NLign - Accounting Manager / Sr. Accounting Manager

Background:

NLign Analytics is a growing aerospace and defense software company based in Blue Ash, OH. Our technology improves the quality, performance, and sustainment of mission-critical assets - connecting inspection and quality data to the physical asset, identifying trends, accelerating decision-making, and creating a stronger digital thread across the asset lifecycle. We serve leading aerospace and defense manufacturers and U.S. government customers.

We offer a strong culture, talented colleagues, meaningful role flexibility and autonomy, and competitive compensation - including a base salary plus bonus and great benefits.

NLign is entering its next phase of growth: modernizing and expanding our technology platform, building out the leadership and functional capabilities needed to scale, accelerating organic growth, and pursuing strategic opportunities that broaden our capabilities and market reach.

The Opportunity:

We're looking for a hands-on, detail-oriented Accounting Manager or Sr. Accounting Manager to lead and manage the Company's accounting operations. As a department of one, you will own the full accounting cycle - from daily bookkeeping and reconciliations to month-end close and audit support - while partnering closely with the CFO to provide insights that shape strategic decisions. Title and level will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience.

This role carries an additional dimension: the Company is standing up as an independent company following its carve-out, and you will help build the accounting function from the ground up as transition services wind down. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in an autonomous environment, enjoys building processes rather than inheriting them, and wants to grow with a business scaling in the government technology market.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting Operations:

• Own the full accounting cycle, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, reconciliations, and monthly/annual close.
• Prepare accurate, timely financial statements and ad hoc reports for the CFO, executive team, board, and investors.
• Manage compliance with GAAP, including ASC 606 revenue recognition across contract types.
• Own government contract accounting and compliance - maintaining a DCAA-compliant accounting system, managing indirect rates and the annual incurred cost submission, and handling contract billing and enabling project-level financial tracking for leadership and operations. 

Process & Systems Build-Out:

• Own the transition from shared services to a fully independent finance and accounting function.
• Design, document, and implement accounting processes and controls from the ground up - AR, AP, payroll, the close calendar, and approval workflows - rather than inheriting an existing playbook.
• Establish a streamlined process for integration of established systems for sales projections and detailed operational task-level time tracking into a robust financial ecosystem.
• Build the interim reporting and reconciliation tooling needed to keep the close running while systems are stood up.
• Lead selection and implementation of a government-contract-capable ERP.

Audit & Compliance:

• Serve as primary liaison with external auditors and ensure audit readiness.
• Maintain strong internal controls, accounting policies, and cash management practices.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis:

• Support the CFO in developing budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Conduct variance analysis and provide actionable insights to guide strategic planning.

Strategic Contribution:

• Review contracts for proper revenue recognition.
• Assist in M&A integration activities, ensuring seamless incorporation of acquired entities into financial processes and systems.
• Contribute to board materials and PE reporting packages.

What You Bring and Requirements:

• Experience: 5+ years in accounting overall, with progressive ownership of the close. B2B SaaS experience strongly preferred - comfort with subscription revenue, ARR, and deferred revenue mechanics.
• Government Contracting Experience (strongly preferred): Experience in a government contracting environment - e.g. DCAA-compliant accounting, indirect rates, or incurred cost submissions.
• Builder's Track Record: Has built or meaningfully rebuilt accounting processes and systems at a small or scaling company - or been a core contributor on an ERP implementation. Comfortable designing a workflow rather than only operating inside one someone else built.
• Mindset: Hands-on operator comfortable owning the function as a department of one, with the ability to balance tactical execution and strategic insight. Takes full ownership of the function and moves without waiting to be asked. 
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of GAAP and ASC 606. Experience with government-contract-capable ERPs (Deltek Costpoint, or similar) strongly preferred; NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and QuickBooks Online experience welcome. Strong Excel skills.
• Execution & Precision: Exceptional attention to detail with a track record of delivering timely, accurate financials.
• Education & Credentials: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA required.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative, professional approach with executives, auditors, contracting officers, and cross-functional partners.
• Candidates must be a U.S. citizen.

Location and Reporting:

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Location: Remote (ability to work Central/Eastern time zone)