Senior Cost Accountant in Aurora, Oregon at Columbia Helicopters, Inc.

For over 65 years, Columbia Helicopters has been a trusted provider of heavy-lift helicopter services. We create new aircraft, fly heavy-lift helicopters around the world, and provide maintenance support to ensure you are mission-ready for critical operations. If you are passionate about aviation, join our Columbia Family!

The Senior Cost Accountant is responsible for cost accounting, financial analysis, and inventory accounting activities related to aircraft operations, maintenance, and technical services. This role partners closely with Flight Operations, AC Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Sales teams to ensure accurate reporting of aircraft operating costs, maintenance expenses, fleet-related inventory, and operational performance metrics. The position plays a critical role in supporting profitability, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and strategic decision-making across the organization.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Analyze and report aircraft operating costs, including fuel, maintenance, crew, navigation charges, and ground handling expenses.
• Monitor direct operating costs (DOC) by aircraft, customer, and project.
• Develop and maintain aircraft cost allocation methodologies.
• Support fleet profitability analysis and aircraft utilization reporting.
• Evaluate cost trends and identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost savings.
• Manage accounting and analysis of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) expenses related to Aircraft Operations.
• Track maintenance reserves, engine overhaul costs, heavy maintenance events, and component repair expenditures.
• Partner with Aircraft Operations to monitor cost drivers and improve maintenance planning.
• Maintain accurate accounting for aircraft parts, rotables, expendables, and repairable inventories.
• Reconcile inventory subledgers to the general ledger and investigate discrepancies.
• Support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs across maintenance facilities and warehouses.
• Analyze inventory turnover, usage trends, and carrying costs.
• Prepare monthly journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules related to operational and maintenance costs.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies.
• Prepare management reports and performance dashboards related to aircraft operations.
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes for aircraft operations and maintenance activities.
• Partner with operational leaders to develop forecasts for fuel consumption, maintenance events, inventory requirements, and fleet utilization.
• Support aircraft acquisition, lease, retirement, and fleet planning analyses.
• Improve costing methodologies, reporting processes, and financial controls.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Bachelors degree in Accounting/Finance.
• CPA, CMA, or equivalent certification preferred.
• 5+ years of accounting experience, including 3+ years of cost accounting experience.
• Aviation, aerospace, airline, charter, MRO, or manufacturing industry experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with US Govt cost-based proposals preferred.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and GAAP.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial analysis tools.
• Knowledge of aircraft maintenance accounting, inventory controls, and operational cost drivers preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with operational and technical personnel.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced aviation environment.
• Strong business partnering and influencing skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

WHAT YOU WILL LOVE ABOUT WORKING HERE:

At Columbia, we believe great people do their best work when they feel supported, challenged, and valued. We’re more than a workplace, we’re a team built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to doing meaningful work.

Competitive Pay & Strong Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial wellness, and work–life balance. Depending on your role, this may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans with company contributions, paid time off, and employee wellness resources.

Growth & Career Development

We invest in our people. From training and development opportunities to internal mobility and leadership support, Columbia encourages continuous learning and long-term career growth.

Purpose-Driven Culture

Your work matters here. Every role contributes to our broader mission, and we believe in empowering employees to make an impact, share ideas, and help shape the future of the company.

A Team That Has Your Back

We foster a collaborative, inclusive environment where people are respected, encouraged, and supported. You’ll work alongside talented teammates who care about doing great work, and doing it together.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)