Cost Accounting Senior Manager

Welcome to Planet. We believe in using space to help life on Earth.

Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. This constellation delivers an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a revolutionary cloud-based platform to authoritative figures in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. We are both a space company and data company all rolled into one.

Customers and users across the globe use Planet's data to develop new technologies, drive revenue, power research, and solve our world’s toughest obstacles.

As we control every component of hardware design, manufacturing, data processing, and software engineering, our office is a truly inspiring mix of experts from a variety of domains.

We have a people-centric approach toward culture and community and we strive to iterate in a way that puts our team members first and prepares our company for growth. Join Planet and be a part of our mission to change the way people see the world.

Planet is a global company with employees working remotely world wide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

About the Role:

Planet is seeking an experienced Cost Accounting Senior Manager to own our inventory and materials processes for space systems.  This role is integral to accurately costing and reporting materials for Planet’s internal and customer satellites.  You will partner cross functionally to provide guidance on best practices for inventory costing and control, design processes that balance the needs of the operational team while maintaining information required for accurate financial reporting, and build a scalable and sustainable inventory and cost accounting process.

This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our San Francisco office 3 days per week.

Impact You'll Own:

• Responsible for monthly and quarterly reporting related to inventory, satellite materials and cost of goods sold 
• Partner with Space Systems, Supply Chain and Finance to ensure accurate inventory reporting
• Track and analyze movements between raw material, work in process, finished goods as well as fixed asset materials for internal satellites
• Oversee inventory counts including cycle counts and year end count, including review and analysis for resulting adjustments
• Document and maintain SOX controls related to inventory and cost accounting
• Perform analysis on purchase price variance, production variance, scrap, E&O (excess and obsolete) in partnership with supply chain and manufacturing team
• Design, implement and maintain standard costing methodology
• Ensure the accuracy of inventory and costing by validating purchase order data, work order activity and inventory adjustments
• Support internal and external audit requests related to inventory and cost accounting
• Develop and iterate inventory policies, processes and procedures
• Support the design and implementation of multi-country and location inventory operations
• Serve as a key team member for systems and reporting improvements and automations

What You Bring:

• 10+ years of experience in inventory and cost accounting at a public company
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related field
• Deep understanding of cost accounting, inventory valuation and US GAAP
• Solid project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication for cross-functional alignment and leadership engagement
• Experience collaborating with external auditors and managing stakeholder expectations

What Makes You Stand Out: 

• Big 4 public accounting experience with public company clients
• CPA certification
• Leadership excellence, with a track record of developing high-performing teams and cultivating a culture of collaboration, improvement, and efficiency

Application Deadline:

June 29, 2026 at 11:59p PT

EAR/ITAR Requirements:

This position requires access to export-controlled information, and as such, employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing being required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.

Benefits While Working at Planet:

These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans