Cost Accountant II

Responsibilities

Performs accounting responsibilities in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

• Prepares month-end closing journal entries and general ledger (GL) account analysis related to direct costs for all Austal USA entities.
• Ensures all direct costs are properly accounted for by performing adequate accruals, stage‑payment reconciliation, and allocations.
• Maintains full knowledge of assigned projects, including budgets, forecasts, actual costs, and variance analysis.
• Performs weekly and monthly allocations of material and labor in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Works with Engineering to set standard cost for manufactured parts in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Performs weekly and monthly project inventory analysis, costing reviews, and reconciliations to the GL.
• Maintains project status reports and prepares project close‑out reports to ensure timely closure of completed work scopes.
• Establishes projects and cost structures with the ERP system.
• Creates ad hoc reports and metrics as needed.
• Supports the AR Billing Specialist in ensuring all supporting data is prepared and maintained to facilitate timely billing.
• Acts as backup for invoicing when needed or required.
• Maintains working knowledge of the Material Management Accounting Systems (MMAS).
• Analyzes project and shop order data to produce accurate variance analysis reports and metrics.
• Coordinates and liaises with external and internal auditors/reviewers to ensure compliance with proper reporting requirements and deadlines.
• Supports audits by the Defense Contracting Audit Agency (DCAA), including data compilation, analysis of financial trends, and reconciliation of data to supporting documentation.
• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned by Finance Management.
• Maintains written policy and procedures for the area of responsibility.
• Maintains compliance with company policies and procedures.

• BS/BA in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration with 3–5 years of experience in a related field, preferably in manufacturing or corporate accounting.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of FAR, DFAR, IFRS, GAAP, and CAS; government contracting experience is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple teams/organizations, with strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organization skills required.
• Flexible and capable of delivering results in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• High degree of personal accountability.
• Knowledge of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is a plus.
• Ability to access the shipyard, including off‑site warehouses and Austal’s West Campus, and conduct interviews; includes physically climbing stairs and safely moving through construction areas on and off vessels.

• None

Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals and a variety of complicated tasks.

Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals and a variety of complicated tasks.

Personnel from all departments, including management, external auditors, and DCAA auditors.

• The ability to obtain and maintain a DoD clearance may be required if deemed necessary in the scope of the position responsibilities.
• Candidates must meet the following employment eligibility guidelines to be considered for employment with Austal USA:
  • 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
  • Able to provide proof of U.S. Person Status.
  • No felony convictions for theft/deception or violent crimes within seven years of disposition.
  • No felony convictions for drug crimes within three years of disposition.
  • Willing to submit to a drug screen.
  • Willing to submit to a background check.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly exposed to humid conditions, bright flashing lights, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outside weather conditions and extreme heat.

The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles at or below the PEL, toxic or caustic chemicals, and heat and cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud, +90 dB.