Senior Accountant

Company: Latitude 33 Aviation

Location: Carlsbad, CA 

Reports to: Accounting Manager

Latitude 33 Aviation is seeking a detail-oriented, proactive Senior Accountant to join our accounting team. As an industry leader built by pilots, we operate in a fast-paced, high-standard environment that demands both technical accounting precision and effective cross-departmental coordination. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of aircraft owner statements, journal entry accruals, specialty reports, and fostering strong communication with our flight operations, charter, and maintenance departments to streamline expense reporting and financial data flow.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Statements

• Assist in the monthly owner statement cycle, ensuring all statements are issued by the 20th working day of each month.
• Collaborate on monthly financial reports within 5 working days of statement distribution.
• Generation of Charter Trip Profitability report twice a month.
• Aviation related State and Federal specialty tax filings as well as other routine filings. 
• Develop and maintain tail-specific and trip-specific P&L reports to provide deeper visibility into aircraft performance.
• Ensure high accuracy in financial reporting by implementing rigorous reconciliation procedures and cross-checking processes.

Operational Accounting & Expense Management

• Standardize and optimize the credit card receipt reconciliation process. Proactively collaborate with dedicated pilots, charter coordinators, and maintenance staff to ensure timely receipt submission, reducing administrative overhead.
• Review and approve invoices, ensuring accurate coding and alignment with aircraft-specific general ledger categories.
• Integrate financial data from Jet Insight (JI) into accounting workflows to improve transparency for aircraft owners.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Drive the documentation and automation of accounting processes to replace manual, legacy methods.
• Serve as a bridge between the accounting department and operations, facilitating clear communication regarding financial expectations, invoice coding, and budget adherence.
• Assist in upgrading reporting capabilities and system integrations to provide real-time financial insights.

Qualifications

• Experience: 3–5+ years of progressive accounting experience. Experience in the aviation or charter industry is highly preferred. 
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Experience with QuickBooks Online or similar accounting software and familiarity with flight operations management software (Jet Insight) is a significant advantage.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including flight crews, maintenance technicians, and charter coordinators.
• Analytical Skills: Proven ability to identify discrepancies, streamline complex data sets, and maintain high standards of accuracy under tight monthly deadlines.
• Self-Starter: A proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement, capable of working independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with aviation accounting software and ERP systems.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations affecting financial operations.
• Experience in aviation, aerospace, transportation, or a similarly regulated industry preferred.
• Experience with aircraft leasing, charter operations, maintenance accounting, or FBO accounting.

Technical Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems - Excel advanced knowledge, Quickbooks Online, Bill.com , etc.
• Internal controls and audit management.

Benefits and Perks 

• Unique opportunity to work inside the world of private aviation with San Diego’s largest private jet charter, management and sales/acquisitions company
• Ability to hop on empty private jet flights from/to Carlsbad
• Full-time benefits include health insurance contribution, 401(k) matching, and a competitive PTO package

Work Environment

• Office-based position with occasional remote work opportunities. 
• May require additional hours during month-end, year-end close, audits, or major financial projects.
• Frequent collaboration with executive leadership and operational teams.