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Accountant Defense Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flyer Defense

Senior Accountant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

S. defense contractor specializing in the design, development, and global delivery of advanced ... The Senior Accountant will prepare and maintain financial records to track the organization ...

Kratos Defense

Budget Analyst I

$30 - $35/hr

As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft ... The Budget Analyst supports a variety of accounting functions related to budgeting, forecasting ...

Nammo Defense System

Senior GL Accountant

Mesa, AZ

Nammo Defense Systems Inc., a defense contractor, manufactures and supports shoulder-fired systems ... How you will be awarded as a Senior GL Accountant • Competitive Salary • Monday-Thursday work ...

HDT Global

Senior Accountant

Solon, OH

$68K - $86K/yr

Performs general cost accounting and other related duties for the organization * Prepares Balance ... Prior experience with Government/Defense Contractor is a plus * Experience with SAP highly ...

HDT Global

Senior Accountant

Solon, OH · On-site

$68K - $86K/yr

Performs general cost accounting and other related duties for the organization * Prepares Balance ... Prior experience with Government/Defense Contractor is a plus * Experience with SAP highly ...

Robert Half

VP/Director of Finance

Madison Heights, MI · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

GAAP, FAR, CAS, and applicable government contracting regulations. This role requires deep, hands-on experience within defense/aerospace manufacturing environments, with expertise in cost accounting ...

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Flyer Defense LLC

Senior Accountant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$79K - $100K/yr

The Senior Accountant will prepare and maintain financial records to track the organization ... Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a proud federal contractor. We provide equal ...

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All JobsAccountant Defense Contractor Jobs

Accountant Defense Contractor information

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$34K

$68.3K

$108.5K

How much do accountant defense contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for accountant defense contractor in the United States is $68,326.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Accountant Defense Contractor vs Cost Accountant?

AspectAccountant Defense ContractorCost Accountant
CertificationsCPA, Security ClearanceCPA, CMA
Work EnvironmentDefense contractors, government projectsManufacturing, corporate finance
Industry UsageDefense, aerospace, governmentManufacturing, corporate sector

Accountant Defense Contractors focus on financial management within defense and government projects, often requiring security clearances. Cost Accountants primarily analyze and control manufacturing costs in corporate settings. While both roles involve accounting principles, their industries, certifications, and work environments differ significantly.

What does an accountant do at a defense contractor?

An accountant at a defense contractor is responsible for managing financial records, ensuring compliance with government regulations, preparing budgets, and analyzing costs related to defense projects. They often work with contracts funded by the Department of Defense or other government agencies, which requires strict adherence to accounting standards such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). Their work helps ensure that the company meets all legal and financial obligations while maintaining transparency and accountability in the use of government funds.

What are some unique challenges accountants face when working for a defense contractor compared to other industries?

Accountants in defense contracting must navigate strict government regulations, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), which add complexity to financial reporting and compliance. They often work closely with contract managers and auditors to ensure all financial documentation meets both company and governmental standards. Additionally, managing classified or sensitive financial data requires extra diligence in security and confidentiality. These factors make attention to detail and up-to-date regulatory knowledge especially important in this environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Accountant in a Defense Contractor organization, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Accountant in a Defense Contractor organization, you need a strong background in accounting principles, government contract compliance, and typically a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with ERP systems like SAP or Deltek, knowledge of FAR/DFARS regulations, and possibly a CPA certification are highly valued. Attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and successful collaboration in a highly regulated and security-sensitive industry.
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Accountant Defense Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Accountant Defense Contractor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,326 per year, or $32.8 per hour.
Senior Staff Accountant - Defense and Manufacturing

Senior Staff Accountant - Defense and Manufacturing

AMBAC International

Elgin, SC • On-site

$60K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

AMBAC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
Senior Staff Accountant, with a strong growth track
Full-Time / On-Site, Elgin SC | Relocation available for the right candidateWho we are
AMBAC International is a 100-year-old, employee-owned precision manufacturing company. We're best known for precision fuel injection systems for heavy-duty diesel engines.
The employee-owned part isn't decoration. Our goal is that every person here owns a piece of what they build through our ESOP. Our financials aren't locked in an executive's drawer. They're on the wall. We practice Great Game of Business: open books, shared scoreboards, and a team that understands how the company makes money. It's different, in a good way.
If you've ever wanted your accounting work to actually matter to the people around you, this is that place.The Role
We're hiring a Staff Accountant to help run financial operations in a government contracting environment. This is a Controller-track role. We're saying that out loud because we're building the finance function AMBAC needs for the next decade, and we'd rather hire the right person now than backfill a seat later.
You'll start by owning the fundamentals alongside our current Controller, who'll be your mentor. You'll also be expected to understand why the numbers matter, connect them to the business, and over time lead and teach the numbers to others.
Reports to: Controller initially, with a direct line to the President as you grow into the role.What you'll do
  • Own month-end and year-end close
  • Prepare and record journal entries: accruals, prepaids, adjustments
  • Reconcile general ledger accounts and resolve discrepancies
  • Support AP, AR, and payroll operations
  • Handle inventory accounting, standard costing, and variance analysis
  • Ensure GAAP compliance and support internal, external, and DCAA audits
  • Prepare financial reports and partner on variance analysis
  • Help maintain and improve internal controls
  • Translate shop-floor activity into financial insight the operations team can actually use
  • Contribute to our GGOB huddles: scoreboards, forecasts, and the weekly story the numbers tell
As you grow
  • Lead budgeting and forecasting with department heads
  • Develop and refine the financial scoreboards that run our GGOB system
  • Document accounting policies and build stronger internal controls
  • Supervise and develop junior accounting staff
  • Move into full Controller responsibility: financial oversight, strategic analysis, and direct reporting to the President
What we're looking for
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance
  • 4+ years of accounting experience, manufacturing strongly preferred
  • Strong grasp of GAAP and general ledger management
  • Comfortable in ERP systems; Excel proficiency well beyond basic formulas
  • Audit or compliance-focused experience
  • Accurate and efficient. Attention to detail that doesn't slow you down
Preferred
  • Defense, aerospace, or government contracting experience
  • Familiarity with OEM and/or FAR, CAS operations
  • Job shop, contract manufacturing, or mixed-revenue environments
  • Cost accounting, inventory valuation, or standard costing exposure
  • Familiarity with Great Game of Business or open-book management
Who you are
  • Intellectually curious about why the business works the way it does
  • Comfortable asking questions and flagging problems early
  • Willing to teach and develop the team around
  • Aspire to grow into something bigger
Compensation and benefits
  • Competitive salary, commensurate with experience (range shared in first conversation)
  • ESOP and 401K
  • Health, dental, and vision
  • PTO and paid holidays
  • Continuing education support
  • Relocation assistance available for the right candidate

AMBAC International is an equal opportunity employer.

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