Principal Accountant
About The Position
The Principal Accountant is a highly experienced 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, revenue recognition, accounting software, and Microsoft Excel, as well as the ability to mentor junior accountants. The role leads month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, including accruals and intercompany transactions, and conducts financial analysis to support senior management’s decision-making. It develops and enhances internal controls, accounting policies, and compliance procedures; addresses technical accounting matters such as revenue recognition and lease accounting; and coordinates internal and external audits. The Principal Accountant also trains accounting staff, collaborates with finance, tax, and operations teams, monitors changes in accounting regulations and industry practices, 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 and complete 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 with 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.
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 for strategic decision-making.
- Develop, implement, and enhance internal controls, accounting policies, and compliance procedures.
- Address complex accounting issues, including revenue recognition, lease accounting, and other technical topics.
- Lead audit processes by coordinating with internal and external auditors and ensuring compliance with GAAP and other regulatory requirements.
- Mentor and train accounting staff, including junior accountants.
- Collaborate with finance, tax, and operations teams to optimize financial processes and reporting.
- Stay current on accounting regulation changes and industry best practices and adapt accounting policies to ensure compliance.
- Perform detailed financial analysis and reporting using accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
- Apply project accounting and revenue recognition principles to support accurate and transparent financial management.
- Perform other accounting-related duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision plans.
- 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%.
- Life insurance.
- Three weeks of paid time off.
- Personal and professional development opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
