Senior Project Accountant

Thales • Irvine, CA

2d • $71,250 - $118,750 • Hybrid

About The Position

Thales is looking for a Senior Project Accountant to independently support core financial operations by ensuring accurate revenue recognition, billing, and accounting transactions across multiple business areas and projects. This role partners closely with project and program teams to support month-end and year-end close activities, including intercompany accounting, fixed assets, and merchant-of-record reconciliations. In this position, you will provide audit and tax reporting support, identify and resolve accounting issues, and contribute to the continuous improvement of accounting processes and systems. The role operates with a high degree of accuracy and accountability while ensuring compliance with corporate policies, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field with 5–8+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience; or Master’s degree with 1–4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Technical Accounting Expertise: Demonstrated experience performing and reviewing account reconciliations and executing monthly accounting transactions in a complex or multi-entity environment.
• Working knowledge of revenue and cost recognition, deferrals, fixed asset accounting, intercompany accounting, and financial statement preparation.
• Systems & Technical Proficiency: Experience using financial ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.
• Strong computer proficiency, including advanced use of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Planning, Prioritization & Execution: Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, plan effectively, and manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to interpret general direction regarding priorities and deadlines from the Accounting Director and translate it into effective execution plans.
• Independence & Collaboration: Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Independently manages recurring responsibilities and appropriately escalates new, complex, or high-risk issues to leadership.
• Adaptability & Attention to Detail: Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and adapt to changing business needs.
• Strong attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to accuracy, compliance, and internal controls.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire.
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or for assuming sponsorship of an employment visa now or in the future.

Responsibilities

• Partner with project and program teams to ensure accurate and timely revenue recognition in accordance with applicable accounting standards and internal policies.
• Independently execute and review project billing transactions, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contractual and financial requirements.
• Oversee merchant-of-record transactions and reconciliations, coordinating with program teams to resolve discrepancies and ensure proper financial treatment.
• Support month-end and year-end close activities by preparing and reviewing journal entries, account reconciliations, and related financial analyses.
• Review and approve account reconciliations prepared by offshore or offsite teams, providing guidance and follow-up on variances or issues as needed.
• Manage fixed asset accounting activities, including reconciliations, quarterly certifications, and preparation of audit support documentation.
• Ensure accurate processing, reconciliation, and reporting of intercompany transactions, including required quarterly corporate reporting.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing, analyzing, and delivering required documentation, reconciliations, and explanations.
• Prepare and provide required financial data to the Tax Department to support timely and accurate tax filings.
• Prepare financial status updates, special analyses, and ad hoc reports, and contribute to cross-functional projects as assigned.
• Maintain effective accounting controls by ensuring compliance with corporate policies, internal control requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Contribute to the implementation of accounting tools and continuous process improvements, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and controls.

Benefits

• Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:
• Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period
• Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level