Director, Government Accounting POST NUMBER: 471331
Title: Director, Government Accounting
Company: Aerospace and Defense
Compensation: $240,000 - $280,000, bonus, RSUs
Location: San Diego, CA (Remote)
Overview:
Our client, a global aerospace and defense organization, is seeking a Director of Government Accounting to lead its corporate government accounting function. This role serves as the primary liaison with government auditors and partners closely with executive leadership to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements while supporting continued growth in government contracting.
Summary:
The Director of Government Accounting will oversee all aspects of regulatory compliance related to government contracts. This leader will manage a team of accountants, direct financial close and reporting processes, and ensure adherence to Cost Accounting Standards, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and U.S. GAAP. The position plays a critical role in managing audit relationships and guiding strategic decision making tied to government cost structures and submissions.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead and develop the Government Accounting team, including oversight of close processes and review of deliverables
• Ensure full compliance with CAS, FAR, and GAAP across all government programs
• Serve as primary point of contact for government agencies and auditors including the Defense Contract Audit Agency and Defense Contract Management Agency
• Oversee preparation and timely submission of required filings including Forward Pricing Rate Proposals, Incurred Cost Submissions, and Disclosure Statements
• Direct audit response efforts and coordinate remediation plans when needed
• Advise executive leadership on cost structure, regulatory matters, and accounting implications of government contracts
• Establish and monitor performance metrics to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement
Qualifications
• 15 years of total experience with at least 10 years in government accounting
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience leading accounting teams
• Active CPA required
• Deep expertise in Cost Accounting Standards, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and U.S. GAAP
• Proven experience negotiating complex FAR and CAS matters with government agencies
• Strong executive presence with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels, including government representatives
• Ability to manage competing priorities and consistently meet deadlines
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• ERP experience required, with preference for SAP and SAP S/4HANA
• Prior Big 4 or public accounting experience preferred
• U.S. Citizenship required
Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
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Pay Transparency Notice
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:
- the individual’s skill sets, experience and training;
- licensure and certification requirements;
- office location and other geographic considerations;
- other business and organizational needs.
With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.