process
Calculate the EAC changes impact to contract EAC margin and report management the overall impact to estimated cost to complete
Publish monthly Projects Estimated Margin Variance Report for Overtime and Point in Time Contracts
Initiate process improvement projects to update transactional, financial, and reporting processes.

Month End Activities

Prepare and update project inventory schedules
Book monthly journal entries to recognize OT and PIT Revenue and cost of sales
Analyze and reconcile monthly inventory and Sales & Cost of Goods Sold Accounts
Book monthly Journal entries and Reconcile Contract Asset and Contract Liability
Complete revenue and cost of sales - SOX Control Requirements
Support quarterly Revenue and Backlog Flex Analysis
Prepare quarterly overtime contracts “Revenue and Cost” Auditors Schedule Others
Develop Project Cost processes as required Skills and Experience Essential

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or commerce and 8+ years of experience
Strong cost accounting experience in a complex manufacturing environment
Strong systems knowledge and experience in tier 1 ERP system
Proven experience in providing financial decision support

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to explain project cost information to others
Advanced Excel and analytical skills Desirable
Preferred Experience in multinational and multi-currency environment

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, stock options, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits may also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$80,000—$130,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.