Accounting Manager

Design West Technologies, Inc.

$95K — $115K *
Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
  • 5+ years progressive accounting experience, preferably in defense or government contracting.
  • Experience managing or supervising accounting personnel.
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and project accounting.
  • Strong Excel skills and familiarity with ERP/accounting software.
  • Ability to analyze financial data and identify discrepancies.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

  • Manage daily accounting operations including GL, AP, AR, payroll coordination, and reconciliations.
  • Lead the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
  • Prepare and review financial statements for accuracy and compliance.
  • Identify and resolve discrepancies in financial records.
  • Support DCAA audits, ensure audit-ready documentation, and maintain internal controls.
  • Analyze financial results against budgets and communicate variances.
  • Supervise and mentor accounting staff, providing guidance and feedback.

Benefits

  • Collaborative and supportive work environment.
  • Opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
  • Exposure to government contracting compliance and auditing processes.
  • Integral role in maintaining high standards of financial accuracy and compliance.
Full Job Description
Operating out of our facility in Tustin, CA, we are seeking an ambitious, forward-thinking Accounting Manager to champion this cultural evolution and lead the day-to-day accounting operations to ensure compliance with applicable DoD programs. The successful candidate will closely collaborate with Finance, Contracts, Program Management, Operations and executive leadership to provide accurate financial information and support strong internal controls and audit readiness.

KEYS RESPONSIBILITIES:

Accounting, Financial Reporting & Government Contract Compliance
  • Manage daily accounting operations, including GL, AP, AR, payroll coordination, reconciliations, and reporting.
  • Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
  • Prepare and review financial statements and management reports for accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting.
  • Identify and resolve accounting discrepancies and maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
  • Ensure accounting practices comply with FAR, DFARS, CAS, GAAP, company policies, and contractual requirements.
  • Support DCAA audits and reviews, including audit schedules, reconciliations, documentation, and auditor requests.
  • Maintain audit-ready records and internal controls and assist with indirect rate forecasting, incurred cost submissions, and government financial reporting.

Financial Planning & Analysis
  • Support budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow analysis, and financial planning.
  • Analyze actual results against budgets and forecasts and communicate significant variances and financial trends.
  • Partner with Finance, Operations, Program Management, and Contracts to provide financial analysis supporting business and strategic decisions.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement
  • Develop and maintain effective internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance.
  • Identify and implement process improvements that enhance accounting efficiency, accuracy, reporting, and audit readiness.
  • Ensure consistent application of accounting policies, procedures, and financial controls.

Leadership & Collaboration
  • Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.
  • Maintain confidentiality of financial, contractual, employee, customer, and government-related information.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within manufacturing, aerospace, government contracting/defense experience with working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, CAS and DCAA.
  • Experience managing or supervising accounting personnel.
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, project accounting, job costing, and/or contract accounting.
  • Strong Excel skills and experience with ERP/accounting software: SAGE 100, Automated AP System
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data and identify discrepancies or trends.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with DCAA audits, incurred cost submissions, and government accounting requirements.
  • CPA certification or progress toward CPA certification a plus
  • Familiarity with government contract types, including cost-plus, time-and-materials, and firm-fixed-price contracts, and/or Government Property, EVMS, or other DoW financial compliance requirements.
  • Experience working in a cleared defense environment is preferred.

Security & Compliance

This position may require access to information subject to U.S. government security and export-control requirements. Candidates must meet applicable eligibility requirements

Similar Jobs

More Legal & Accounting Jobs

Find similar Accounting Manager jobs: