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 Do- Maintain accurate general ledger entries for direct, indirect, and unallowable costs
- Partner with project and contract teams to allocate revenue and costs accurately, helping ensure every program is financially tracked and optimized
- Monitor project budgets and funded amounts, reconciling and reporting costs to support informed decision-making by leadership
- Assist in managing indirect cost pools including Fringe, Overhead, G&A and IRAD, and help apply provisional billing rates in compliance with FAR and CAS
- Collaborate on variance analysis for indirect rates and budget performance, providing actionable insights to guide financial decisions
- Support the creation of annual operating and contract-level budgets and financial projections for new awards and internal initiatives
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, FAR, DFARS, and CAS
- Prepare audit-ready schedules and assist with filings, including incurred cost submissions and forward pricing rate proposals, for DCAA & DCMA reviews
- Contribute to month-end close activities, including journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations, to ensure accurate and timely financial statements
- Generate management reports, contract-level profitability analyses, and cash flow forecasts that provide leadership with insights to drive performance
- Own aspects of vendor and accounts payable processes including vendor setup, invoice review and reconciliation, ensuring efficiency and accuracy
- Audit employee expense reports and credit card transactions to confirm compliance with company policy
- Monitor AP communications and follow up on outstanding invoices or unmatched items to ensure timely payments
- Document, enhance, and standardize accounting processes to support scalability as Firestorm Labs grows
- Support system upgrades or ERP migrations, such as Deltek/Costpoint , and collaborate cross-functionally to streamline reporting and data flow
- Perform ad-hoc projects and accounting tasks as assigned, contributing to process improvements and operational efficiency
Qualifications- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- 3+ years progressive accounting experience, preferably in Aerospace and Defense, or Government Contracting
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident (eligibility for a security clearance may be required)
- Strong understanding of US GAAP, FAR, DFARS, and CAS compliance
- Familiarity with indirect rate structures and project-based cost allocation
- Experience with ERP or accounting systems (e.g., Deltek/Costpoint, Unanet, Netsuite)
- Proficiency in Excel including pivot tables, lookups, and advanced functions
- Experience scaling processes in high-growth or startup environments
- Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to manage multiple priorities
Preferred Qualifications- MBA or advanced degree in a related field
- CPA certifications
- Direct experience in national security, defense tech, aerospace, or adjacent dual-use technology sectors
- Experience preparing incurred cost submissions or supporting DCAA audits
- Familiarity with timekeeping, labor distribution, and cost pool allocation methodologies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Effective communicator who collaborates well across technical, operational, and financial teams
Work Environment- Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA
- This role requires an on-site presence
- We 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 USD
The 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 plans
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
- Equity grants for new hires
- Unlimited PTO
- Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December.
- Generous Parental Leave
- Lifestyle Spending Account
- FSA
- DCFSA
- HSA
- Hospital 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.
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