Controller

Core One

$100K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
  • CPA required
  • Minimum 12 years of progressive accounting experience
  • At least 5 years in leadership roles within a government contracting environment
  • Extensive knowledge of U.S. GAAP, FAR part 31, and DCAA audit requirements

Responsibilities

  • Lead all accounting operations for the Strategic Services Division
  • Ensure compliance with federal accounting regulations
  • Oversee project accounting including funding and labor charging
  • Serve as primary financial contact for audits and regulatory compliance
  • Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work closely with executive leadership
  • Engagement in strategic operations within government contracting
  • Possibility for professional development in compliance and financial integrity
  • Chance to influence financial systems and business processes
  • Involvement in supporting national security initiatives
Full Job Description
*This position requires Clearance*
Responsibilities:

The Controller is responsible for leading all accounting, financial reporting, government compliance, and financial operations for the Strategic Services Division in the company. This position ensures compliance with U.S. GAAP, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) requirements, and applicable federal regulations governing government contractors.The Controller oversees accounting, indirect rate management, project accounting, billing, payroll accounting, financial reporting, audit support, tax compliance, and internal controls. The role partners closely with executive leadership, Contracts, Human Resources, Program Management, and Business Development to ensure financial integrity and compliance throughout the contract lifecycle. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting expertise with deep experience in government contracting and the ability to lead teams while improving financial systems and business processes.

Financial Accounting & Reporting
  • Lead all accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, cash management, and project accounting.
  • Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close.
  • Prepare accurate financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
  • Ensure proper revenue recognition for government contracts.
  • Review complex accounting transactions and contract-specific accounting treatments.
  • Maintain accounting policies and procedures.


Government Contract Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with FAR, CAS, DCAA guidance, and other federal acquisition requirements.
  • Maintain an adequate accounting system capable of supporting government audits.
  • Oversee indirect cost structures, including fringe, overhead, G&A, and material handling pools.
  • Prepare and monitor provisional billing rates and annual incurred cost submissions.
  • Support forward pricing rate proposals and provisional billing rate negotiations with government agencies.
  • Partner with Contracts and Program Management to ensure financial compliance across contract types including Cost-Plus, Time & Materials, Firm Fixed Price, and IDIQ contracts.
  • Review allowability of costs under FAR Part 31.


Project Accounting & Contract Financial Management
  • Oversee project setup, funding, labor charging, contract modifications, and project closeout.
  • Monitor contract funding limitations and cost performance.
  • Review contract profitability and project financial performance.
  • Ensure accurate labor distribution and project cost allocations.
  • Supervise customer invoicing in accordance with contract terms.


Audit & Regulatory Compliance
  • Serve as primary financial contact for DCAA, DCMA, external auditors, and tax advisors.
  • Coordinate annual financial statement audits.
  • Support incurred cost audits and provisional billing rate audits.
  • Manage responses to audit findings and corrective action plans.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements.


Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning
  • Support annual operating plans and long-range financial forecasts.
  • Provide financial analysis to executive leadership.
  • Develop indirect expense budgets and rate forecasts.
  • Analyze financial performance and recommend operational improvements.
  • Support pricing activities for new business opportunities.


Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
  • CPA required.
  • Minimum 12 years of progressive accounting experience.
  • Minimum 5 years leading accounting organizations within a government contracting environment.
  • Extensive knowledge of:
    • U.S. Gaap
    • Far part 31
    • Cost Accounting Standards
    • DCAA audit requirements
    • Federal Government Contract Accounting
    • Indirect rate structures
    • Incurred Cost Submission (ICE Model)
  • Experience with Deltek Costpoint or equivalent government contractor ERP.
  • Experience supporting external financial statement audits and government audits.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience supporting organizations with annual revenues between $25 to $75 million.
  • Experience with multiple government agencies, including DoD, DHS, DOE, NASA, or civilian agencies.
  • Experience with mergers, acquisitions, or post-acquisition integration.
  • Experience developing forward pricing rate proposals.
  • Experience supporting business system audits and compliance reviews.
  • Experience and/or interest in supporting national security.
Security Clearance:

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