Principal Accountant

Financeroles; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 139,000 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

Medical, dental, vision

Paid time off

Job summary

Sierra Space, a leader in space technology, seeks a Principal Accountant to lead advanced accounting duties, ensure GAAP compliance, and manage complex financial reporting. This senior role requires deep knowledge of project accounting, revenue recognition, intercompany processes, and the ability to mentor junior staff.

You will oversee month-, quarter-, and year-end closes, drive internal controls, coordinate with auditors, and partner with finance, tax, and operations to optimize financial

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of related accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and accounting regulations.
• Exceptional skills with accounting software and MS Excel.
• Solid understanding of project accounting and revenue recognition.

Responsibilities

• Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close with accuracy.
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors and ensure GAAP compliance.
• Mentor and coach junior accountants and support staff.
• Develop and maintain internal controls and accounting policies.
• Collaborate with finance, tax, and operations to optimize processes.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Excel

Project accounting

Revenue recognition

Journal entries

Reconciliations

Month-end close

Coaching/mentoring

Communication

Analytical skills

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA (preferred)

Tools

SAP

Job description

Sierra Space Careers:

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.

Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

The Principal Accountant role is a highly experienced and skilled senior-level position responsible for managing and maintaining financial records, preparing complex financial statements, and ensuring compliance with accounting regulations. This role requires deep knowledge of accounting principles, project accounting, and revenue recognition, as well as the ability to mentor and coach junior accountants. The role involves verifying the accuracy of entries to ledger accounts, reconciling to the general ledger, and utilizing exceptional skills with accounting software tools and MS Excel for financial analysis and reporting.

In this role, you will lead the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, including accruals and intercompany transactions, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting. You will conduct in-depth financial analysis and provide insights to senior management to support strategic decision-making. Developing, implementing, and enhancing internal controls, accounting policies, and compliance procedures will be a key responsibility. As a subject matter expert, you will address complex accounting issues, including revenue recognition, lease accounting, and other technical topics. You will lead audit processes by coordinating with internal and external auditors, ensuring compliance with GAAP and other regulatory requirements. Mentoring and training accounting staff, you will provide leadership and expertise to ensure accuracy and efficiency in financial processes. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including finance, tax, and operations, you will optimize financial processes and reporting. Staying updated on changes in accounting regulations and industry best practices, you will proactively adapt accounting policies to ensure compliance. Utilizing exceptional skills with accounting software tools and Microsoft Excel, you will perform detailed financial analysis and reporting. Applying solid knowledge and understanding of project accounting and revenue recognition principles, you will support accurate and transparent financial management. Additionally, you will perform other accounting-related duties as assigned, contributing to the overall success of the accounting team.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.

We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).
• Typically 5+ years of related experience.
• Deep and complete knowledge of accounting regulations and procedures, including the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Exceptional skills with accounting software tools and MS Excel.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of project accounting and revenue recognition principles.
• Ability to provide effective coaching and mentoring to junior accountants.
• Experience in preparing journal entries, accounting reconciliations, and with the month-end close.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification: Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Public accounting experience.
• Public company experience.
• Aerospace industry experience.
• Familiarity with SAP.
• Experience with financial reporting and other accounting activities.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$138,626.00 - $190,631.75

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education,experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Sierra Space Corporationis an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment withSierra Spaceor at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.