Accounting Manager
About Us:
BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky's data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting-edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people-first, customer-focused and fun.
We are seeking a responsible and detail‑oriented Accounting Manager to support the Corporate Controller. In this role, you will oversee the company’s revenue recognition processes, manage monthly and quarterly operational accounting and close activities, and prepare or review technical accounting policies for BlackSky. You will also support internal and external audits for a publicly-traded company. The ideal candidate can work independently, prioritize effectively, and thrive in fast‑paced environments with compressed deadlines. This role is based out of our office in Herndon, Virginia and will work in a hybrid capacity of at least two days per week in the office.
Responsibilities:
- Support the accounting department with all aspects of the general ledger including review of journal entries, cost of goods sold, billed/unbilled receivables, deferred revenue accounts.
- Drive enhancements to existing processes and streamline automation.
- Lead and support a multi-functional accounting department on a day-to-day basis.
- Partner with teams and leaders to foster a positive and resilient employee experience, even in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
- Assist in the review of quarterly and annual consolidated financial statements, including support for the presentation of financial statement schedules, reviewing GAAP checklists, and enhancing disclosure standards to meet stringent public company controls and requirements.
- Responsible for maintaining the exiting corporate internal control over financial statements environment with collaboration with other functions such as Contracts, Operations, and Information Technology on dependent controls.
- Oversee any additions, edits, or deletions to the risk control matrix.
- Lead the technical accounting analysis for key areas, including revenue recognition across multiple contract types and complex satellite production and launch arrangements.
- Identify and address accounting considerations by preparing thorough technical accounting memos and recommending appropriate action plans.
- Own the documentation and implementation of revenue recognition for new contracts in alignment with the ASC 606 five‑step model.
- Develop and refine processes and calculations to ensure compliance with accounting standards and support scalable growth.
- Assess accounting implications of new accounting pronouncements and establish a process for frequent and suitable communication with the Corporate Controller and other stakeholders.
- Maintain and update BlackSky’s accounting policies.
- Manage the financial audit and identify and remediate any process deficiencies or oversights in advance.
- Manage direct reports while also serving as a senior team member who collaborates across the organization to support broader team goals.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
- At least 9+ years of combined work experience including experience working in a public audit firm.
- At least 3+ years of experience demonstrating strong leadership skills, high energy, initiative, creativity, and grit, with a proven ability to independently manage significant initiatives across organizations and geographies.
- Passion for developing and motivating team members and direct reports.
- Ability to work towards strict monthly, quarterly, and annual deadlines, manage multiple responsibilities across the totality of the accounting department and ensure full completeness and accuracy of all deliverables.
- Advanced knowledge of US GAAP and SEC rules and regulations.
- Proven process for performing robust and complex technical research and analysis from the problem definition stage through facilitating the integration of any new processes.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Active CPA certification.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of DCAA w/ICE.
- Knowledge of Deltek Costpoint.
- Manufacturing and cost accounting work experience.
Life at BlackSky for full-time benefits-eligible employees includes:
- Medical, dental, vision, disability, group term life and AD&D, voluntary life and AD&D insurance
- BlackSky pays 100% of employee-only premiums for medical, dental and vision and contributes $100/month for out-of-pocket expenses!
- 15 days of PTO, 11 Company holidays, four Floating Holidays (pro-rated based on hire date), one day of paid volunteerism leave per year, parental leave and more
- 401(k) pre-tax and Roth deferral options with employer match
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employee Stock Purchase Program
- Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs
- Employer matching donations
- Professional development
- Mac or PC? Your choice!
- Awesome swag
The anticipated base salary range for candidates in Herndon, VA is $135,000 - $155,000 per year. The final compensation package offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on specific background and education. BlackSky is a multi-state employer, and this pay scale may not reflect salary ranges in other states or locations outside of Herndon, VA.
BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 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 eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
EEO/Pay Transparency Statements:
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf
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