Cost Accountant, Manufacturing Advancement

This position requires eligibility to access controlled unclassified information (CUI) and export controlled data, and candidates must meet applicable federal requirements, including U.S. person status where required.

The Pay, Perks, & Benefits 
•    Salary is competitive and will be determined based on relevant experience, skills, market benchmarks, and internal equity.
•    Retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) with employer match 
•    Generous time off, including vacation, paid sick leave, and paid family leave after one year 
•    Paid holidays, including a two week paid winter break 
•    Anthem PPO and HSA health plans, with excellent dental options 
•    Employer paid life insurance 

How You Will Help the Team
You will serve as a trusted financial partner to Manufacturing Advancement leadership, providing timely, accurate, and actionable insights that support both day‑to‑day operations and long‑term strategy. In this role, you will build and maintain financial models, strengthen cost transparency, and support revenue planning across manufacturing, grant‑funded, and contract‑based programs.

You’ll collaborate closely with operational leaders and the Finance team to improve forecasting accuracy, evaluate financial risks and opportunities, and ensure disciplined cost accounting practices that drive informed decision‑making and operational confidence.

You’ll do this by:
•    Building and maintaining financial models that support forecasting, variance analysis, and estimate at completion
•    Providing cost accounting insight for manufacturing operations, including product costing, inventory valuation, and profitability analysis
•    Supporting budgeting, revenue planning, and proposal development with accurate cost estimates
•    Preparing clear variance and performance reports that translate financial data into actionable insights
•    Partnering with Finance and operational leaders to ensure proper cost attribution, controls, and continuous improvement

Your Knowledge & Expertise
•    Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field
•    At least five (5) years of experience in cost accounting, manufacturing finance, or program/project financial management
•    Strong expertise in cost accounting, inventory valuation, and variance analysis
•    Advanced financial modeling and analytical skills, including expert level Excel proficiency
•    Experience with financial ERP systems and manufacturing or operational finance environments
•    CPA, CMA, or similar professional certification preferred
•    Ability to clearly communicate financial concepts to both financial and non financial stakeholders 

What Makes Work Here Different
Manufacturing Advancement operates at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, workforce innovation, and applied research. This role is embedded directly within operations, giving you a front row seat to how financial insight shapes real world manufacturing outcomes. You’ll work in a collaborative environment that values continuous improvement, transparency, and flexibility — with eligibility for flex location and flex hours arrangements.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.