Principal Staff Accountant
Stratolaunch
On-site
Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.
Job Title: Principal Staff Accountant – Aerospace & Defense
Position Summary
The Principal Staff Accountant is a senior technical accounting professional responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with government regulations, and strong internal controls in a highly regulated aerospace and defense environment. This role serves as a subject-matter expert for complex accounting matters, government contract accounting, and audit support, while partnering closely with program management, finance leadership, and external auditors.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Accounting & Reporting
- Lead complex accounting analyses and documentation in accordance with U.S. GAAP, including revenue recognition (ASC 606), leases (ASC 842), and long-term contracts.
- Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and disclosures.
- Research, interpret, and implement new accounting standards and regulatory guidance.
- Serve as the accounting authority for unusual or non-routine transactions.
- Provide monthly reports to indirect budget owners and facilitate updates to their forecasts.
Government Contract Accounting & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with FAR, CAS, DFARS, and other applicable government regulations.
- Support incurred cost submissions, forward pricing rate proposals, and cost impact analyses.
- Partner with contracts and program teams to ensure proper cost accounting and revenue treatment.
- Maintain compliant cost structures and indirect rate allocations.
Audit & Controls
- Act as a primary liaison for internal, external, and government audits (DCAA, DCMA).
- Prepare audit schedules, respond to audit inquiries, and resolve findings.
- Design, implement, and monitor strong internal controls over financial reporting.
- Support SOX compliance and continuous process improvements.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Mentor and review work of senior and staff accountants.
- Partner with FP&A, programs, supply chain, and engineering teams to support business objectives.
- Drive accounting process improvements, automation, and best practices.
- Provide clear guidance and recommendations to finance and executive leadership.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (Master’s preferred).
- CPA or CMA strongly preferred.
- 8–12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant aerospace/defense or government contracting exposure.
- Deep working knowledge of U.S. GAAP, FAR, CAS, and DCAA requirements.
- Experience supporting government audits and complex contract accounting.
- Advanced proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., Deltek Costpoint, SAP, Oracle) and Excel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with cost-type, fixed-price, and hybrid government contracts.
- Prior leadership or supervisory experience.
- Background in publicly traded or PE-backed A&D companies.
- Strong documentation and technical memo writing skills.
Key Competencies
- Exceptional attention to detail and analytical skills
- Strong judgment and problem-solving ability
- Ability to communicate complex accounting topics clearly
- Proactive, hands-on, and improvement-oriented mindset
- Ability to thrive in a regulated, deadline-driven environment
Compensation
$128,000-$200,000
Eligible for up to 15% annual bonus
Benefits and our location(s):
- 9/80 schedule
- Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
- Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
- 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
- Tuition reimbursement
This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.
Mojave Air & Spaceport is located 95 miles north of Los Angeles. To outsiders it may seem like it is the middle-of-nowhere, but it offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California’s best attractions and landmarks. Hikers will find themselves within a 2-3 hours distance of some of the best state and national parks, including Yosemite and Sequoia in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Skiers will delight in being closely distanced to world-class resorts at Mammoth Mountain, Mountain High, and Big Bear. Beachgoers can find plenty of sand, sun, and sunsets at both Southern and Central California beaches like Ventura, Huntington, Santa Monica, and Pismo. The area also offers plenty of rural area for off-roading and horseback riding enthusiasts.
Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.
Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.
Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law :
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf