Accounting Manager

Design West Technologies, Inc.; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Design West Technologies, Inc. in Tustin, CA is seeking an Accounting Manager to lead day-to-day accounting operations and ensure compliance with DoD programs.

You will partner with Finance, Contracts, Program Management, and Operations to provide accurate financial information and strengthen internal controls. The role requires a Bachelor's in accounting/finance, 5+ years of progressive accounting experience in manufacturing/government contracting, and experience with FAR, DFARS, CAS, and DCAA

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• 5+ years progressive accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing/defense.
• Experience with FAR, DFARS, CAS, and DCAA.
• Experience supervising accounting staff.
• Strong Excel and ERP experience (SAGE 100).

Responsibilities

• Manage daily accounting operations including GL, AP, AR, payroll coordination, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
• Prepare and review financial statements and management reports.
• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, CAS, GAAP and government contract requirements.
• Support DCAA audits and reviews.
• Maintain internal controls and audit readiness.
• Lead FP&A activities including budgeting, forecasting, and cash-flow analysis.
• Mentor accounting staff.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Contract/accounting experience

ERP/accounting software

Analytical skills

Leadership/supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

CPA certification (preferred)

Tools

SAGE 100

Automated AP System

Job description

For more than three decades, Design West Technologies Inc. has served as a trusted partner to the Department of War (DoW), delivering mission-critical design engineering and rugged manufacturing solutions that protect our nation's warfighters. As we enter our next chapter, we are blending our deep-rooted defense heritage with a start-up culture designed to take advantage of the current DoW landscape. Operating out of our facility in Tustin, CA, we are seeking an ambitious, forward-thinking Accounting Manager to champion this cultural evolution and lead the day-to-day accounting operations to ensure compliance with applicable DoD programs. The successful candidate will closely collaborate with Finance, Contracts, Program Management, Operations and executive leadership to provide accurate financial information and support strong internal controls and audit readiness.

KEYS RESPONSIBILITIES:

Accounting, Financial Reporting & Government Contract Compliance

• Manage daily accounting operations, including GL, AP, AR, payroll coordination, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
• Prepare and review financial statements and management reports for accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting.
• Identify and resolve accounting discrepancies and maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
• Ensure accounting practices comply with FAR, DFARS, CAS, GAAP, company policies, and contractual requirements.
• Support DCAA audits and reviews, including audit schedules, reconciliations, documentation, and auditor requests.
• Maintain audit-ready records and internal controls and assist with indirect rate forecasting, incurred cost submissions, and government financial reporting.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow analysis, and financial planning.
• Analyze actual results against budgets and forecasts and communicate significant variances and financial trends.
• Partner with Finance, Operations, Program Management, and Contracts to provide financial analysis supporting business and strategic decisions.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Develop and maintain effective internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance accounting efficiency, accuracy, reporting, and audit readiness.
• Ensure consistent application of accounting policies, procedures, and financial controls.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial, contractual, employee, customer, and government-related information.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within manufacturing, aerospace, government contracting/defense experience with working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, CAS and DCAA.
• Experience managing or supervising accounting personnel.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, project accounting, job costing, and/or contract accounting.
• Strong Excel skills and experience with ERP/accounting software: SAGE 100, Automated AP System
• Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data and identify discrepancies or trends.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with DCAA audits, incurred cost submissions, and government accounting requirements.
• CPA certification or progress toward CPA certification a plus
• Familiarity with government contract types, including cost-plus, time-and-materials, and firm-fixed-price contracts, and/or Government Property, EVMS or other DoW financial compliance requirements.
• Experience working in a cleared defense environment is preferred.

Security & Compliance

This position may require access to information subject to U.S. government security and export-control requirements. Candidates must meet applicable eligibility requirements

Why Join Us?

You'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact by protecting the infrastructure that supports mission-critical defense programs. Working alongside talented engineers and technology professionals, you'll help strengthen our cybersecurity posture, support regulatory compliance, and contribute to innovative solutions that protect those who protect us. EEO employer including veterans & individuals with disabilities.