Principal Accountant

Sierra Space•Louisville, CO

12d

About The Position

The Principal Accountant is a senior-level role responsible for managing and maintaining financial records, preparing complex financial statements, and ensuring compliance with accounting regulations. The position requires expertise in accounting principles, project accounting, and revenue recognition, as well as the ability to mentor and coach junior accountants. The role leads month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, including accruals and intercompany transactions, and conducts financial analysis to provide insights to senior management. It develops and enhances internal controls, accounting policies, and compliance procedures; addresses complex accounting matters such as revenue recognition and lease accounting; and coordinates internal and external audits to support compliance with GAAP and other regulatory requirements. The Principal Accountant also trains accounting staff and collaborates with finance, tax, and operations teams to improve financial processes and reporting. The role monitors changes in accounting regulations and industry practices, performs detailed analysis and reporting using accounting software and Microsoft Excel, supports accurate project accounting and revenue recognition, and performs other accounting-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree.
Typically 5+ years of related experience.
Deep knowledge of accounting regulations and procedures, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Exceptional skills with accounting software tools and Microsoft Excel.
Solid knowledge and understanding of project accounting and revenue recognition principles.
Ability to provide effective coaching and mentoring to junior accountants.
Experience preparing journal entries and accounting reconciliations and supporting 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 and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Manage and maintain financial records and prepare complex financial statements.
Verify the accuracy of ledger entries and reconcile accounts to the general ledger.
Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, including accruals and intercompany transactions.
Conduct financial analysis and provide insights to senior management to support strategic decisions.
Develop, implement, and enhance internal controls, accounting policies, and compliance procedures.
Address complex accounting issues, including revenue recognition, lease accounting, and other technical topics.
Coordinate internal and external audit processes and support compliance with GAAP and other regulatory requirements.
Mentor, coach, and train junior accountants and other accounting staff.
Collaborate with finance, tax, and operations teams to optimize financial processes and reporting.
Monitor changes in accounting regulations and industry best practices and adapt accounting policies as needed.
Perform detailed financial analysis and reporting using accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
Support accurate and transparent financial management through project accounting and revenue recognition practices.
Perform other accounting-related duties as assigned.