Position Overview:
The Government Accountant will oversee the company’s accounting operations with a strong focus on government-funded programs, including federal loans, grants, equity investments, and related compliance requirements. This role will serve as the primary owner of government funding accounting and reporting initiatives and will lead tracking, compliance, audit preparation, and financial reporting associated with these programs.
This is a highly visible role in a fast-growing manufacturing organization and requires a senior-level professional who is flexible, proactive, and comfortable operating in a startup-style environment where priorities evolve quickly. The ideal candidate brings prior experience managing government funding programs end-to-end and thrives in a hands-on, problem-solving role.
Key Responsibilities:
Accounting & Financial Management
- Manage day-to-day accounting operations including general ledger, month-end and year-end close, account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
- Ensure financial records are maintained in accordance with US GAAP and company policies.
- Review and approve journal entries, accruals, and adjustments.
- Prepare internal financial reports and analyses for leadership.
Government Funding, Grants & Compliance
- Lead accounting, reporting, and compliance for government-funded programs including federal loans, grants, equity investments, and related contracts.
- Serve as the primary owner of government funding initiatives from implementation through ongoing compliance and audit readiness.
- Track allowable vs. unallowable costs and ensure proper cost allocation across programs, cost centers, and funding sources.
- Prepare and review grant budgets, reimbursement requests, invoices, and financial reports required by funding agencies.
- Act as the primary accounting contact for government audits, site visits, and compliance reviews.
- Develop and manage processes to track expenses and ensure audit-ready documentation for funding programs.
Controls, Processes & Systems
- Design, implement, and maintain strong internal controls related to government funding and overall accounting operations.
- Develop and document accounting policies and procedures specific to government-funded activities.
- Ensure compliance with audit requirements and proper segregation of duties.
- Utilize accounting systems and ERPs (Microsoft Business Central preferred) to support tracking and reporting needs.
Audit, Tax & External Coordination
- Lead and support external audits including government, grant, and financial statement audits.
- Coordinate with external auditors, federal auditors, and consultants to respond to inquiries and resolve findings.
- Support tax compliance and reporting as it relates to government-funded activities.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Partner closely with finance leadership, operations, and program managers to ensure financial alignment with program objectives.
- Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders on government funding compliance and best practices.
- Demonstrate flexibility by supporting evolving business needs in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- 5+ years of progressive accounting experience with hands-on experience managing government funding, grants, or government contracts.
- Strong knowledge of US GAAP and government funding compliance requirements.
- Experience preparing government financial reports, reimbursement requests, and supporting audits.
- Proven ability to work independently, solve problems, and lead initiatives with minimal supervision.
- Proficiency with accounting systems/ERPs and Excel.
Preferred
- CPA strongly preferred.
- Prior experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience working with federal funding programs (DOE or similar).
- Experience with Microsoft Business Central or similar ERP systems.
- Background in a startup or high-growth company environment.
Skills & Competencies
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Flexible and adaptable with a willingness to take on responsibilities beyond a narrow job scope.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving organization.
- Team-oriented mindset with strong cultural alignment and professionalism.
Compensation
The base salary range for this role is $145,000 – $160,000, with final compensation determined by factors such as experience, skills, and geographic location. This role may also be eligible for a target bonus and equity, depending on level and performance.
Physical Demands
The work environment will be a mix of a typical office environment, a manufacturing floor and a construction site. Noise level: Normal office, manufacturing and construction noises.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required of personnel so classified. The reporting relationship may not reflect the most recent changes to the corporate reporting structure.'
USA Rare Earth proudly supports Equal Employment Opportunities
USA Rare Earth's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and will provide reasonable accommodations according to applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.
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