Accounting Manager

Salient Motion; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exceptional healthcare benefits

Flexible PTO

401K

Job summary

Salient Motion is looking for an experienced Accounting Manager to oversee the accounting function for a dynamic aerospace and defense company based in Torrance, CA. You will manage month-end closes, financial reporting, cost accounting, and compliance with government contracts.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, 5+ years of accounting experience, and a CPA is preferred. The position offers a competitive salary of $150,000 to $180,000, along with comprehensive healthcare benefits and a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative projects.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 2 years in a management role.
• Hands-on experience with standard costing and inventory accounting in a manufacturing environment.
• Solid working knowledge of FAR/DFARS cost accounting standards.

Responsibilities

• Own the full monthly close cycle, including journal entries and financial statements preparation.
• Develop and maintain a robust cost accounting system.
• Ensure compliance with government contract requirements.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Cost Accounting

ERP systems proficiency

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

QuickBooks

NetSuite

Excel

Job description

**Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) to meet customer and regulatory requirements**

Who We Are

We are pioneering modular motion technologies to power the next generation of innovation for Industrial, Aerospace and Defense. If you're excited about disrupting legacy industries, and passionate about building the financial infrastructure behind cutting‑edge hardware, let's chat!

We are at the forefront of innovation, crafting exclusive motion control components that propel the industrial, aerospace, and defense sectors into the future.

A couple other things:

• We offer a lot of autonomy
• We like to run lean for impact
• We have great benefits
• We are well funded, and already generating revenue
• We're currently in Torrance, CA, but will be moving into a new facility in Hawthorne, CA in the summer!

What you'll do:

We are seeking a hands‑on, detail‑oriented Accounting Manager to own the full accounting function for a fast‑moving aerospace and defense company. This is a high‑impact role where you will build and maintain the financial backbone that supports mission‑critical hardware development and government contract execution.

• Month‑End Close & Financial Reporting: Own the full monthly close cycle — journal entries, account reconciliations, and timely preparation of accurate financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Cost Accounting: Develop and maintain a robust cost accounting system, including standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation for manufactured electromechanical components.
• Government Contract Compliance: Ensure full compliance with FAR/DFARS cost accounting requirements; support DCAA audit readiness and maintain appropriate cost pools and indirect rate structures.
• AP/AR & Cash Management: Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, ensuring timely vendor payments, customer invoicing, and proactive cash flow monitoring.
• Budgeting & Forecasting Support: Partner with the CFO to support annual budgeting, rolling forecasts, and ad hoc financial analysis to inform operational and strategic decisions.
• Internal Controls: Design, implement, and maintain internal controls and accounting policies appropriate for a scaling aerospace company with government customers.
• Audit & Tax Coordination: Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and tax advisors; manage year‑end close and support preparation of required filings.
• Systems & Process Improvement: Identify and drive improvements to accounting systems, tools, and workflows to support the company's growth trajectory.

What you need:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline. CPA strongly preferred.
• Experience: 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 2 years in a management or lead capacity.
• Government Contracting: Solid working knowledge of FAR/DFARS cost accounting standards, indirect rate structures, and DCAA audit processes.
• Cost Accounting: Hands‑on experience with standard costing and inventory accounting in a manufacturing environment.
• Technical Accounting: Strong command of GAAP; ability to research and apply guidance to non‑routine transactions.
• Systems Proficiency: Experience with ERP systems (QuickBooks, NetSuite, or similar); advanced Excel skills.
• Communication: Ability to translate complex financial information clearly for engineering and operations stakeholders.
• Grit: A builder's mindset — you are comfortable owning processes end‑to‑end and rolling up your sleeves in a lean, high‑growth environment.

Nice to have:

• Industry Background: Prior experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Equity & Cap Table Familiarity: Exposure to stock option accounting, 409A valuations, and QSBS considerations.
• Multi‑Entity Experience: Experience managing accounting across multiple legal entities or facilities.
• ERP Implementation: Involvement in selecting or implementing an ERP system at a growing company.

What we have to offer:

We are not just building components. We are reshaping the future of the Aerospace and Defense component industry, which is a $300B+ market! Come join us and help build next generation systems that will make a massive impact at global scale.

• Competitive compensation: $150,000 to $180,000 base salary + equity
• Exceptional healthcare benefits — Medical is 100% covered by the company
• Life Insurance (2x Salary) 100% covered by the company
• Flexible PTO, 401K, Financial Wellness Resources, and more