Senior Manager, Technical Accounting & SEC Reporting

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

FINANCE

Rocket Lab’s Finance team is responsible for all financial transactions for the company, operating as a well-oiled machine to maximize the value of our work. Our Finance team are made up of planners, analysts and accountants, and manage our policies, compliance, and reporting. They’re the ones who keep our financial operations in check, always thinking ahead and taking care to meet all of our financial, business, and government obligations. They’re attentive, diligent, and meticulous, and are mission-critical to Rocket Lab. 

SENIOR MANAGER, TECHNICAL ACCOUNTING & SEC REPORTING

Based on site at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Manager, Technical Accounting & SEC Reporting will be responsible for building the analysis and preparing the filings. You'll research the technical questions our transactions raise and draft the memos that answer them, prepare the computations and footnotes that follow, and run the tie-out that makes our 10-Q and 10-K defensible. This is a hands-on role with real technical substance and a clear path to greater ownership. If you've been doing SEC registrant work in public accounting and want to build depth in a company with genuinely complex accounting, this is a strong next step.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Build the Analysis: Research technical questions and draft accounting memos under ASC 606, 805, 842, 350, and 718 for review, and assemble the supporting documentation behind our positions.
• Prepare the Filings: Draft financial statements and footnotes for our 10-Q and 10-K, complete the disclosure checklist, and own the tie-out binder from source data through filed document.
• Run the Computations: Prepare EPS, share-based compensation, lease, goodwill and intangibles roll-forwards, remaining performance obligation, and other recurring technical schedules.
• Own the Mechanics: Execute XBRL tagging and validation in Workiva, maintain document links and version control through the review cycle, and support EDGAR submission readiness.
• Support Transactions: Prepare schedules and supporting analysis for purchase accounting, pro forma financial information, and registration statement workstreams.
• Close the Loop: Prepare and retain evidence for external reporting SOX controls, respond to auditor selections and PBC requests, and track open items across Legal, IR, FP&A, and Tax.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 10+ years of accounting experience, including public accounting audit.
• CPA license or active candidate.
• Solid US GAAP foundation and the ability to research a technical question and write up a supportable conclusion.
• SEC registrant experience, either in-house or through public accounting audit of public filers.
• Strong Excel and data-handling discipline, with attention to detail that holds up under review.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Direct hands-on experience preparing Forms 10-Q and 10-K in-house.
• Workiva and XBRL exposure.
• Long-term contract revenue recognition experience; aerospace, defense, or government contracting background.
• Experience with Oracle Cloud, Deltek Costpoint, or Blackline.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$133,500 - $178,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.