Accounting Manager

Salient Motion

$150K — $180K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline; CPA preferred.
  • 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 2+ years in management.
  • Solid knowledge of FAR/DFARS cost accounting standards and DCAA audit processes.
  • Experience with standard costing and inventory accounting in a manufacturing setting.
  • Strong command of GAAP, especially for non-routine transactions.
  • Proficient with ERP systems like QuickBooks or NetSuite and advanced Excel skills.
  • Ability to clearly communicate complex financial information to diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Own the full monthly close cycle, including journal entries and financial reporting.
  • Develop and maintain a robust cost accounting system and conduct variance analysis.
  • Ensure compliance with government contracting requirements and prepare for DCAA audits.
  • Oversee accounts payable/receivable functions and manage cash flow effectively.
  • Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes alongside the CFO.
  • Design and maintain internal controls suitable for a scaling aerospace company.
  • Serve as the main contact for external auditors and manage tax filings.

Benefits

  • Exceptional healthcare benefits with 100% medical coverage.
  • Life insurance coverage at 2x salary, fully covered.
  • Flexible PTO and 401K options available.
  • Access to financial wellness resources.
Full Job Description
What you'll do:

We are seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Accounting Manager to own the full accounting function for a fast-moving aerospace and defense company. This is a high-impact role where you will build and maintain the financial backbone that supports mission-critical hardware development and government contract execution.
  • Month-End Close & Financial Reporting: Own the full monthly close cycle - journal entries, account reconciliations, and timely preparation of accurate financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
  • Cost Accounting: Develop and maintain a robust cost accounting system, including standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation for manufactured electromechanical components.
  • Government Contract Compliance: Ensure full compliance with FAR/DFARS cost accounting requirements; support DCAA audit readiness and maintain appropriate cost pools and indirect rate structures.
  • AP/AR & Cash Management: Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, ensuring timely vendor payments, customer invoicing, and proactive cash flow monitoring.
  • Budgeting & Forecasting Support: Partner with the CFO to support annual budgeting, rolling forecasts, and ad hoc financial analysis to inform operational and strategic decisions.
  • Internal Controls: Design, implement, and maintain internal controls and accounting policies appropriate for a scaling aerospace company with government customers.
  • Audit & Tax Coordination: Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and tax advisors; manage year-end close and support preparation of required filings.
  • Systems & Process Improvement: Identify and drive improvements to accounting systems, tools, and workflows to support the company's growth trajectory.

What you need:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline. CPA strongly preferred.
  • Experience: 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 2 years in a management or lead capacity.
  • Government Contracting: Solid working knowledge of FAR/DFARS cost accounting standards, indirect rate structures, and DCAA audit processes.
  • Cost Accounting: Hands-on experience with standard costing and inventory accounting in a manufacturing environment.
  • Technical Accounting: Strong command of GAAP; ability to research and apply guidance to non-routine transactions.
  • Systems Proficiency: Experience with ERP systems (QuickBooks, NetSuite, or similar); advanced Excel skills.
  • Communication: Ability to translate complex financial information clearly for engineering and operations stakeholders.
  • Grit: A builder's mindset - you are comfortable owning processes end-to-end and rolling up your sleeves in a lean, high-growth environment.

Nice to have:
  • Industry Background: Prior experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Equity & Cap Table Familiarity: Exposure to stock option accounting, 409A valuations, and QSBS considerations.
  • Multi-Entity Experience: Experience managing accounting across multiple legal entities or facilities.
  • ERP Implementation: Involvement in selecting or implementing an ERP system at a growing company.

What we have to offer:

We are not just building components. We are reshaping the future of the Aerospace and Defense component industry, which is a $300B+ market! Come join us and help build next generation systems that will make a massive impact at global scale.
  • Competitive compensation: $150,000 to $180,000 base salary + equity
  • Exceptional healthcare benefits - Medical is 100% covered by the company
  • Life Insurance (2x Salary) 100% covered by the company
  • Flexible PTO, 401K, Financial Wellness Resources, and more

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