Controller

About the role

Andrews & Cole is seeking an Interim Controller for a 3-6 month assignment with a government contractor operating in a highly regulated federal contracting environment. The Interim Controller will oversee all accounting and financial reporting for the organization. Reporting directly to the CFO, this individual will play a critical role in ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, maintaining compliance with government contracting requirements, and driving improvements in systems, controls, and processes to support the demands of a growth-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, project accounting, and month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close, with attention to contract-level financial activity and cost tracking.
• Manage preparation of timely and accurate financial statements, project schedules, and other supporting reports for management and compliance purposes.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal financial policies, and applicable government contracting requirements including compliance with FAR, CAS, and, where applicable, DFARS.
• Lead the month-end and year-end close processes, including reconciliations, journal entries, and review of project financial data.
• Support external audits, tax filings, and other regulatory or contract-related reporting requirements.
• Evaluate existing accounting systems, controls, and procedures; recommend and implement improvements to enhance reporting accuracy, compliance, and scalability.
• Partner with leadership to analyze financial performance, contract or project results, and key business trends to support decision-making.
• Serve as a key liaison with external auditors, banking partners, and other advisors.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management, including visibility into contract or project spending as needed.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA preferred.
• 8-12+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience in a government contracting environment and prior leadership in a Controller or senior accounting role.
• Strong working knowledge of FAR, CAS, DCAA audit requirements, indirect rate methodologies, and government contractor compliance standards.
• Experience with Deltek Costpoint.
• Strong understanding of government contract accounting.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.