Applied Research Associates Inc

A/R, Billing, and Project Setup Manager

Applied Research Associates Inc • $90K — $110K *
Raleigh, NC 27610In-Person
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field; 10-12 years of accounting/billing experience; Master's or PhD acceptable with equivalent experience
  • Five or more years of leadership experience in developing staff
  • Hands-on experience in government contract accounting with knowledge of FAR billing requirements
  • Experience with billing fixed price, T&M, and cost reimbursable contracts
  • Exceptional communication skills across all organizational levels
  • Results-oriented with integrity and strong judgement
  • Ability to analyze problems and ensure compliance with requirements

Responsibilities

  • Lead daily operations of A/R, Billing, and project setup teams
  • Hire, train, and develop staff to build team expertise
  • Ensure timely and accurate billing, project setup, and compliance with regulations
  • Troubleshoot complex billing and setup issues using Costpoint
  • Monitor unbilled receivables and oversee collection efforts
  • Prepare and present financial performance trends to senior management
  • Support external and internal audits and maintain documentation

Benefits

  • Fully remote or hybrid work option available
  • Employee development programs and leadership growth opportunities
  • Strong emphasis on collaboration and a customer-focused culture
  • Access to modern systems and process improvement initiatives
  • Support for continuous learning and professional development
Full Job Description
What you'll do as ARA's A/R, Billing, and Setup Manager

  • Leadership & Team Development
    • Lead the day-to-day operations of the A/R, Billing, Project Setup, and Contract Closeout teams
    • Hire, train, coach and develop staff; build depth and ensure continuity of expertise
    • Foster a collaborative, customer-focused culture with strong accountability and process ownership

  • Billing, Project Setup & Compliance
    • Ensure timely and accurate billing, project setup, rate adjustments, and closeout activities
    • Maintain compliance with FAR 52.216-7 and all relevant government requirements
    • Troubleshoot complex project setup, revenue recognition, and billing issues using expert Costpoint knowledge
    • Develop, document and maintain company-wide procedures governing billing, project setup, collections, and contract closeout
    • Provide guidance on indirect rate structures (including provisional and final rates) and how they impact project setup and billing

  • Financial Monitoring & Analysis
    • Monitor and reconcile unbilled receivables to ensure accurate revenue and project setup, and timely billing, closeout and issue identification
    • Oversee collection efforts and maintain A/R reserve analysis
    • Prepare, analyze, and present DSO performance and trends to executive and senior management and the Board of Directors
    • Ensure financial processes support data accuracy, transparency, and long-term sustainability

  • Audit, Controls & Compliance Support
    • Maintain strong internal controls and ensure adequate process documentation
    • Provide comprehensive support for external financial audits, internal audits, and government/customer audits
    • Collaborate with auditors to provide required data, resolve inquiries, and strengthen audit readiness

  • Systems Leadership & Process Modernization
    • Lead system upgrade testing, enhancements, and business system evaluation or migration activities
    • Partner with IT and functional SMEs to improve workflows, resolve system issues, and drive process automation
    • Drive continuous process improvement efforts to streamline operations and modernize workflows
    • Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance across all related functions

  • Customer & Stakeholder Partnership
    • Serve as a subject matter expert to internal customers and project managers on contract terms, billing requirements, and project setup
    • Build strong relationships across the organization to provide expert guidance and resolve issues effectively
    • Continue to partner with our DCMA ACO and staff, providing excellent contract closeout, expiring funds and deobligation support
    • Communicate proactively to ensure alignment across functional and operational teams

  • A/R, Billing, and Setup Manager Requirements
    • Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field with 10 - 12 years of accounting/billing experience (Master's or PhD acceptable with equivalent experience)
    • Five or more years of leadership experience with demonstrated success leading and developing staff
    • Hands-on government contract accounting experience and knowledge of FAR billing requirements
    • Experience billing fixed price, T&M, and cost reimbursable contracts
    • Exceptional customer service and communication abilities across all organizational levels
    • Results-oriented with a high degree of integrity and strong judgement
    • Ability to analyze problems, recommend solutions, and maintain compliance with internal and external requirements
    • Experience supporting auditors and preparing audit-ready documentation
    • Professional, reliable, proactive, and committed to continuous learning and improvement
    • Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities
    • Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under strict deadlines

  • A/R, Billing, and Setup Manager Preferences
    • CPA or auditing background
    • Familiarity with WAWF and resolving DFAS payment issues
    • Experience using Deltek Costpoint for billing and project setup
    • Experience with system implementations or conversions


HYBRID WORK NOTICE: This position is available for fully remote or hybrid work consideration at any of our division locations across the United States . Preference will be given to those near Albuquerque, NM or Raleigh, NC.

About Applied Research Associates Inc

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned research and engineering company that provides technical solutions to complex problems in various fields, including defense, homeland security, intelligence, transportation, and energy. The company was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Albuquerque, NM. ARA has over 1,600 employees and operates from more than 20 locations across the United States and Canada. The company's services include research and development, engineering, testing and evaluation, and consulting.
Learn more about Applied Research Associates Inc
Size
1,600 employees
Industry
Aerospace & Defense
Founded
1979
* Ladders Estimates

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