Director, Government Accounting

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We're looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

What you'll do

We're excited to announce a dynamic opportunity for a talented Director, Government Accounting to join our growing team!

The Government Accounting department serves as the primary point of contact with government auditors and interacts with all of the business areas within Viasat to ensure accounting compliance with government regulations. As the Government Accounting Director, you will use your strong understanding of CAS, FAR and GAAP to develop and lead a team of corporate accountants and advise management on proper accounting in accordance with various regulatory requirements. You will be responsible for ensuring the execution and completion of various government submissions and to ensure that Viasat continues to grow and develop in compliance with its regulatory commitments.

The day-to-day

• Lead the Government Accounting team: This includes training and developing the team's expertise, leading and reviewing their financial close processes, and ensuring all deliverables are accurate.

• Ensure compliance: Make sure all accounting practices adhere to strict government regulations, including Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Manage government relations: Act as the primary point of contact for government representatives and auditors, such as the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA).

• Coordinate regulatory submissions: Oversee the timely preparation and submission of all required regulatory documents. This includes filings like Forward Pricing Rate Proposals, Incurred Cost Submissions, and Disclosure Statements.

• Respond to audits: Lead the company's response to government audits and coordinate the implementation of any necessary corrective actions.

• Provide strategic support: Work with management to maintain an appropriate cost structure for all government contracts, and provide them with expert advice and analysis on all government accounting matters.

• Monitor and improve performance: Develop and track key metrics to measure the team's performance, using this data to identify and solve problems and drive continuous improvement.

What you'll need

• 15+ years of experience in government accounting, including a minimum of 5 years in a supervisory role.
• A Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is also required.
• You must be an expert in government accounting regulations, including the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Proven experience negotiating complex FAR and CAS issues with government agencies is essential.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and presentation skills to effectively interact with a wide range of people, from employees to government representatives.
• The ability to prioritize competing demands and consistently meet deadlines.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Experience with ERP systems is also required, with a preference for SAP.
• US Citizenship is required.

What will help you on the job

• Prior Big 4 or other public accounting experience.
• Experience with SAP S/4HANA.

Salary range

$176,000.00 - $278,500.00 / annually. For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $219,000.00- $328,000.00/ annually



At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.
EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.