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Salary: USD 150,000 - 180,000 / annual
Salient Motion is a well-funded aerospace and defense company pioneering modular motion technologies for industrial, aerospace, and defense applications. The company is currently headquartered in Torrance, CA and will be relocating to a new facility in Hawthorne, CA in summer 2026.
You will serve as Accounting Manager, owning the full accounting function for this fast-moving hardware company. This is a hands-on, high-impact role where you will build and maintain the financial infrastructure supporting mission-critical hardware development and government contract execution.
Key responsibilities include:
• Month-End Close & Financial Reporting: Own the complete monthly close cycle including journal entries, account reconciliations, and 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.
The company operates with autonomy, runs lean for impact, and is well-funded with existing revenue generation.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline; CPA strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 2 years in a management or lead capacity.
• Solid working knowledge of FAR/DFARS cost accounting standards, indirect rate structures, and DCAA audit processes.
• Hands-on experience with standard costing and inventory accounting in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong command of GAAP; ability to research and apply guidance to non-routine transactions.
• Experience with ERP systems (QuickBooks, NetSuite, or similar); advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to translate complex financial information clearly for engineering and operations stakeholders.
• Builder's mindset — comfortable owning processes end-to-end and rolling up sleeves in a lean, high-growth environment.
• U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) to meet customer and regulatory requirements.
NICE TO HAVE:
• Prior experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to stock option accounting, 409A valuations, and QSBS considerations.
• Experience managing accounting across multiple legal entities or facilities.
• Involvement in selecting or implementing an ERP system at a growing company.
