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Contract Accounting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Accounting Manager III

Poway, CA · Hybrid

$155K - $180K/yr

Accounting ManagerLead Complex Contract Accounting | ASC 606 Expert | Every Other Friday Off Are you a highly skilled accounting professional with deep expertise in revenue recognition, government ...

Accounting Manager III

Poway, CA · On-site

$155K - $180K/yr

Accounting Manager Lead Complex Contract Accounting | ASC 606 Expert | Every Other Friday Off Are you a highly skilled accounting professional with deep expertise in revenue recognition, government ...

Accounting/Finance Manager III

Poway, CA · On-site

$100K - $183K/yr

Provide leadership and oversight of contract revenue accounting operations supporting United States Government, Foreign Military Sales (FMS), and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) programs. * Lead and ...

Accounting Manager IV

Poway, CA · On-site

$174K - $195K/yr

Review contracts and proposals to ensure appropriate accounting treatment, auditable financial data, risk assessment, and cash-flow analysis. Resolve complex accounting and financial issues ...

Accounting Manager IV

Poway, CA · Hybrid

$174K - $195K/yr

Review contracts and proposals to ensure appropriate accounting treatment, auditable financial data, risk assessment, and cash-flow analysis. Resolve complex accounting and financial issues ...

Accounting/Finance Manager IV

Poway, CA · On-site

$112K - $205K/yr

Provide strategic leadership over Financial Accounting Services and Systems, including contract accounting, accounts payable, cash, fixed assets, and travel & expense accounting. * Lead and develop ...

... contract accounting need within their accounting and finance team. This opportunity is open to Staff/Senior Accountants who are comfortable working in an operational, highvolume environment. This ...

Senior Accountant

Malibu, CA · On-site

$78K - $98K/yr

Monitor contract funding status and alert program managers when contracts approach funded ceilings or funding gaps General Accounting & Financial Reporting * Perform full monthly close process ...

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Contract Accounting information

See California salary details

$10

$35

$94

How much do contract accounting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract accounting in California is $35.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.87 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Accountant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Accountant, you need a solid background in accounting principles, knowledge of contract law, and typically a degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle, as well as understanding of compliance regulations, is often required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurately managing contracts and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure compliance, minimize financial risk, and support sound decision-making in contract management.

What is the difference between Contract Accounting vs Accounts Payable Specialist?

AspectContract AccountingAccounts Payable Specialist
CredentialsAccounting degree, CPA or similar certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or associate's degree, some accounting knowledge beneficial
Work EnvironmentCorporate finance, project-based, often in accounting or finance departmentsFinance or accounting departments, processing invoices and payments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries with project-based work like construction, engineering, or consultingCommon across various industries handling vendor payments and invoice processing

Contract Accounting focuses on managing financial records for specific projects or contracts, requiring accounting expertise. Accounts Payable Specialists handle invoice processing and payments, often with less emphasis on complex accounting principles. While both roles involve financial data, Contract Accounting is more specialized and analytical, whereas Accounts Payable is more transactional and operational.

What are some common challenges faced in contract accounting roles, and how can they be managed effectively?

Contract accounting professionals often face challenges such as interpreting complex contract terms, ensuring compliance with revenue recognition standards (like ASC 606), and maintaining accuracy under tight deadlines. Managing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, regular collaboration with legal and sales teams, and ongoing professional development to stay updated on accounting standards. Utilizing robust accounting software and establishing clear communication channels across departments can significantly improve efficiency and reduce errors.

What is contract accounting?

Contract accounting is a specialized area of accounting that focuses on tracking, managing, and reporting financial transactions related to contracts between businesses and their clients or vendors. This process involves monitoring contract revenue, costs, billing, and compliance with contractual terms. Contract accountants ensure that financial records accurately reflect the performance and obligations of each contract, often in industries like construction, government, and consulting. Their work is crucial for auditing, financial planning, and meeting regulatory requirements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Accounting jobs in California? The most popular types of Accounting jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Accounting jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Accounting jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Accounting jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Accounting job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Accounting job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,079 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Accounting Manager III

Aston Carter

Poway, CA • Hybrid

$155K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Accounting ManagerLead Complex Contract Accounting | ASC 606 Expert | Every Other Friday Off

Are you a highly skilled accounting professional with deep expertise in revenue recognition, government contracting, and technical accounting? Do you thrive in leadership roles where you can influence business decisions, develop high-performing teams, and drive financial compliance in a complex environment?

We are seeking an experienced Accounting Manager III to lead revenue recognition and contract accounting for a diverse portfolio of government and commercial programs. This highly visible leadership role offers the opportunity to partner with stakeholders across Finance, FP&A, Program Finance, and Contracts while overseeing critical accounting activities that directly impact business performance.

Based in San Diego, CA, this position offers a highly desirable 9/80 work schedule, giving you every other Friday off, along with one remote workday per week and relocation assistance for qualified candidates.

What You'll Do
  • Lead revenue recognition activities for complex, long-term government and commercial contracts in accordance with ASC 606.
  • Review and analyze contract terms to assess accounting treatment, financial risk, and cash flow implications.
  • Support month-end close activities, financial reporting, and Estimate at Completion (EAC) forecasting.
  • Partner closely with Program Finance, FP&A, Contracts, and Business Operations teams to support strategic decision-making.
  • Ensure compliance with US GAAP, FAR, CAS, and other applicable government contracting regulations.
  • Provide technical accounting guidance for complex arrangements and non-routine transactions.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of contract accounting professionals.
  • Coordinate internal and external audit activities while maintaining audit-ready documentation and controls.
  • Drive process improvements and strengthen accounting practices across the organization.
What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
  • 11+ years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with ASC 606 revenue recognition.
  • Strong understanding of government contract accounting, including:
    • Fixed-price contracts
    • Cost-plus contracts
    • Hybrid contract structures
  • Proven ability to interpret complex contract language and determine financial reporting impacts.
  • Strong technical accounting knowledge and sound professional judgment in complex or ambiguous situations.
  • Experience leading and developing professional accounting teams.
  • Significant audit and compliance experience, including interaction with external auditors.
  • Advanced Excel skills for analysis, reporting, and financial modeling.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
Why Join Us?

✅ Highly visible leadership role with strategic business impact

✅ Opportunity to lead critical ASC 606 and contract accounting initiatives

✅ Collaborative environment with cross-functional executive exposure

✅ 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off

✅ One work-from-home day per week

✅ Relocation assistance available

✅ Stable, industry-leading organization with complex and rewarding work

✅ Strong emphasis on professional growth, leadership development, and continuous improvement

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Poway, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $155000.00 - $180000.00/yr.

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage 401(k) + company pension plan Paid time off + paid holidays Tuition reimbursement and ongoing development Employee wellness programs and EAP 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Poway,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


Aston Carter logo

About Aston Carter

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Aston Carter, we're dedicated to expanding career opportunities for the skilled professionals who power our business. Our success is driven by the talented, motivated people who join our team across a range of positions - from recruiting, sales and delivery to corporate roles. As part of our team, employees have the opportunity for long-term career success, where hard work is rewarded and the potential for growth is limitless. Established in 1997, Aston Carter is a leading staffing and consulting firm, providing high-caliber talent and premium services to more than 7,000 companies across North America. Spanning four continents and more than 200 offices, we extend our clients' capabilities by seeking solvers and delivering solutions to address today's workforce challenges. For organizations looking for innovative solutions shaped by critical-thinking professionals, visit AstonCarter.com. Aston Carter is a company within Allegis Group, a global leader in talent solutions.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MA, US