Senior Accounting Manager (Vista)

Recruitment Partner Notice

This position is being recruited and advertised by The O'Neil Group Company, LLC on behalf of our client, SEMCO . While applications will be submitted through The O'Neil Group, the selected candidate will be employed directly by SEMCO and will work onsite at SEMCO's Vista, California location.

Company Description

Founded in 1984, SEMCO designs and manufactures RF and state-of-the-art FPGA-based digital products in support of U.S. Government Department of Defense (DOD), Government Research Agencies, International Government entities, DOD Prime Contractors and companies with DOD-related contracts.

Role Description

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Accounting Manager with strong Defense Contracting experience to lead and support accounting operations in a fast-paced aerospace and defense environment. This role will be responsible for overseeing general accounting functions, government compliance requirements, financial reporting, internal controls, and team leadership.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical accounting background, extensive government contracting knowledge, and the ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a growth-oriented organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Review journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and variance analyses.
• Support preparation of management reporting packages and financial metrics.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow analysis.

Government Contract Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:
• FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations)
• DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement)
• CAS (Cost Accounting Standards)
• Maintain and improve accounting systems and processes to support government contract compliance.
• Oversee indirect rate calculations, and provisional billing rates.
• Support contract setup, revenue recognition, labor reporting, and project accounting requirements.

Internal Controls & Audit

• Establish and maintain strong internal controls and financial policies.
• Coordinate and lead external audits, and tax-related activities.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local reporting requirements.
• Manage risk areas related to government contracting and financial operations.

Leadership & Operational Support

• Lead and mentor accounting and finance staff.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Program Management, Contracts, Supply Chain, and HR.
• Support pricing proposals, bid reviews, and government contract negotiations.
• Provide financial analysis and operational insight to improve profitability and working capital management.
• Drive process improvements and ERP optimization initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including leadership responsibility.
• Minimum 3 years of experience within a defense contractor, aerospace, or government contracting environment.
• Strong knowledge of:
• FAR/DFARS
• Cost accounting standards (CAS)
• Government contract accounting
• Percentage-of-completion and project accounting methodologies
• Experience managing month-end close and financial statement preparation.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing accounting and inventory management.
• Experience with ERP systems commonly used in government contracting environments.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership abilities.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or CMA designation strongly preferred.
• Experience with Deltek Costpoint
• Prior experience supporting DCMA and DCAA audits.
• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Paid Time Off and Paid Sick Leave
• 401k program with Safe Harbor Matching
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Medical & Dependent Care
• Health Spending Account (as of 1/1/2026)
• $0 Telehealth Program - includes On Demand, Primary & Behavioral Health Care
• $0 Prescriptions Program
• Personal Benefits Advocate/Concierge Program

Work Environment

• Fast-paced manufacturing and defense contracting environment.
• Ability to work onsite and collaborate cross-functionally with leadership and operations teams.
• Occasional travel may be required.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

The salary for this position at SECMO is $140k - $180k.

The base pay salary is a calculated industry-based estimate and is what SEMCO may pay for anyone seated in this position throughout their tenure at our company. This salary of $140k - $180k is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to market location, job-related knowledge, education or training, skills, and years and types of experience.

SEMCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes employment decisions based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. SEMCO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

SEMCO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.