Description
We are seeking an exceptional Senior Cost Accountant to execute end-to-end cost accounting tasks for a portion of Anduril's portfolio of products. This role is critical to driving accuracy, insight, and cost control across our development, manufacturing, and production operations.
Reporting to the Cost Accounting Manager, this position will ensure consistent and compliant application of Anduril's standard costing methodology, responsible for detailed transactional analysis and balance sheet reconciliations, as well as assist in the development, management and improvement of various asset costing models.
The ideal candidate will bring deep technical competency, strong leadership skills, and a risk-based approach in support of the company's preparation for a potential future IPO. This is a foundational role in our growing Sydney-based Finance and Accounting function, with great opportunity to influence process and decision-making at the cutting-edge of Defence Manufacturing in Australia.
Key Responsibilities:
- Execute standard costing, manufacturing variance analysis, and month-end close processes including exception resolution, cost roll-ups, absorption reporting, and inventory/WIP reconciliations for designated product lines.
- Manage asset capitalisation, depreciation, and accounting treatment for hardware across the product lifecycle (COGS, maintenance, returns, sustainment).
- Administer physical and cycle count programmes; ensure accurate inventory valuation and partner with external auditors on cost accounting matters.
- Partner with Production Management, Supply Chain, Operations, and Engineering to analyse manufacturing performance, cost drivers, and efficiency opportunities.
- Support Australian Defence contract pricing, cost proposals, and government procurement audit requirements.
- Strengthen internal controls and contribute to IPO readiness initiatives, including SOX compliance and audit preparation.
- Support ongoing Oracle Fusion optimisation, including system configuration, reporting development, and issue resolution.
- Collaborate with the global Cost Accounting team across time zones; mentor new Sydney based team members as the function scales.
- Drive continuous improvement and automation to enhance efficiency and accuracy in cost accounting processes.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CA, CPA, or equivalent professional qualification preferred.
- 5+ years of progressive cost accounting experience in manufacturing environments.
- Proven experience with standard costing in complex, low-volume, high-dollar manufacturing environments that has capacity to grow into a high-volume environment.
- Strong knowledge of IFRS/IAS standards, particularly IAS 2 (Inventories), IAS 16 (Property, Plant & Equipment), and IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers).
- Demonstrated experience with Program Management and Production Cost Controls.
- Demonstrated experience with supporting external Audit.
- Advanced proficiency with Oracle Fusion or similar ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite) and data analysis tools.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across functions and influence senior leadership.
- Exceptional analytical, organisational, and leadership skills with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Australian citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain an NV1 security clearance.
- Willingness to collaborate with U.S.-based teams, which may occasionally require flexibility with meeting times outside standard business hours.
Desirable Experience:
- Experience in a privately held company or scale-up preparing for an IPO is highly desirable.
- Experience with Defence, Aerospace, or advanced technology manufacturing.
- Familiarity with U.S. government contracting cost principles (FAR/DFAR/CAS) for cross-border collaboration.
- Understanding of Australian Defence industry procurement requirements and government contracting cost principles (ASDEFCON, AIC)