Controller/Sr. Accounting Manager (GovCon/Federal)

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

We are seeking an experienced Controller / Senior Accounting Manager with deep expertise in government contracting to lead our accounting operations, ensure compliance with federal regulations, and support the financial health of the organization. The right candidate is someone who thrives in the details, rolls up their sleeves alongside the team and takes personal ownership of the numbers. This individual will work closely with the management team and serve as the architect of a high performing accounting team with clear mandate to recruit, develop and scale the team as the organization grows. The individual will oversee the general ledger, cost accounting, payroll, and all compliance requirements under FAR, DFARS, CAS, and DCAA guidelines.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong analytical skills, proven experience in GovCon accounting systems, and the ability to partner across departments to support strategic decision-making.

Financial Management & Reporting:

• Oversee the full accounting cycle, including general ledger, month-end close, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
• Oversee multi-state payroll processing and reporting.
• Ensure timely preparation of internal and external financial reports.
• Oversee revenue recognition in accordance with GAAP and government contract standards, including T&M, CPFF, and FFP contracts.

Government Contract Compliance:

• Ensure accounting practices and internal controls comply with FAR, DFARS, CAS, and DCAA audit requirements and be able to explain and defend them at any level of detail.
• Prepare documentation for incurred cost submissions, provisional billing rates, and other DCAA-required reports.
• Maintain compliance with government billing requirements and monitoring of unbilled AR.

Operational Leadership:

• Supervise and mentor accounting staff; foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee payroll, AP, AR, and procurement accounting.
• Collaborate with Contracts, HR, Project Control, and Program Management to ensure alignment between financial practices and operational execution.

Systems & Process Improvement:

• Serve as a system owner for the company’s accounting/ERP system (Unanet)
• Drive automation, process efficiencies, and best practices across the accounting function.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Demonstrated integrity, reliability, and sound judgment.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, growing environment.

Success Metrics

• On-time and accurate month-end close.
• Clean audits (DCAA, financial statement audits).
• Strong internal controls and compliance posture.
• Streamlined and efficient accounting workflows.
• High-performing and engaged accounting team.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 5 years in government contracting.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, FAR, DFARS, CAS, and DCAA standards.
• Experience managing accounting teams and leading month-end close cycles.
• Hands-on experience with a GovCon accounting system (Deltek Costpoint, Unanet, etc.).
• Exceptional analytical skills and attention to detail.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• CPA, CMA, or CGFM certification.
• Experience supporting DCAA audits and preparing incurred cost submissions.
• Prior experience in a small-to-mid-sized government contractor environment.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 5 years in government contracting.