Senior Manager, Accounting; Defense

Senior Manager, Accounting (Defense)

Lanham, Maryland, United States

AST Space Mobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today's five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager, Accounting to lead the accounting function for our defense-focused subsidiary, supporting the company's growing portfolio of U.S. government contracts. This role is responsible for the full scope of government contract accounting operations, including project cost accounting, indirect rate management, month-end close, and compliance with FAR, DFARS, CAS, and DCAA requirements where applicable. The Senior Manager will serve as the subsidiary's subject matter expert on Deltek Costpoint and will partner closely with Program Management, Operations, and Corporate Accounting to maintain the financial integrity of the subsidiary's books and records.

This is a high-visibility role supporting a rapidly scaling satellite and space technology business with an expanding government and defense customer base.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations for the defense subsidiary, including general ledger, project cost accounting, billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and parent company cost allocations within Deltek Costpoint and Net Suite systems.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including account reconciliations, journal entries, and variance analysis, ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP.
• Establish, maintain, and monitor indirect rate structures, cost pools, and rate calculations in accordance with FAR Part 31 cost principles and CAS, incorporating input from Program Management on cost pool composition.
• Ensure contract compliance across cost-type, fixed-price, and time-and-materials contract vehicles, including IDIQ task orders.
• Support preparation of incurred cost submissions (ICE/ICS), provisional billing rate proposals, and other DCAA/DCMA-required deliverables.
• Serve as a key point of contact for DCAA audits, business systems reviews, and other government compliance examinations.
• Partner with Program Management to ensure accurate contract setup, funding tracking, and revenue recognition under ASC 606 for government contract arrangements.
• Own and continuously improve internal controls over financial reporting for the subsidiary, in coordination with corporate accounting and external auditors.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff supporting the subsidiary.
• Support integration of the subsidiary's accounting processes and reporting into the parent company's consolidated close and reporting cycle.
• Assist with special projects, including CSDR (Cost and Software Data Reporting) compliance, government contract data reporting requirements, and other ad hoc analyses as needed.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Experience:

7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant experience in government contracting/Gov Con accounting environments. 2+ years of people management or team leadership experience. Strong working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, CAS, and DCAA compliance requirements. Demonstrated experience with indirect rate structures, cost pools, and incurred cost submissions. Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, including revenue recognition (ASC 606) as applied to government contract arrangements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Deltek Costpoint (Project Setup, Contract Management, Billing, GL, and related modules) strongly preferred.
• CPA license or active progress toward CPA.
• Experience supporting DoD, aerospace, or defense proposal and contract environments.
• Prior experience with a publicly traded company or SEC reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with CSDR (Cost and Software Data Reporting)…