Accounting Project Analyst

Description

Purpose of the Job:

Support the Finance Department by performing financial analysis, cash flow forecasting, and project/contract budgeting activities, with growing involvement over time in accounting close and revenue recognition processes — including long-term, percentage-of-completion contracts. This role ensures accurate and timely financial reporting, maintains strong internal controls, and provides actionable insights that help drive strategic and operational decisions. S3 AeroDefense provides structured on-the-job training, mentoring, and continuing professional education (CPE) support to help a strong analytical hire build proficiency in percentage-of-completion (ASC 606) accounting on the job.

Reports to: Director of Finance

Duties and Responsibilities:

Accounting & Reporting

• Complete standard monthly close activities, including account reconciliations, journal entries, and supporting documentation.
• Compile and maintain work papers to substantiate account balances and ensure compliance with internal controls.
• Assist with compiling information for external audits and reviews; coordinate with auditors during fieldwork by providing schedules, explanations, and supporting documentation.
• Apply revenue recognition under ASC 606, including percentage-of-completion accounting for long-term contracts — calculating cost-to-cost completion percentages, recognizing revenue and cost of goods sold accordingly, tracking contract assets and liabilities (over-/under-billings), and reconciling percentage-of-completion schedules to the general ledger.
• Assist in evaluating and documenting technical accounting treatment for non-routine transactions (e.g., contract modifications, variable consideration, estimated cost overruns).
• Ensure compliance with internal accounting policies, company procedures, and relevant contractual requirements.

Financial Analysis & Planning

• Prepare and maintain cash flow forecasts at the project and contract level — tracking expected costs, billings, and collections across active contracts — to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Build and maintain project- and contract-level budgets; track actual costs against budget and flag variances for management review.
• Assist in preparing segment-level and consolidated budgets; track and analyze variances against actual results.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly management reports, including metrics such as profitability by region, cash flow trends, days sales outstanding, and contract backlog/percentage-of-completion metrics.
• Support preparation of materials for Board of Directors presentations.
• Assist in preparation of weekly and monthly revenue forecasts, incorporating percentage-of-completion-based revenue estimates.
• Prepare and submit required financial and contractual reports to external stakeholders (customers, suppliers, etc.) per agreement requirements.
• Perform ad-hoc financial modeling, analysis, and reporting in support of strategic initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (required); CPA or Master's in Accounting/Finance a plus.
• 3–5 years of experience in financial analysis, accounting, or auditing, with demonstrated strength in cash flow forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis, and financial modeling. Prior exposure to long-term contract accounting or percentage-of-completion (ASC 606) revenue recognition is a plus but not required. Experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or construction industries a plus.
• Solid working knowledge of US GAAP and internal financial controls.
• Experience with ERP systems (Epicor, SAP, Oracle, or similar) and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Strong analytical skills — including financial modeling, forecasting, and budget-to-actual analysis — attention to detail, and ability to communicate financial information clearly.
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning and process improvement.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Eagerness to learn new technical accounting concepts and pursue continued professional development opportunities.