Cost Accounting Senior Manager

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.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

June 29, 2026 at 11:59p PT

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.

Why we care so much about Belonging. 
We’re dedicated to helping the whole Planet, and to do that we must strive to represent all of it within each of our offices and on all of our teams. That’s why Planet is guided by an ultimate north star of Belonging—dreaming big as we approach our ongoing work.  If this job intrigues you, but you’re thinking you might not have all the qualifications, please... do apply!  At Planet, we are looking for well-rounded people from around the world who can contribute to more ways than just what is listed in this job description.  We don’t just fill positions, we aspire to fulfill people’s careers, most excited about folks who are motivated by our underlying humanitarian efforts.  We are a few orbits around the sun before we get to where we want to be, so we hope you’re excited to come along for the ride. 

EEO statement:
Planet is committed to building a community where everyone belongs and we invite people from all backgrounds to apply. Planet is an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Know Your Rights.

Accommodations: 
Planet is an inclusive community and we know that everyone has their own needs. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please reach out to accommodations@planet.com or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.

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AI in Our Interviewing Process: Planet is committed to providing an exceptional interview experience for all candidates. We are currently exploring AI interviewing technologies to better focus on candidates and less on trying to capture notes. As such, with the candidate's consent, select interviews may be recorded and include a Planet AI Notetaker for transcription and summarization purposes. Should an interview involve use of AI interview technologies, the candidate will receive notification and have the ability to opt out both in advance and/or real-time. Opting out will not affect one's candidacy.

Candidate AI Policy: Planet embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, and we encourage its responsible use. We understand that candidates may use various resources, including AI tools, to prepare for interviews and assessments. However, during any live interview stage or when actively completing assessments for this position, the use of AI tools—e.g. Large Language Models (LLMs), deep fake technology, etc.—is strictly prohibited unless explicitly prompted by an interviewer or assessment instructions. If you are unsure about acceptable use, please contact your recruiter for clarification. If an AI tool or similar technology is desired as an accommodation, please contact accommodations@planet.com with your request for assistance. Your message will be confidential, and we will be happy to assist you. Violation of this policy may result in disqualification of your application.