Staff Accountant

Who We AreAt Firestorm, we’re on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors, regardless of their defense budget. through innovative, cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision “democratized deterrence.” As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we’re pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we’re pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world-class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost. Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement, making cutting-edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.About The RoleFirestorm Labs is at the forefront of innovation, delivering advanced solutions that make a real impact. We are looking for a Staff Accountant who is excited to support the company’s growth by ensuring financial accuracy, and compliance, while helping programs & projects succeed. The ideal candidate will bring strong operational expertise, a process improvement mindset, and a collaborative approach. You will work closely with the Director of Finance and cross-functionally across other departments to ensure our accounting processes are efficient, accurate, and scalable. This role is more than traditional accounting. You will partner with program & the operations team, contribute to strategic financial planning, and help shape internal processes that support audits and regulatory compliance.As Firestorm Labs grows, this role provides a clear path to Senior Accountant and eventually Accounting Manager, offering increasing responsibility over audits, cost accounting, and financial reporting. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is detail-oriented, curious, and ready to make an impact in a collaborative, innovative environment.What You'll DoMaintain accurate general ledger entries for direct, indirect, and unallowable costsPartner with project and contract teams to allocate revenue and costs accurately, helping ensure every program is financially tracked and optimizedMonitor project budgets and funded amounts, reconciling and reporting costs to support informed decision-making by leadershipAssist in managing indirect cost pools including Fringe, Overhead, G&A and IRAD, and help apply provisional billing rates in compliance with FAR and CASCollaborate on variance analysis for indirect rates and budget performance, providing actionable insights to guide financial decisionsSupport the creation of annual operating and contract-level budgets and financial projections for new awards and internal initiativesEnsure compliance with GAAP, FAR, DFARS, and CASPrepare audit-ready schedules and assist with filings, including incurred cost submissions and forward pricing rate proposals, for DCAA & DCMA reviewsContribute to month-end close activities, including journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations, to ensure accurate and timely financial statementsGenerate management reports, contract-level profitability analyses, and cash flow forecasts that provide leadership with insights to drive performanceOwn aspects of vendor and accounts payable processes including vendor setup, invoice review and reconciliation, ensuring efficiency and accuracyAudit employee expense reports and credit card transactions to confirm compliance with company policyMonitor AP communications and follow up on outstanding invoices or unmatched items to ensure timely paymentsDocument, enhance, and standardize accounting processes to support scalability as Firestorm Labs growsSupport system upgrades or ERP migrations, such as Deltek/Costpoint , and collaborate cross-functionally to streamline reporting and data flowPerform ad-hoc projects and accounting tasks as assigned, contributing to process improvements and operational efficiencyQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field 3+ years progressive accounting experience, preferably in Aerospace and Defense, or Government ContractingU.S. citizen or permanent resident (eligibility for a security clearance may be required)Strong understanding of US GAAP, FAR, DFARS, and CAS complianceFamiliarity with indirect rate structures and project-based cost allocationExperience with ERP or accounting systems (e.g., Deltek/Costpoint, Unanet, Netsuite)Proficiency in Excel including pivot tables, lookups, and advanced functionsExperience scaling processes in high-growth or startup environmentsDetail-oriented, highly organized, and able to manage multiple prioritiesPreferred QualificationsMBA or advanced degree in a related fieldCPA certificationsDirect experience in national security, defense tech, aerospace, or adjacent dual-use technology sectorsExperience preparing incurred cost submissions or supporting DCAA auditsFamiliarity with timekeeping, labor distribution, and cost pool allocation methodologiesStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsEffective communicator who collaborates well across technical, operational, and financial teamsWork EnvironmentBased at our Headquarters in San Diego, CAThis role requires an on-site presenceWe welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.CompensationUS Salary Range: $78,000 - $93,000 USDThe posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.Benefits & PerksOur culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goalsEquity grants for new hiresUnlimited PTOExtremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December.Generous Parental Leave Lifestyle Spending AccountFSA DCFSAHSAHospital Indemnity insurance Critical Illness insurance Accident insurance Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well. Export Control ComplianceTo conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.Equal Opportunity StatementFirestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.PI279125863