Accounting Manager (Herndon)

This role is for a newly public mid-size company in the aerospace sector.

Compensation: $120K-$150K base + budgeted 15% annual bonus + RSUs

Location: Hybrid, Herndon, VA

The Accounting Manager will oversee key operational accounting activities at their Herndon location, including accounts payable, billing, and core general ledger functions. This role manages the transaction processing team and ensures timely, accurate, and well-controlled accounting operations. In addition to team leadership, the Accounting Manager owns several critical general ledger areas, performs and/or reviews key account reconciliations, and plays an essential role in driving continuous improvement in systems, processes, and automation within the accounting function. This position requires strong knowledge of government contractor accounting and experience working in public companies.

Main Responsibilities:

• Oversee transaction processing activities, including Accounts Payable and billing operations.
• Manage, mentor, and develop team members responsible for day-to-day transactional accounting.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of transactions and adherence to policies, procedures, and strong internal controls.
• Own key general ledger functions, including journal entry preparation and review.
• Perform and review critical account reconciliations to support a timely and high-quality monthly close.
• Support the Controller with close reporting, analysis, and operational accounting initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Dallas team and other functional partners to maintain consistent processes across locations.
• Partner closely with the Controller in designing and implementing system upgrades, workflow improvements, automation, and standardization across accounting operations.
• Assist with audit support, government contract compliance, and other external reporting processes as required.
• Contribute to accounting policies, documentation, and continuous enhancement of accounting operations.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• 6+ years of progressive accounting experience, including operational accounting responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of government contractor accounting, U.S. GAAP, and internal controls.
• Experience with transaction processing (A/P, billing) and general ledger accounting.
• Ability to manage and develop staff and work collaboratively across functions and locations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact effectively with operations and functional teams.
• Experience with ERP systems.
• Demonstrated ability to drive process improvement and support transformation initiatives.

Desirable:

• CPA
• Experience within a government contractor environment.
• Experience with Deltek Costpoint.
• Public company experience.
• Public accounting experience a plus.