Controller
Location: Springfield, VA (Hybrid)
Engagement Type: Temp‑to‑Hire
Compensation: Market Hourly Rate | $150,000–$165,000 upon conversion (flexibility for strong candidates)

Cordia Resources by Cherry Bekeart is partnered with a growing, employee‑owned government contractor that is seeking a Controller to join their team in Springfield, Virginia.

This newly created opportunity is intended to begin on a temp‑to‑hire basis, for candidates who demonstrate strong alignment and long‑term fit. This hands-on role supports an organization experiencing continued growth through new contract wins and expansion and is critical to ensuring stable, compliant, and scalable financial operations.

Position Overview
The Controller will be hands-on and lead a team of two, overseeing daily accounting operations, government contract compliance, and financial reporting within a regulated environment. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this is a hands‑on leadership role that requires deep government contracting expertise and the ability to partner closely with executive leadership.

This role is designed to provide immediate operational support with a clear path to long‑term leadership as the organization continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities
Accounting Operations

• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and appropriate documentation
• Maintain oversight of the general ledger and review account reconciliations to ensure financial integrity
• Support and approve payroll processing
• Monitor and verify the accuracy of all financial transactions

Government Contract Accounting & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, CAS, and other applicable regulations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for DCAA, DCMA, and external CPA audits
• Maintain audit readiness and strengthen internal control environments
• Prepare, review, and support billing rates, cost proposals, and forward pricing rate proposals (FPRPs)

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and variances; recommend corrective actions
• Provide financial insights to executive leadership to support informed decision‑making
• Manage cash flow forecasting and daily cash management

Contracts & Program Support

• Oversee contracts and subcontracts personnel, ensuring accuracy of contract documentation and compliance
• Support contract proposal development and pricing activities
• Provide financial metrics and reporting to program and operational leadership

Systems & Process Improvement

• Utilize and further optimize Unanet (or comparable ERP systems) to improve reporting, compliance, and operational efficiency
• Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen controls and scalability

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor a team of two: one accounting and one contracts staff, providing guidance and professional development
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive government contract accounting experience
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, FAR, DFARS, CAS, and DCAA/DCMA requirements
• Experience with cost‑reimbursable, time‑and‑materials, and firm‑fixed‑price contracts
• Hands‑on experience supporting government‑compliant accounting and job costing systems
• Proficiency with Unanet or comparable government contracting ERP systems
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or CMA certification
• Prior DoD contracting experience
• Familiarity with Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) accounting and reporting

Work Schedule & Environment

• Hybrid work schedule following an initial onboarding period
• Collaborative, mission‑driven organization supporting scientific and government research initiatives

IND123