Manager, accounting

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

Attalon, located in Northeast Philadelphia, specializes in the manufacture of precision patterned optics, calibration grids, reticles, and specialty patterned products for the commercial and defense markets. The Philadelphia site is located in close proximity to major highways and transportation hubs, providing easy access to the surrounding Bucks County and Center City Philadelphia areas. The Greater Philadelphia area is a dynamic economic hub that combines world-class healthcare, education, and industrial sectors with rich cultural heritage and diverse communities, making it an ideal region for both career advancement and quality living.

Job Summary:

The Manager, Accounting will oversee Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Payroll operations, ensuring efficient, accurate, and compliant transaction processing. A key focus of this role is driving process transformation, implementing best practices, and leading change initiatives that improve efficiency, strengthen controls, and enhance service delivery across the organization.

This is a newly created position that is needed as we reorganize our accounting function after recently being carved out of a larger company. The company was purchased by a private-equity firm in 2025 and are in process of building out our stand-alone accounting functions.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop the shared services team across AR, AP, and Payroll functions, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Manage end-to-end Accounts Receivable processes, including billing accuracy, cash application, collections efficiency, and customer account governance, and collaborate with Sales and Operations to invoice customers in accordance with contractual milestone requirements.
• Oversee Accounts Payable processing, vendor payment cycles, invoice management, expense compliance, and vendor relations.
• Direct payroll operations to ensure accurate and timely processing while adhering to regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Lead process improvement and transformation initiatives, including workflow redesign, automation, standardization, and documentation of procedures.
• Evaluate current processes regularly, identify gaps or inefficiencies, and implement structured plans to improve speed, quality, and internal controls.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders (HR, procurement, operations, finance) to streamline processes and strengthen data accuracy.
• Support technology enhancements, ERP optimization, and rollout of new tools or systems affecting AR, AP, or payroll.
• Serve as the primary administrator for the Concur expense reporting system, managing configuration, user support and oversee policy enforcement to ensure accurate and efficient expense management.
• Track and report on KPIs, service levels, error rates, and process efficiency; drive corrective actions where necessary.
• Oversee month-end and year-end closing activities related to AR, AP, and payroll.
• Manage external audit requests, ensuring timely and accurate responses.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting or shared service experience, including managing teams in AR, AP, or payroll.
• Proven experience leading process change, transformation initiatives, or implementing new systems or workflows.
• Solid understanding of accounting principles, internal controls, and compliance requirements.
• Experience with ERP systems and payroll platforms; comfort working with automation tools is preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and change-management skills.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and influence without direct authority.
• High attention to detail and strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.