Assistant Controller

BOWA - Design Build Experts; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

BOWA - Design Build Experts in McLean, VA seeks an Accounting Manager / Assistant Controller to lead month-end close, financial reporting, and client billing within a growing firm. You will learn our close process and Sage 300 CRE before expanding into team leadership and broader accounting responsibilities.

Reporting to the President & CFO, you will support ESOP mechanics, work with division leaders on cost and revenue analysis, and build scalable processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting with 3–6+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Construction or project-based industry experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Sage 300 CRE and strong Excel; attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Own Month-End Close & Financial Reporting end-to-end.
• Manage client billing and revenue cycle.
• Strengthen accounting systems and processes; support payroll inputs.

Skills

Excel skills

Strong communication

Detail-oriented

Discretion with sensitive information

AI tools interest

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

CPA license preferred

Tools

Sage 300 CRE

Job description

• Support ESOP & CFO-Level Financial Needs

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).

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Own Month‑End Close & Financial Reporting
• Manage Client Billing & Revenue Cycle
• Strengthening Accounting Systems & Processes
• Build Toward Team Leadership
• Serve as Principal Accounting Contact for Division Leaders
• Support ESOP & CFO‑Level Financial Needs

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.

Manage Client Billing & Revenue Cycle

• 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.

Strengthening Accounting Systems & Processes

• 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.

Support ESOP & CFO‑Level Financial Needs

• 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.