Assistant Controller

BOWA; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

BOWA is seeking an Accounting Manager / Assistant Controller to join our finance team in McLean, VA. The role starts hands-on, learning the close process and Sage 300 CRE, then grows into leadership of the full accounting function including GL, AP, AR, Billing, and Payroll.

The position offers ownership potential and a clear path to Assistant Controller / Controller, with ESOP exposure as the company recently became ESOP-owned. CPA is a plus, licensure encouraged to pursue.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting and 3–6+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• CPA license a plus but not required — licensure encouraged to apply.
• Experience with Sage 300 CRE (or similar project accounting software) ideal but not required.
• Strong Excel skills and comfort with AI-assisted tools (e.g., Claude, Claude Cowork, ChatGPT).

Responsibilities

• Own Month-End Close & Financial Reporting.
• Build Toward Team Leadership.
• Serve as Principal Accounting Contact for Division Leaders.

Skills

Excel

Communication

Discretion

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

Sage 300 CRE

Job description

BOWA is looking for an Accounting Manager / Assistant Controller to join our finance team, reporting to the President & CFO. The first 4–6 months are hands-on — learning our close process, billing cycle, and Sage 300 CRE — before growing into people-leadership over the full accounting function (GL, AP, AR, Billing, and Payroll).

BOWA recently became an ESOP company; this role gains exposure to ESOP mechanics, though deep expertise isn't required on day one. Whether a licensed CPA or working toward one, you'll get real ownership and a clear path to Assistant Controller / Controller.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Own Month-End Close & Financial Reporting
• Build Toward Team Leadership
• Serve as Principal Accounting Contact for Division Leaders

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Own Month-End Close & Financial Reporting

• Lead month-end close end-to-end (journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, close checklist) to deadline each month; maintain the GL and chart of accounts in Sage 300 CRE.
• Prepare and review financial statements prior to CFO review, and proactively resolve reconciliation variances.
• Own client billing accuracy and timeliness, partnering with project teams to confirm alignment with contract terms and job status.
• Monitor AR aging to keep DSO on target and streamline the billing cycle as the business scales.
• Become the team's go-to expert on Sage 300 CRE, documenting key workflows (close checklist, billing steps, payroll inputs).
• Support payroll review (commission, bonus, salary, 401(k)) and recommend automation that reduces manual work.

Build Toward Team Leadership

• Spend the first 4–6 months learning BOWA's processes and culture before taking on direct reports.
• Once ramped, manage the Finance Department — setting expectations, developing the team, and serving as a thought partner and backup to the President & CFO.

Serve as Principal Accounting Contact for Division Leaders

• Act as the primary contact for division leaders on job costing, budget-to-actual, and financial reporting — building trust so accounting is viewed as a partner, not just a back-office function.
• Assist with ESOP-related accounting mechanics (e.g., debt service flows between BOWA and the ESOP Trust) under the CFO's direction.
• Prepare ad hoc analysis for the CFO and support requests from auditors, lenders, or the ESOP Trustee's advisors.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Growing into direct supervision of the Finance team.

Requirements for the Position:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting and 3–6+ years of progressive accounting experience; construction or project-based industry experience preferred.
• CPA license a plus but not required — candidates pursuing licensure encouraged to apply.
• Experience with Sage 300 CRE (or similar project accounting software) ideal but not required — ramp-up time provided.
• Strong Excel skills and comfort with (or interest in) AI-assisted tools (e.g., Claude, Claude Cowork, ChatGPT).
• Detail-oriented, strong communicator, discreet with sensitive information, and a genuine fit with BOWA's ownership-minded ESOP culture.