Accounting Manager

Senior Accounting Manager (Government Contracting)

📍 San Diego, CA (Onsite)

🛩 Aerospace & Defense Industry

💼 9/80 Schedule | Every Other Friday Off

🏠 1 Work From Home Day Per Week

Lead Accounting Strategy for Complex Government Programs

We're seeking an experienced accounting leader to oversee a broad accounting organization supporting a portfolio of sophisticated government contracts within a stable and growing aerospace and defense environment.

This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for ASC 606 revenue recognition, government contract accounting, audit readiness, and oversight of multiple accounting functions. You'll lead a team of approximately 20-25 professionals, partner directly with executive leadership, and influence accounting decisions that impact multimillion-dollar programs.

If you're looking for an opportunity to move beyond transactional accounting and into a strategic leadership position with executive exposure, this role offers the chance to make a measurable impact while developing high-performing teams.

Why This Opportunity?

Leadership of a 20-25 person accounting organization

High visibility with executive leadership

Influence accounting decisions on major government programs

Stable aerospace & defense environment

Pension eligibility

9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off

Opportunity to mentor managers and develop future leaders

Strong partnership with FP&A, Program Finance, and Operations

What You'll Own

• Lead multiple accounting teams including managers, supervisors, and individual contributors.
• Provide strategic oversight of ASC 606 revenue recognition across complex government contracts.
• Review contract structures and advise leadership on accounting treatment, financial impact, and compliance considerations.
• Oversee contract accounting, fixed assets, accounts payable, accruals, travel, and compliance functions.
• Serve as a key advisor on technical accounting matters and government contract compliance.
• Partner with executive leadership, FP&A, Program Finance, and Operations on critical business decisions.
• Lead audit readiness efforts and interact directly with external auditors, DCAA, and DCMA representatives.
• Drive process improvements that enhance efficiency, scalability, and internal controls.
• Develop accounting managers and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

Required Experience

• 8+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Leadership experience managing managers and large accounting teams.
• Strong ASC 606 revenue recognition expertise.
• Experience in a government contracting environment.
• Knowledge of FAR, CAS, DCAA, DCMA, and government compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting fixed-price, cost-plus, and other complex contract structures.
• Experience overseeing multiple accounting functions beyond revenue recognition.
• Strong executive communication and leadership skills.

Preferred

• CPA or CMA certification.
• Public accounting background.
• Aerospace & Defense industry experience.
• Experience with SAP or large ERP systems.
• Experience preparing technical accounting memos and position papers.

Ideal background

This opportunity is especially attractive for:

• Senior Accounting Managers
• Accounting Directors
• Government Contract Accounting Leaders
• Revenue Recognition Leaders with broad accounting oversight
• Aerospace & Defense Accounting Professionals

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $174000.00 - $195000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Poway,CA.

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.