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Accountant Defense Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ricardo Defense

Corporate Controller

Troy, MI · On-site

$165K - $200K/yr

Experience in a government contracting, defense, and manufacturing environments * Proficiency in Costpoint ERP is required * Strong knowledge of GAAP, FAR, CAS, cost accounting, and DCAA compliance ...

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 ...

Detroit Defense

Corporate Controller

Troy, MI

$165K - $200K/yr

Experience in a government contracting, defense, and manufacturing environments * Proficiency in Costpoint ERP is required * Strong knowledge of GAAP, FAR, CAS, cost accounting, and DCAA compliance ...

Nammo Defense System

Tax Manager

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

Preferred: • CPA license or active CPA candidacy strongly preferred. • Experience in defense, manufacturing, or government contracting environments. • ERP system experience; familiarity with ...

Nammo Defense Systems, Inc

Tax Manager

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

Preferred: • CPA license or active CPA candidacy strongly preferred. • Experience in defense, manufacturing, or government contracting environments. • ERP system experience; familiarity with ...

Nammo Defense Systems, Inc

Tax Manager

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

Preferred: • CPA license or active CPA candidacy strongly preferred. • Experience in defense, manufacturing, or government contracting environments. • ERP system experience; familiarity with ...

empire

Sales Tax Accountant II

Mesa, AZ · On-site

The Staff Accountant II will prepare tax schedules and reports for state and city sales, lease ... for US Defense Contractors, and prospective clients. Must facilitate, provide required ...

New

empire

Sales Tax Accountant II

Mesa, AZ

The Staff Accountant II will prepare tax schedules and reports for state and city sales, lease ... for US Defense Contractors, and prospective clients. Must facilitate, provide required ...

New

OBXtek Inc.

Accountant

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD · On-site

This individual ensures compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal ... Support all DCAA/Contracting Officer audits and internal reviews. * Ensure strict compliance with ...

OBXtek Inc.

Accountant

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

This individual ensures compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal ... Support all DCAA/Contracting Officer audits and internal reviews. * Ensure strict compliance with ...

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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 Jul 20, 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.

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?

Accountants working in specialized fields such as forensic accounting, management consulting, or with extensive experience in defense contracting can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially if they hold senior or executive positions. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications like CPA or CMA, strong industry expertise, and working for large firms or government contractors with high-value contracts.

Can you make $100,000 as an accountant?

Accountants working in defense contracting or specialized industries can earn $100,000 or more, especially with experience, certifications like CPA, and advanced skills in financial analysis or auditing. Salaries vary based on location, level of responsibility, and the complexity of the work environment.

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.

Will AI replace accountants by 2050?

As an accountant in the defense contracting industry, AI is expected to automate routine tasks such as data entry and basic financial analysis, allowing professionals to focus on complex decision-making and compliance. While AI will enhance efficiency, it is unlikely to fully replace accountants, who will continue to provide critical judgment, oversight, and strategic advice. Adaptation to new tools and ongoing certification will remain important for job security.

How much do accountants in the military make?

Accountants in the military typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on rank, experience, and years of service. Military accountants often receive additional benefits such as housing allowances, healthcare, and retirement options, and may need security clearances and specialized training.

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.
More about Accountant Defense Contractor jobs
What job categories do people searching Accountant Defense Contractor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Accountant Defense Contractor jobs are:
Accountant Defense Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Accountant Defense Contractor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,326 per year, or $32.8 per hour.
Corporate Controller

Corporate Controller

Ricardo Defense

Troy, MI • On-site

$165K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Veterans Encouraged to Apply: Detroit Defense proudly supports those who have served. We welcome applicants with military experience, including those transitioning to civilian careers. Your leadership, adaptability, and mission-focused mindset are valued here. Detroit Defense is a 4x recipient of the Hire Vets Gold Medallion Award.
Detroit Defense is seeking an experienced and strategic Corporate Controller to lead the company's accounting operations, financial reporting, compliance, and internal control environment in support of a growing defense contracting and manufacturing organization. We are looking for a candidate located in the Troy, MI or Washington DC Area. The Corporate Controller will oversee day-to-day accounting activities across both corporate and plant operations, ensure compliance with GAAP, FAR, CAS, and government contracting requirements, and support executive leadership with accurate financial analysis and operational insight.
This role is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the company's financial records, leading monthly and annual close processes, managing audits, overseeing plant-level financial controls, and supporting scalable financial operations aligned with company growth objectives.
The ideal candidate will possess strong technical accounting expertise, government contracting and manufacturing experience, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth defense environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Lead all accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, cost accounting, and plant-level financial reporting.
  • Prepare and review financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
  • Develop and maintain financial reporting packages for executive leadership and Board of Directors.
  • Ensure accuracy of revenue recognition, project accounting, indirect rate calculations, and contract cost allocations.
  • Complete and analyze financial and statistical reports reflecting plant financial position and KPIs; perform cost and operating variance analyses to identify root causes and partner with operations to drive improvement.
  • Support annual plant-wide physical inventory counts and daily cycle counts; perform analysis of variances identified during inventory counts to maintain inventory costs at budgeted levels.
  • Analyze plant capital budgets to ensure consistency with capital policy and achievement of financial results.
  • Ensure compliance with FAR, CAS, DCAA, DFARS, and other government contracting regulations.
  • Oversee incurred cost submissions, provisional billing rates, indirect rate structures, and government audits.
  • Support compliance with DCAA and DCMA requirements.
  • Lead and develop the accounting and finance team, including performance management, mentoring, and process improvement initiatives.
  • Establish scalable accounting processes and financial controls to support company growth and acquisitions.
  • Support Costpoint ERP optimization and financial systems initiatives.
  • Assist executive leadership with budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and strategic planning.
  • Support mergers, acquisitions, integrations, and due diligence activities as needed.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field from an accredited college or university
  • A minimum of ten years of progressive accounting and finance experience
  • A minimum of three years of leadership experience managing accounting teams
  • Experience in a government contracting, defense, and manufacturing environments
  • Proficiency in Costpoint ERP is required
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP, FAR, CAS, cost accounting, and DCAA compliance requirements
  • Experience with project accounting, indirect rate management, plant-level cost accounting, and inventory management
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
  • Strong analytical, planning, organizational, and interpretive skills
  • Excellent communication and executive presentation abilities
  • High sense of personal ethics, integrity, and interpersonal effectiveness
  • Must be able to obtain a U.S. Government Secret Clearance; U.S. Citizenship required

Detroit Defense offers an impressive compensation and benefits package including:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits
  • Company Paid Life and AD&D
  • Company Paid Short Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending & HSA Accounts
  • Legal & ID Shield Services
  • 401k with Company Match
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)

Why Detroit Defense:
At Detroit Defense, we deliver mission-critical solutions that enhance national security, protect the warfighter, and enable readiness through innovation, technical excellence, and end-to-end lifecycle support.
Remaining steadfast in our core values of Trustworthy, Mission Driven, Creative, and Agile we are a complex systems integrator for the U.S. Government, Detroit Defense provides solutions to meet the technical and programmatic challenges faced by our customers. Our proven success in multi-domain cross-platform system-of-systems integration results in fielded capability for warfighters. From R&D to production, fielding, and sustainment, Detroit Defense provides services and solutions to Empower Those That protect Us.
Detroit Defense is a proud recipient of the Hire Vets Gold Medallion Award since 2022.
Detroit Defense is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity or gender expression), age, mental or physical disability, creed, ancestry, citizenship, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic trait or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Salary Description
$165,000-$200,000

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