Accounting Specialist

We are looking for an Accounting Specialist to join a defense software organization in Reston, Virginia. This role supports core accounting operations by managing close activities, analyzing financial results, and helping maintain accurate reporting across the business. The position works closely with finance partners and operating teams to address accounting matters, strengthen controls, and improve the efficiency of recurring processes.

Responsibilities:
• Manage designated portions of the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close by preparing entries, reconciling accounts, and assembling analysis to support reported balances.
• Evaluate changes in balance sheet and income statement activity, identify underlying business drivers, and communicate findings in a clear and organized manner.
• Build working knowledge of assigned accounting cycles, including related operational workflows, financial risks, and key control points.
• Interpret and apply relevant U.S. accounting guidance for standard and more complex transactions, documenting conclusions where needed.
• Collaborate with FP& A, Tax, Treasury, Financial Reporting, and business stakeholders to resolve accounting questions and support ongoing financial operations.
• Assist with the preparation of financial statements, management reports, audit schedules, and materials requested by internal and external reviewers.
• Contribute to internal control compliance efforts through documentation updates, testing support, remediation follow-up, and identification of control weaknesses or errors.
• Recommend and support process enhancements that improve accuracy, shorten close timelines, and increase efficiency across accounting activities.
• Maintain accounting policies, procedural documentation, and reference materials while serving as a knowledgeable resource for team members and cross-functional partners.
• Participate in special assignments and other accounting initiatives while ensuring deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule with limited supervision.

• Experience preparing journal entries, reconciling general ledger accounts, and supporting recurring close activities in a corporate accounting environment.

• Knowledge of corporate tax concepts, including exposure to sales tax and corporate tax return support.

• Ability to analyze financial fluctuations, investigate variances, and explain results using clear supporting detail.

• Familiarity with U.S. accounting standards and the ability to research and document treatment for routine and non-routine transactions.

• Strong proficiency in general ledger accounting, financial reporting support, and account-level analysis.

• Comfortable working across finance functions and responding to requests from internal stakeholders, auditors, and business partners.

• Demonstrated attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex processes with a high degree of accuracy.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise materials for management review.

Please reach out to Mahil Santram via LinkedIn if interested in this Accounting Specialist role.