Accounting Manager

Who We Are GITAI is a vertically integrated space and defense company building the next generation of hardware for low-Earth-orbit missions. At our core is the space robotics technology that has defined GITAI from the beginning. A small, highly capable engineering team applies that foundation across satellite buses, in-orbit servicing robotics, and mission hardware for applications such as Earth observation. Today, a major focus of our work is supporting U.S. national security missions, particularly through proliferated LEO satellite constellations and other next-generation space systems. We design, build, integrate, and test much of our hardware in-house. Electrical, mechanical, software, manufacturing, integration, and test teams work closely together, allowing a small team to own complete systems rather than isolated components. This vertical integration helps us move quickly, learn directly from hardware, and shorten the path from architecture to a working system. We are still early. The systems, the company, and the market are all being built at the same time. Requirements change, technical problems are often ambiguous, and many answers do not yet exist. We are looking for exceptional engineers and operators who want broad ownership, can work across disciplines, and are willing to stay close to the hardware until the mission succeeds. Your Mission Build and improve GITAI’s accounting operations in a fast-moving startup environment where many systems and processes are still being developed. Your mission is not just to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with U.S. GAAP, but to create practical, scalable accounting processes that allow our engineering and manufacturing teams to move as fast as possible. Work closely with these teams to understand their needs, solve problems, and build an accounting infrastructure that supports rapid execution without unnecessary bureaucracy. Key Responsibilities Accounting Operations & Financial Reporting - Own and manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP. - Oversee general ledger accounting, journal entries, accruals, prepaid expenses, and balance sheet reconciliations. - Ensure accurate accounting for accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, and other balance sheet accounts. - Prepare and review financial statements and supporting schedules. - Support revenue recognition and contract accounting in accordance with U.S. GAAP, including ASC 606. - Manage intercompany accounting and support the consolidation of U.S. and Japanese entities, including intercompany reconciliations and consolidated financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP. - Serve as the primary accounting point of contact for external financial statement audits. - Coordinate with external tax advisors on U.S. federal and state corporate income tax filings, including the preparation of supporting schedules and documentation. Manufacturing & Project Cost Accounting - Oversee accounting for inventory, work-in-progress (WIP), manufacturing costs, and cost of goods sold (COGS). - Establish and maintain accurate project cost accounting processes, including the allocation of labor, materials, and overhead costs. - Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Program Management teams to ensure accurate project cost tracking and financial reporting. - Ensure appropriate accounting treatment for R&D expenditures, fixed assets, capital expenditures, and manufacturing-related costs. - Improve the accuracy, consistency, and visibility of project costs and inventory balances. Accounting Systems & Process Improvement - Drive accounting process improvements and collaborate with internal teams and external vendors on system implementation, integration, and automation initiatives. - Identify opportunities to streamline accounting operations, automate workflows, and reduce manual processes. - Develop scalable accounting processes that improve data accuracy, operational efficiency, and financial reporting. - Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve data flows, transaction reconciliation, and accounting system controls. Internal Controls & Audit Readiness - Develop, document, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls in collaboration with the Director of Finance. - Ensure accurate and complete accounting records and supporting documentation. - Lead the preparation of audit schedules and coordinate responses to external auditor requests. - Identify accounting risks, resolve control deficiencies, and implement process improvements. - Support the development of scalable accounting and reporting processes to meet increasing audit and compliance requirements. Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration - Manage day-to-day accounting operations and support the development of the accounting team as the organization grows. - Partner with the Director of Finance on complex accounting matters, financial reporting requirements, and the development of accounting policies and internal controls. - Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Operations teams to ensure accurate and timely accounting information. - Take ownership of accounting-related initiatives and contribute to building a strong, scalable finance and accounting organization. Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. - 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including experience independently managing accounting operations. - Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and hands-on experience managing month-end close, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting. - Hands-on experience with manufacturing or project-based cost accounting, including inventory, work-in-progress (WIP), cost allocation, and fixed assets. - Demonstrated experience improving accounting processes, strengthening internal controls, and leveraging accounting systems to enhance operational efficiency. - Experience coordinating external financial statement audits and maintaining audit-ready accounting records. - Strong Excel skills and hands-on experience with accounting or ERP systems. - Ability to independently manage accounting operations, resolve complex accounting issues, and work effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. - Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with a hands-on, detail-oriented, and ownership-driven mindset. Preferred Qualifications - CPA certification. - Experience in aerospace, defense technology, or U.S. government contracting. - Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, CAS, or DCAA accounting requirements. - Experience with ASC 606 revenue recognition, ASC 842 lease accounting, and manufacturing cost accounting. - Experience with international subsidiaries, intercompany transactions, and consolidated financial reporting. - Experience supervising or mentoring accounting staff. - Experience implementing or integrating accounting, procurement, expense management, or inventory systems. - Experience in a venture-backed startup or high-growth environment. - Experience supporting IPO readiness, SOX compliance, or the development of public-company-level internal controls. Location and Position Type - Torrance, CA/ Full-time, Exempt Compensation The base salary range for this role is $105,000–$145,000 per year. Final title, compensation, and equity will depend on the candidate’s experience and ability to build practical accounting processes that support our engineering and manufacturing teams as we scale. Benefits - Comprehensive Healthcare: 100% paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees, with 90% coverage for dependents, plus life insurance - Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a company match - Equity Opportunities: Stock options in a rapidly growing startup, giving you a stake in our success - Relocation Support: Financial assistance for relocation is available for candidates residing outside the Los Angeles area - Holidays: 12 days of paid time off (PTO) and 12 company holidays annually - Dynamic Work Environment: Collaborate and innovate with a passionate team - Office Perks: Enjoy free snacks and drinks, plus regular social events to foster team spirit - Cutting Edge Experience: Work alongside state-of-the-art robots, driving the future of space technology GITAI does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing or recruiting agencies. We work only with recruiting partners that have been specifically engaged by GITAI. No fees will be paid for resumes submitted without a prior agreement. Compensation may include base salary or hourly pay and, depending on the position, equity. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skillset, and other job-related factors. LA salary range $105,000—$145,000 USD Important Notice - Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. - To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), GITAI Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. - GITAI USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with GITAI USA is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.