Sr. Fixed Asset and Project Accountant at Top Aces Corp – Mesa, Arizona

The Senior Fixed Assets & Project Accountant oversees full lifecycle accounting for high-value aviation assets, including aircraft and major overhaul programs. As a subject matter expert, this role ensures proper capitalization, componentization, and project accounting, distinguishing between routine maintenance and capitalizable work. It partners with Maintenance, Engineering, Operations, and Finance to ensure RTS events and overhauls are accurately reported in compliance with GAAP and government regulations. The information below is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required for this position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the full lifecycle accounting of high-value aviation assets, including military aircraft and major components.
• Lead aircraft componentization efforts by identifying and tracking major sub-components (engines, landing gear, avionics, airframes) as individual assets with separate depreciation schedules.
• Evaluate and determine proper accounting treatment for engine performance restorations, heavy maintenance checks, and structural rebuilds.
• Distinguish between routine maintenance expenses and capitalizable overhaul activities in accordance with GAAP and company capitalization policies.
• Analyze “Beyond Economical Repair” (BER) scenarios and provide financial insight to management on repair versus replacement decisions.
• Manage Construction in Progress (CIP) accounting for long-duration aircraft overhaul and engine rebuild projects.
• Track and reconcile CIP costs including internal labor, materials, and external vendor services.
• Partner with Maintenance, Engineering, and Project Management teams to ensure assets are placed in service upon receipt of FAA or military Return to Service certification.
  
• Execute derecognition and retirement of replaced components during major overhaul events.
• Ensure accurate asset capitalization, cost allocation, and project closeout procedures.
• Ensure fixed asset accounting complies with GAAP, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) for government contract allowability and allocability.
• Maintain the Fixed Asset Register (FAR)in accordance with defense industry compliance standards.
• Support government and external audits, including DCAA and DCMA reviews, by providing asset roll-forwards, capitalization documentation, and physical verification records.
• Manage tagging and tracking requirements for Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) and other controlled assets.
• Perform monthly fixed asset reconciliations and depreciation forecasting, including modeling impacts of major engine rebuilds and overhaul events.
• Analyze and report on maintenance reserve activity where applicable, ensuring alignment between rebuild costs and reimbursements.
• Conduct annual physical asset inventories for aircraft components, specialized tooling, and maintenance equipment.
• Perform impairment reviews and recommend adjustments for underutilized or obsolete aviation assets.
• Provide financial insights related to asset utilization, capital planning, and maintenance investment decisions. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS

• Expert level proficiency utilizing Microsoft Excel (complex formulas, Power Query, Pivot Tables; Power Pivot/Macros preferred) with the ability to manage large asset datasets and reconciliations.
• Proven experience working with Tier 1 or Tier 2 ERP systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP, Oracle, Costpoint).
• Strong knowledge of GAAP fixed asset accounting.
• Familiarity with FAR, CAS, and government contracting compliance requirements.
• Understanding of FAA maintenance documentation and aircraft return-to-service processes preferred.
• Experience managing CIP projects and complex asset capitalization scenarios.
• Must possess a high standard for data accuracy, documentation and version control.
• Comfortable partnering and working cross-functionally across multiple departments.
• Ability to work independently and within a team while demonstrating sound judgment and attention to detail.  
• Must possess strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in the English language with ability to communicate financial concepts, including complex financial information, clearly across the Company.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
• Must demonstrate safe and healthy workplace practices
• Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Must be able to travel within the US and internationally.
• Must be eligible for US Security Clearance, if required.
• Must be able to obtain a CAC (Common Access Card) and not be barred from any installation.

EDUCATION AND/OR WORK EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, business analytics, or other related field, required.
• 5+ years of work-related experience as a fixed assets accountant, or similar role, required.
• Experience within aerospace, aviation, defense contracting, or heavy manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with DCSA environments, secure operations, or regulated defense settings, preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time while working at a computer.
• Ability to work in an office or hybrid environment with standard lighting, noise levels, and climate conditions.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.