Senior Manager, Accounting (R6484)

Shield AI•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Shield AI is seeking a strategic and operationally strong Senior Manager, Accounting to join its Finance organization. As the company scales globally, this role will lead key aspects of global accounting and the close process, oversee complex accounting operations and intercompany activities, and partner across the organization to develop scalable systems, controls, and reporting processes. The position supports stronger controllership, financial infrastructure maturity, and future public-company readiness. Reporting to the Accounting Director, the Senior Manager will lead global accounting operations and close and reporting activities across domestic and international entities. The role partners with cross-functional teams, supports audits and statutory reporting, and drives improvements to accounting policies, controls, systems, and workflows. It also provides mentorship and accounting expertise to team members and advises on complex accounting and operational issues.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (preferred), Finance, or a related field.
12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including experience in a high-growth, complex operating environment.
Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, consolidations, and internal control frameworks.
Experience leading complex close processes across multiple entities and coordinating cross-functional stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated ability to drive process improvement, operational scalability, and systems optimization initiatives.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, including the ability to navigate ambiguity and shifting priorities.
Excellent project management and organizational skills, with demonstrated success managing multiple priorities and delivering results under tight deadlines.
Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to partner effectively with leaders and stakeholders at all organizational levels.
High degree of ownership, accountability, and initiative, with the ability to operate independently and proactively.
Experience developing process documentation, implementing controls, and supporting audit activities.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience working within modern ERP systems.

Nice To Haves

Active CPA license.
Experience supporting SOX readiness or compliance initiatives.
Experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries.
Experience within a fast-paced, high-growth technology company.
Familiarity with project-based accounting and government contracting environments.
Experience supporting ERP implementations, finance transformation initiatives, or accounting automation projects.
Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring or managing team members and influencing cross-functional initiatives.
Ability to evaluate complex operational and financial challenges, establish clear priorities, and execute practical solutions that support long-term scalability.
Experience supporting organizations preparing for IPO readiness, public-company reporting, or enhanced compliance environments.

Responsibilities

Lead global accounting operations, including monthly and quarterly close consolidation, general ledger accounting, and review of significant accruals, project accounting, capital projects, reconciliations, and cash activities.
Drive an efficient, accurate, and scalable close and reporting process across domestic and international entities in compliance with U.S. GAAP and internal policies.
Partner with FP&A, Treasury, Tax, Program Finance, Operations, and international business teams on financial reporting, operational initiatives, and strategic objectives.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve accounting policies, internal controls, and governance frameworks in preparation for future SOX compliance and public-company readiness.
Identify opportunities to streamline and automate accounting workflows, improve data integrity, and enhance reporting through systems optimization and process transformation.
Lead cross-functional projects involving ERP enhancements, accounting system implementations, reporting automation, and finance infrastructure scaling.
Support the Accounting Director with external audits, statutory reporting requirements, and coordination with external advisors and stakeholders.
Develop and maintain documentation of accounting processes, controls, and key business activities to support audit readiness and operational consistency.
Mentor and guide team members and provide subject matter expertise while supporting a collaborative, high-performance accounting organization.
Analyze complex accounting and operational issues, assess business impacts, and recommend practical, scalable solutions balancing technical compliance and business objectives.
Monitor emerging accounting guidance, industry developments, and best practices, and proactively evaluate potential organizational impacts.
Support special projects, strategic initiatives, and ad hoc analyses.