Accounting Manager

North Wind; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

North Wind, based in Minnesota, seeks an Accounting Manager to oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities and general ledger functions. The role requires robust GAAP knowledge, strong financial reporting, and leadership to guide accounting staff.

The position emphasizes maintaining internal controls, audit readiness, and cross-functional collaboration across Finance and operations. US citizenship is required due to security requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Experience leading, supervising, or providing functional oversight to accounting staff preferred.
• Combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• US citizenship required due to security requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting close processes, establishing timelines and coordinating journal entries.
• Oversee general ledger accounting and reconciliations, balance sheet items, accruals, fixed assets, and other schedules.
• Support the preparation and review of financial statements and management reporting, including variance analysis.
• Provide oversight of accounts payable, cash receipts, and banking activities, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain and strengthen accounting processes and internal controls to support audit readiness and segregation of duties.
• Lead accounting staff, establish priorities, review work, and support professional development.
• Ensure compliance with FAR, CAS, and other federal contracting requirements.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Account reconciliations

Month-end close

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Deltek Costpoint

Job description

Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation

At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting-edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission-critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs—from R&D to flight testing. If you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us.

The Accounting Manager is responsible for managing day-to-day accounting operations and ensuring accuracy, integrity, and timely reporting of financial information. This position oversees the monthly accounting close process, general ledger activities, account reconciliations, accounts payable, cash and banking activities, fixed assets, and other accounting functions. The Accounting Manager maintains effective internal controls, ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Company policies, and provides financial analysis and support to Finance leadership. This position also provides guidance and oversight to accounting staff and partners cross-functionally to support the Company's financial and operational objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting close processes, including establishing timelines, coordinating and reviewing journal entries, reviewing general ledger activity, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring accurate and timely completion of financial reporting requirements.
• Oversee general ledger accounting and account reconciliations, including review and resolution of balance sheet reconciliations, indirect expense accounts, accruals, prepaid expenses, leases, fixed assets, construction-in-process, and other accounting schedules.
• Support the preparation and review of financial statements and management reporting, including variance analysis, account-level analysis, and other financial information requested by Finance and Company leadership.
• Provide oversight of accounts payable, cash receipts, and banking activities, including review of transactions for accuracy, appropriate authorization, supporting documentation, and compliance with Company policies and internal controls.
• Maintain and strengthen accounting processes and internal controls to support accurate financial reporting, appropriate segregation of duties, audit readiness, and compliance with Company policies and applicable accounting requirements.
• Lead and support accounting staff, including establishing priorities, reviewing work, providing guidance and training, monitoring deadlines, and supporting employee development and performance.
• Ensure accounting practices, processes, and financial reporting comply with applicable government contracting requirements, including FAR, CAS, and other relevant federal regulations and contractual requirements.

Preferred Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including experience with general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and month-end close.
• Previous experience leading, supervising, or providing functional oversight to accounting staff preferred.
• A combination of education and relevant experience that provides the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform the position may be considered.
• Due to security requirements, US citizenship is required

Preferred Knowledge / Ability

• Strong understanding of GAAP and general accounting principles.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general ledger accounting, financial reporting, account reconciliations, accruals, fixed assets, and cash management.
• Knowledge of internal controls and demonstrated ability to identify and improve accounting processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to review financial information, identify discrepancies, determine root causes, and drive issues to resolution.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established financial reporting deadlines.
• Ability to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive financial information.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate financial information across the organization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel.
• Experience with Deltek Costpoint and/or other ERP/accounting systems preferred.
• CPA or other relevant professional certification preferred but not required.