Cost Controller, Spacecraft

BlackSky
Tukwila, WA
Hybrid

Who this role is best for

Aimed at mid-to-senior level finance professionals with manufacturing and aerospace experience who can manage cross-functional teams and ERP systems.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 5+ years in manufacturing cost controlling and strong GAAP knowledge
    — “More than 5 years of progressive cost controlling and accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.”
  • Professionals adept in ERP systems like PLEX and inventory tracking
    — “Navigating and utilizing the PLEX ERP system for data extraction and analysis.”
  • Individuals with experience in analyzing cost structures and improving profitability
    — “Analyze cost structures and margins to help management control expenses and improve profitability.”

Things to consider

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident due to ITAR export regulations
    — “To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) [REDACTED] be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.”
  • Hybrid work arrangement requires at least two days in-office per week
    — “This role is hybrid and is expected to be in BlackSky’s Tukwila, WA office a minimum of two days per week.”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience in variance analysis and cost optimization within manufacturing
    — “Conduct variance analysis to identify and understand deviations from standard costs and budgets.”
  • Demonstrate leadership in managing cross-functional projects and financial compliance
    — “Strong leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional projects.”
  • Showcase ERP system implementation and inventory management expertise
    — “Identifying and implementing system improvements to support financial processes and ensure robust integration with entity and corporate financial processes.”
  • Emphasize your ability to provide strategic financial insights for cost control
    — “Actively looking for and supporting opportunities to lower product costs.”
  • Demonstrate your track record in preparing accurate and timely financial reports
    — “Prepare and present timely and accurate financial reports to the Corporate Controller and stakeholders.”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • accurate financial reporting
  • cost optimization
  • compliance with US GAAP
Typical background
accountingfinance

Skills & requirements

Required

Cost AccountingFinancial AnalysisERP System UsageProject Management

Preferred

Supply Chain ManagementInventory Management

Stack & domain

Manufacturing ProcessesCost AccountingFinancial AnalysisCapital Expenditure ProjectsSupply Chain ManagementProduction ManagementStandard CostingFinancial ReportingMonthly Close ProcessesUS GAAP ComplianceInternal AuditsCost AllocationFinancial PlanningInventory ManagementData AnalysisFinancial PoliciesFinancial ProceduresInternal ControlsDigital SolutionsReportingAnalysisPlanningLeadershipCommunicationTeamworkProblem-solvingDecision-makingTime ManagementAttention To DetailProject ManagementCustomer ServiceStrategic ThinkingInnovationFinanceManufacturingSpacecraftSatellite ImageryAutomated AnalyticsHigh-frequency MonitoringNational SecurityEconomy

About the role

Original posting from BlackSky via Greenhouse

Cost Controller, Spacecraft 

About Us:

BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky's data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting-edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people-first, customer-focused and fun.

We are seeking an experienced Cost Controller to manage the financial activities at our Tukwila, WA facility, which designs and manufactures advanced small satellites. Reporting to the VP & Controller, you’ll be responsible for overseeing our cost and asset management. This position requires expertise in manufacturing processes, cost accounting, and financial analysis. This role is hybrid and is expected to be in BlackSky’s Tukwila, WA office a minimum of two days per week.

Responsibilities:

Track production costs by monitoring materials, labor, and overhead for accurate job costing.

Conduct variance analysis to identify and understand deviations from standard costs and budgets.

Analyze cost structures and margins to help management control expenses and improve profitability.

Manage capital expenditure projects to ensure alignment with budgets and expected ROI.

Daily engagement with Supply Chain and Production teams to capture job cost and monitor inventory and manufacturing activities.

Working together with Engineering on standard costing and potentially capital expenditure projects.

Supporting site management in understanding and improving cost management practices and achieving cost optimization objectives.

Prepare and present timely and accurate financial reports to the Corporate Controller and stakeholders.

Support the monthly close processes, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Ensure compliance with US GAAP and company policies.

Participate in internal and external audits (Cost, Inventory, etc.).

Assist the finance manager in accurate cost allocation and variance assessment.

Support corporate financial planning and analysis on strategic business decisions, including scenario planning, financial budgets and forecasts.

Tracking inventory levels and identifying excess or obsolete stock.

Ensuring Cycle Counts and Physical Inventories are performed according to internal controls.

Providing insights into inventory usage.

Analyzing data to find trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

Developing and implementing financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Actively looking for and supporting opportunities to lower product costs.

Navigating and utilizing the PLEX ERP system for data extraction and analysis.

Identifying and implementing system improvements to support financial processes and ensure robust integration with entity and corporate financial processes.

Leading the transition towards digital solutions for reporting, analysis, and planning.

Other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.

More than 5 years of progressive cost controlling and accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.

Expertise in cost accounting and inventory management.

Strong leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional projects.

Extensive knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to handle complex financial issues and provide strategic guidance.

Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

CPA or CMA certification.

Knowledge of Deltek Costpoint and Plex.

Life at BlackSky for full-time benefits eligible, US-based, employees includes:

Medical, dental, vision, disability, group term life and AD&D, voluntary life and AD&D insurance

BlackSky pays 100% of employee-only premiums for medical, dental and vision and contributes $100/month for out-of-pocket expenses!

15 days of PTO, 11 Company holidays, four Floating Holidays (pro-rated based on hire date), one day of paid volunteerism leave per year, parental leave and more

401(k) pre-tax and Roth deferral options with employer match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs

Employer matching donations

Professional development

The anticipated salary range for candidates in Seattle, WA is $135,00-155,000 per year. The final compensation package offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on specific background and education. BlackSky is a multi-state employer, and this pay scale may not reflect salary ranges in other states or locations outside of Seattle, WA.

BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer All Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

EEO/AAP/ Pay Transparency Statements:

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf

#LI-Hybrid

Source: BlackSky careers (Greenhouse)

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