Assistant Controller

Assistant Controller

Confidential Search

About the Role

BizFirst is assisting our client with a confidential search for an Assistant Controller. Reporting to the Controller, you will help lead a four-person accounting department and manage accounting operations, financial close, compliance, and internal controls.

Our client is a growing government contractor and value-added reseller with approximately $500 million in annual revenue. The company provides technology products, software, cloud solutions, and professional services to federal civilian and defense agencies. Government contracting accounting experience is required; value-added reseller experience is preferred, not required.

What You Will Do

Assist the Controller with day-to-day management of the accounting department; supervise, coach, and develop accounting staff.

Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close and prepare timely, accurate financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Oversee the general ledger, account reconciliations, accruals, journal entries, and month-end reporting.

Support annual financial statement audits and government compliance audits; maintain and strengthen internal controls and accounting policies.

Partner with Operations, Contracts, Procurement, and Sales on federal contracting and reseller accounting matters, including federal customer billing.

Review revenue recognition, vendor rebates, manufacturer incentives, and other accounting activities associated with high-volume product sales and reseller operations.

Assist with cash flow management, working capital analysis, and forecasting; prepare management reports and financial analyses for executive leadership.

Support ERP optimization and continuous process improvement.

Ensure compliance with applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and other government contracting requirements.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, or equivalent experience.

At least four years of accounting experience in a government contracting environment.

Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and hands-on technical accounting skills.

Experience managing monthly close and supervising accounting staff.

Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP or accounting systems used in government contracting environments.

Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Ability to work onsite in McLean, Virginia, three days per week.

Helpful Experience

The following qualifications are preferred, not required:

CPA credential or active progress toward earning a CPA.

Current or recent accounting experience with a federal government value-added reseller (VAR), including commercial product resale.

Seven to ten or more years of progressive accounting experience, including support for organizations with $150 million to $1 billion or more in revenue.

Experience with service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) or other small-business government contractors, and with external audits.

Knowledge of revenue recognition for product resale, software licensing, cloud services, and manufacturer programs.

Experience with Deltek Costpoint, Unanet, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, or similar ERP systems.

What We Are Looking For

You are detail-oriented, collaborative, and comfortable combining hands-on accounting work with team leadership in a growing organization. You can improve processes while balancing day-to-day execution with broader financial priorities.

Candidates may include senior accountants ready for broader responsibility and controllers from smaller companies who bring the required accounting, government contracting, and leadership skills. Relevant capabilities matter more than a current job title.

Why This Role

This is a visible opportunity to work closely with the Controller, strengthen accounting operations, mentor staff, and support the financial needs of a growing government contractor. You will contribute to process improvements and strategic financial initiatives while remaining close to the work.

Benefits Provided by Our Client

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Employer matching contributions to a 401(k) retirement plan.

Competitive compensation and bonus opportunities.

Support for continuing education and professional growth, including tuition reimbursement.

Paid leave and holidays.

Hybrid working arrangements, consistent with the onsite requirements above.

Location: McLean, Virginia | Hybrid with 3 days onsite per week

Reporting: Reports directly to the Controller

Accounting department: Four-person accounting department

Clearance: No active clearance required. Ability to obtain a future clearance, subject to applicable contractual requirements.

Relocation: Relocation is not available