Assistant Controller

Manhattan Strategy Group; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Manhattan Strategy Group is seeking an Assistant Controller to support the Corporate Controller in maintaining GAAP-compliant financial reporting and government contracting accounting. This role focuses on revenue recognition, indirect cost allocation, and billing, bridging project accounting with corporate finance and aiding audit readiness for DCAA.

The ideal candidate will bring 6–8+ years of federal contracting accounting, strong Excel skills, and hands-on experience with Unanet or similar

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• 6 to 8+ years in progressive accounting within federal government contracting.
• Deep understanding of FAR, DFARS, CAS, DCAA audit guidelines.
• Advanced Excel for complex modeling and rate calculations.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to work independently across teams.

Responsibilities

• Execute complex revenue recognition under ASC 606 for diverse contracts.
• Oversee government billing and set up billing schedules for invoices.
• Enter awards and modifications in ERP ensuring funding cap alignment.
• Assist month-end close reconciliations and project profitability analysis.
• Support ICP submissions and indirect rate calculations and schedules.
• Assist in budget preparation and forecasting.
• Collaborate with Program Managers on burn rates and EAC.
• Support improvements to accounting procedures and internal controls.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration

Tools

Unanet

Job description

Description

The Manhattan Strategy Group has an immediate opening for an Assistant Controller to support the Corporate Controller in maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of the company's accounting and financial reporting activities. The Assistant Controller will be responsible for revenue recognition, cost accrual, and regulatory compliance as well as assisting with the month-end close process, ensuring all financial transactions comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and federal oversight regulations. The Assistant Controller will be providing guidance and overseeing customer billing. This role acts as a bridge between project accounting and corporate finance, ensuring audit readiness for agencies like the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA). This position will have a strong focus on government contract accounting, including revenue recognition, indirect cost allocation, billing, project accounting, and financial reporting.

The successful candidate will possess a solid understanding of federal government contracting requirements and the ability to apply accounting principles to complex contract environments. This role will serve as a key link between project accounting, contracts, and corporate finance, helping ensure that contract activity is accurately reflected in the company's financial records and that financial information is reliable, timely, and audit-ready.

The position requires hands-on experience with federal cost accounting, indirect rate structures, and government audit compliance, including support for incurred cost submissions and DCAA audits.

Key Responsibilities

• Revenue Recognition: Execute complex revenue recognition policies under ASC 606 across diverse contract types, including Time & Materials (T&M), Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), and Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF).
• Government Billing: Oversee billing and assist with the setup of billing schedules and the preparation of complex customer invoices.
• Project Setup: Review contract awards and modifications and enter them within the ERP to ensure alignment with funding caps and contract delivery terms.
• Month-End Close: Assist the Controller with month-end close reconciliations and project profitability analysis as well as ensuring that financial information is accurate, complete, and reported in a timely manner.
• Incurred Cost Submissions: Assist the Finance Director with the annual preparation and submission of the Incurred Cost Proposal (ICP) to the federal government as well as support follow-up requests. In addition, assist with the preparation and analysis of indirect rate calculations and supporting schedules.
• Budget: Assist the Finance Director with budget preparation and forecasting.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Program Managers to evaluate project burn rates, Estimates at Completion (EAC), and subcontractor funding authorizations.
• Systems & Process Improvement: Maintain accurate contract and project accounting information within the company's ERP system. Additionally, support the development and improvement of accounting procedures, internal controls, and financial reporting processes.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Experience: 6 to 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, within the federal government contracting industry.
• Systems Expertise: Hands-on experience with Unanet or similar government contracting ERP systems.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), DFARS, CAS, and DCAA audit guidelines.
• Advanced Excel: High proficiency with Microsoft Excel for complex financial data modeling, data manipulation, and rate calculations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively across Finance, Contracts, and Program Management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA).

EEO Statement: Manhattan Strategy Group (MSG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring decisions are based solely on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and competitive selection process.

EEO Statement: Manhattan Strategy Group (MSG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring decisions are based solely on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and competitive selection process.