At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial operations and lead budgeting in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: AMBAC International, a century-old employee-owned precision manufacturing company.
- Benefits: Relocation assistance, mentorship from the Controller, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow into a Controller role with strategic responsibilities.
- Why this job: Join a team that values transparency and empowers you to make an impact.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's in accounting or finance with 4+ years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Full‑time / On‑site, Elgin, SC. Relocation available for the right candidate.
About AMBAC International
AMBAC International is a 100‑year‑old, employee‑owned precision manufacturing company. We’re best known for precision fuel injection systems for heavy‑duty diesel engines. We practice the Great Game of Business, with open books, shared scoreboards, and a team that understands how the company makes money.
The Role
We’re hiring a Staff Accountant to help run financial operations in a government contracting environment. This is a Controller‑track role. You will start by owning the fundamentals alongside our current Controller, who will be your mentor. You will also be expected to understand why the numbers matter, connect them to the business, and over time lead and teach the numbers to others. Reports to: Controller initially, with a direct line to the President as you grow into the role.
What You’ll Do
- Own month‑end and year‑end close
- Prepare and record journal entries: accruals, prepaids, adjustments
- Reconcile general ledger accounts and resolve discrepancies
- Support AP, AR, and payroll operations
- Handle inventory accounting, standard costing, and variance analysis
- Ensure GAAP compliance and support internal, external, and DCAA audits
- Prepare financial reports and partner on variance analysis
- Help maintain and improve internal controls
- Translate shop‑floor activity into financial insight the operations team can actually use
- Contribute to our GGOB huddles: scoreboards, forecasts, and the weekly story the numbers tell
- As you grow Lead budgeting and forecasting with department heads
- Develop and refine the financial scoreboards that run our GGOB system
- Document accounting policies and build stronger internal controls
- Supervise and develop junior accounting staff
- Move into full Controller responsibility: financial oversight, strategic analysis, and direct reporting to the President
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
- 4+ years of accounting experience, manufacturing strongly preferred
- Strong grasp of GAAP and general ledger management
- Comfortable in ERP systems; Excel proficiency well beyond basic formulas
- Audit or compliance‑focused experience
- Accurate and efficient, with attention to detail that doesn’t slow you down
Preferred
- Defense, aerospace, or government contracting experience
- Familiarity with OEM and/or FAR, CAS operations
- Job shop, contract manufacturing, or mixed‑revenue environments
- Cost accounting, inventory valuation, or standard costing exposure
- Familiarity with Great Game of Business or open‑book management
Who You Are
- Intellectually curious about why the business works the way it does
- Comfortable asking questions and flagging problems early
- Willing to teach and develop the team around
- Aspired to grow into something bigger
Senior Staff Accountant - Defense and Manufacturing employer: AMBAC International
AMBAC International is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and transparent work culture, where employees are empowered to understand the financial intricacies of the business through the Great Game of Business methodology. Located in Elgin, SC, we offer competitive compensation, relocation assistance, and significant opportunities for professional growth, including mentorship from experienced leaders and a clear path to Controller responsibilities. Join us to be part of a century-old employee-owned company that values your contributions and invests in your future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Staff Accountant - Defense and Manufacturing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the accounting and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching AMBAC International and understanding their business model. Familiarise yourself with the Great Game of Business approach they use. This will show them you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their unique culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your accounting expertise and how you’ve added value in previous roles. We want to hear how you can translate numbers into actionable insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Staff Accountant - Defense and Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Staff Accountant. Highlight your experience in manufacturing and government contracting, and don’t forget to showcase your GAAP knowledge and ERP skills. We want to see how you connect your past roles to what we do at AMBAC International!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about accounting in a manufacturing environment. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to financial operations and how you can bring that expertise to our team. Remember, we love a good story!
Showcase Your Soft Skills:While technical skills are crucial, don’t forget to highlight your soft skills too! We’re looking for someone who’s intellectually curious and comfortable asking questions. Let us know how you’ve taught or developed others in your previous roles – we value teamwork and growth!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and let us see what you’ve got!
How to prepare for a job interview at AMBAC International
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Staff Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate a solid understanding of financial principles. Brush up on GAAP and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles. Be prepared to explain how you connect numbers to business outcomes, as this will show your potential employer that you can translate financial data into actionable insights.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your experience in manufacturing and government contracting during the interview. Prepare specific examples of how you've handled month-end closes, reconciled accounts, or supported audits. This will not only showcase your skills but also align your background with what the company is looking for.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Demonstrate your intellectual curiosity by asking questions about the company's financial operations and their approach to the Great Game of Business. Inquire about how they measure success and what challenges they face in their financial processes. This shows you're engaged and genuinely interested in contributing to their team.
✨Emphasise Team Development
Since the role involves mentoring junior staff, be ready to discuss your approach to teaching and developing others. Share examples of how you've helped colleagues grow in their roles or improved team performance. This will highlight your leadership potential and fit within their collaborative culture.
