The Public Sector/Strategic Client Accountant and/or Controller serves as the primary financial contact for a portfolio of Public Sector/Strategic clients, managing the complete financial lifecycle of customer contracts from billing through cash collection. This role partners directly with clients and internal teams to ensure accurate billing, revenue recognition, timely collections, and compliance with contract terms while providing exceptional customer service.

The ideal candidate possesses strong accounting knowledge, excellent analytical and communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex contractual arrangements unique to government and public sector organizations

Regional Controller, Public Sector Accounting

The Public Sector/Strategic Client Accountant and/or Controller serves as the primary financial contact for a portfolio of Public Sector/Strategic clients, managing the complete financial lifecycle of customer contracts from billing through cash collection. This role partners directly with clients and internal teams to ensure accurate billing, revenue recognition, timely collections, and compliance with contract terms while providing exceptional customer service.

The ideal candidate possesses strong accounting knowledge, excellent analytical and communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex contractual arrangements unique to government and public sector organizations.

Key Responsibilities

Client Relationship Management – 25%

• Serve as the primary financial point of contact for assigned Public Sector/Strategic clients.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships by providing timely, professional, and solution-oriented financial support.

• Respond to client inquiries regarding invoices, payments, contract terms, and account balances.

• Collaborate with client Accounts Payable and Finance departments to resolve billing discrepancies and payment delays.

Billing & Contract Management – 25%

• Review customer contracts and ensure billing aligns with negotiated terms, milestones, funding sources, and purchase orders.

• Prepare, review, and process recurring and non-recurring invoices, including complex milestone, subscription, and project-based billing.

• Perform manual invoice adjustments when required to meet unique client billing requirements.

• Ensure invoices comply with customer-specific documentation and submission requirements.

• Work with CAE and/or Client on Renewal Agreements/PO’s.

Revenue Recognition – 10%

• Apply revenue recognition principles in accordance with company policies and applicable accounting standards.

• Build and maintain billing and revenue schedules within financial systems.

• Review contract modifications and determine financial impacts on revenue and billing.

Accounts Receivable & Cash Collections – 25%

• Monitor customer accounts to ensure timely payment of outstanding invoices.

• Proactively manage aged accounts receivable through collection efforts and account reconciliations.

• Research payment discrepancies, unapplied cash, deductions, and short payments.

• Develop collection strategies for complex or high-value accounts while maintaining positive client relationships.

Financial Analysis & Reconciliation – 15%

• Perform account reconciliations and resolve billing or revenue discrepancies.

• Analyze contract activity and financial transactions to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.

• Prepare reports supporting management decisions, audits, and financial reviews.

• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, Client Success, Legal, Project Management, and Operations to ensure accurate billing.

• Support external and internal audit requests by providing financial documentation and account analysis.

• Recommend process improvements and automation opportunities to improve efficiency and client experience.

• Participate in system implementations, testing, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

• 3–7 years of accounting, billing, accounts receivable, or revenue experience.

• Experience managing complex customer accounts preferred.

• Public Sector, Government, Healthcare, or SaaS billing experience is highly desirable.

• Knowledge of revenue recognition principles and contract accounting.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Experience with SalesForce and FinancialForce preferred.

Core Competencies

• Client Relationship Management

• Contract Interpretation

• Billing & Revenue Management

• Accounts Receivable & Cash Collections

• Financial Analysis

• Problem Solving

• Communication & Negotiation

• Attention to Detail

• Process Improvement

• Time Management

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Adaptability

Success Measures

Success in this role is demonstrated by:

• Accurate and timely billing with minimal corrections.

• Achievement of cash collection and aging reduction goals.

• Strong client satisfaction and responsiveness.

• Accurate revenue recognition and contract compliance.

• Successful resolution of billing and payment disputes.

• Continuous identification and implementation of process improvements.

• Positive partnerships across internal departments while maintaining exceptional customer service.