Accounting Associate

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.   

 ACCOUNTANT  

Based on-site at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Accounting Associate will be responsible for executing key accounting functions, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records and the timely preparation of financial reports.  The Accounting Associate plays a critical role in supporting the organization’s financial health.  

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: 

• Support month-end and year-end closing, by processing journal entries and ensuring compliance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). 
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts monthly. 
• Maintain the fixed asset register, ensuring accurate capitalization, depreciation and disposal entries. 
• Prepare and review trial balances and supporting schedules for financial reporting. 
• Monitor accounts payable and receivable processes to ensure timely payments and collections.  Review aging reports and assist in resolving discrepancies or overdue accounts. 
• Analyze financial data for variance and flux reporting. 
• Support internal and external audits by preparing necessary documentation and responding to auditor inquiries. 
• Act as a resource for team members, answering questions and resolving complex accounting issues. 
• Coordinate with AR and other departmental functions to create sales orders entry  
• YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:  
• 2+ years of experience and a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of experience (5+ years total work experience). 
• Working knowledge of GAAP. 
• Proficiency in accounting software (Such as: Infor Syteline, LN, CostPoint Deltek) and advanced Excel skills. 
• Proficient in Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).  

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. 
• Attention to detail and organizational skills. 
• Effective communication with the ability to collaborate across teams. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Detail-oriented, logical, and methodological approach to problem-solving.  

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.

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.