Accounting Project Analyst

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.