Job Title: Principal Staff Accountant - Aerospace & Defense
Position Summary
The Principal Staff Accountant is a senior technical accounting professional responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with government regulations, and strong internal controls in a highly regulated aerospace and defense environment. This role serves as a subject-matter expert for complex accounting matters, government contract accounting, and audit support, while partnering closely with program management, finance leadership, and external auditors.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Accounting & Reporting
- Lead complex accounting analyses and documentation in accordance with U.S. GAAP, including revenue recognition (ASC 606), leases (ASC 842), and long-term contracts.
- Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and disclosures.
- Research, interpret, and implement new accounting standards and regulatory guidance.
- Serve as the accounting authority for unusual or non-routine transactions.
- Provide monthly reports to indirect budget owners and facilitate updates to their forecasts.
Government Contract Accounting & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with FAR, CAS, DFARS, and other applicable government regulations.
- Support incurred cost submissions, forward pricing rate proposals, and cost impact analyses.
- Partner with contracts and program teams to ensure proper cost accounting and revenue treatment.
- Maintain compliant cost structures and indirect rate allocations.
Audit & Controls
- Act as a primary liaison for internal, external, and government audits (DCAA, DCMA).
- Prepare audit schedules, respond to audit inquiries, and resolve findings.
- Design, implement, and monitor strong internal controls over financial reporting.
- Support SOX compliance and continuous process improvements.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Mentor and review work of senior and staff accountants.
- Partner with FP&A, programs, supply chain, and engineering teams to support business objectives.
- Drive accounting process improvements, automation, and best practices.
- Provide clear guidance and recommendations to finance and executive leadership.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (Master's preferred).
- CPA or CMA strongly preferred.
- 8-12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant aerospace/defense or government contracting exposure.
- Deep working knowledge of U.S. GAAP, FAR, CAS, and DCAA requirements.
- Experience supporting government audits and complex contract accounting.
- Advanced proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., Deltek Costpoint, SAP, Oracle) and Excel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with cost-type, fixed-price, and hybrid government contracts.
- Prior leadership or supervisory experience.
- Background in publicly traded or PE-backed A&D companies.
- Strong documentation and technical memo writing skills.
- Preferred Pacific Time Zone or Mountain Time Zone.
Key Competencies
- Exceptional attention to detail and analytical skills
- Strong judgment and problem-solving ability
- Ability to communicate complex accounting topics clearly
- Proactive, hands-on, and improvement-oriented mindset
- Ability to thrive in a regulated, deadline-driven environment
Compensation
$128,000-$200,000
Eligible for up to 15% annual bonus
Remote Position