Controller Jobs in Chula Vista, CA

Senior Accountant

As a Senior Accountant you will serve as a key technical accounting resource on the Finance & Accounting team, owning complex general ledger reconciliations, recurring and non-recurring journal entries, and compliance filings central to the integrity of Quartus financial statements. This is a hands-on, high-judgment role well-suited to a CPA with deep reconciliation and close experience who takes ownership of their accounts and works independently within a small, collaborative team.

You will report to the Accounting Manager and work closely with the Controller to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual close and compliance deadlines. You will also play an active role in Quartus ERP system transition, currently underway with a target go-live in 2027.

Essential Job Functions

• Month-End Close
• Own preparation of complex monthly general ledger reconciliations, including:
• ESOP-related balance sheet accounts
• ASC 842 lease liabilities and right-of-use assets across multiple office locations
• Accounts payable and accounts receivable clearing accounts
• Fixed assets under construction and capitalized internal-use software
• Sales and use tax liability accounts
• Other assigned balance sheet and income statement accounts
• Assist with and progressively own month-end revenue recognition under ASC 606, including fixed-price contract cost-to-cost calculations and T&M revenue accruals
• Prepare and post non-recurring entries as needed, including lease modifications, asset disposals, and other complex transactions
• Coordinate month-end close folder setup and close checklist management
• ESOP & Compliance
• Prepare and maintain organized, audit-ready supporting workpapers for all assigned accounts and transactions a core responsibility of this role.
• Support annual ESOP trust accounting and audit, including note accounting, accrued liabilities, and interest calculations
• Assist with annual 401(k) audit requests and provide documentation to plan auditors.
• Support the annual financial review and respond to external auditor requests across assigned areas.
• Prepare and file monthly, quarterly, and annual government-required licenses and reports.
• Maintain sales and use tax compliance across applicable jurisdictions.
• Corporate Finance Support
• Prepare variance analysis of actual results to budget/forecast for owned accounts, including written commentary on key drivers
• Support the Controller and Director of Finance in preparing schedules and supporting data for the annual operating plan (AOP) and quarterly forecast updates
• Prepare ad hoc financial analysis and reports as requested by the Controller or Director of Finance
• ERP Transition
• Active participant in Finance & Accounting ERP system transition (target go-live 2027)
• Document current-state close processes and reconciliation procedures to support system design and data migration
• Test new ERP workflows and support parallel-run activities during cutover
• Team & Process
• Support and mentor other team members in reconciliation techniques and close process best practices
• Identify and implement improvements in accounting processes, workflows, and internal controls
• Prepare ad hoc financial analysis and reports as requested by the Controller or senior leadership
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

Who Is Right For The Job?

Quartus is looking for people to join the Quartus culture, not just the team. We are a company that makes decisions anchored in our values and our purpose to build highly collaborative teams of lifelong learners and teachers that make bold and positive impacts. We are looking for people who put people first, back all their actions with absolute integrity, and seek to satisfy their insatiable curiosity by taking bold approaches to the work they do.

The ideal candidate brings technical accounting depth someone energized by owning their accounts end-to-end, comfortable exercising independent judgment on complex transactions, and genuinely invested in a team where everyone is an owner.

Location

Position is based in San Diego with a hybrid schedule.*

*The hybrid work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs including but not limited to training, performance, or other operational requirements. Any physical location change may impact future employment.

What Are We Looking For?

• Bachelors degree in Accounting or Finance
• CPA preferred (active or inactive); candidates with equivalent technical depth and demonstrated accounting judgment will be considered
• 7 + years of progressive corporate accounting experience
• Demonstrated ownership of complex GL reconciliations and close processes
• Strong working knowledge of US GAAP, including ASC 842 (lease accounting)
• Advanced Excel and Microsoft Office proficiency
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain technical accounting to non-financial stakeholders
• US Person (US Citizen or US Permanent Resident)

Preferred Qualifications

• ESOP company accounting experience (trust accounting, ASC 718)
• Government contracting or DCAA/FAR accounting familiarity
• ERP implementation or system transition experience
• Experience with modern ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite, Intacct, or similar mid-market platforms)
• Paylocity or similar HRIS experience
• ASC 606 revenue recognition experience in a project-based or professional services environment
• Engineering, aerospace, or defense industry experience

Compensation And Benefits

Senior Staff Accountant pay range: $80,529 - $120,000*

*This range represents base pay. In addition, you may be eligible for additional benefits and compensation.

Referral eligibility: Tier 1

Quartus is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to employing a diverse workforce, including, but not limited to, minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Quartus provides comprehensive benefits including competitive salary, discretionary performance-based bonus, employee stock ownership plan, medical, dental, vision, and 401k plan with company match.