Controller

Controller

Location: Springfield, VA (Hybrid)

Engagement Type: TemptoHire

Compensation: Market Hourly Rate $150,000-$165,000 upon conversion (flexibility for strong candidates)

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

This newly created opportunity is intended to begin on a temptohire basis, for candidates who demonstrate strong alignment and longterm 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 handson 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 longterm 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 decisionmaking

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 costreimbursable, timeandmaterials, and firmfixedprice contracts

Handson experience supporting governmentcompliant 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, missiondriven organization supporting scientific and government research initiatives IND123