Assistant Controller

Strategic Operational Solutions, Inc; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Strategic Operational Solutions, Inc is seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to support the Controller in overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, and government contract compliance. The role focuses on maintaining accurate records, developing indirect cost rates, and ensuring DCAA compliance.

The ideal candidate will bring hands-on accounting experience in government contracting, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple functions within a small-business

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field.
• Experience with government contracting and DCAA compliance.
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS/CAS and cost accounting concepts.
• Hands-on accounting with multiple functions and roles.

Responsibilities

• Maintain FAR/DFARS/CAS-aligned accounting practices and DCAA requirements.
• Develop and monitor indirect cost rates (fringe, overhead, G&A).
• Oversee GAAP financial statements and month-end close processes.
• Manage government contract billing and invoicing via WAWF/IPP.
• Support internal/external audits and maintain strong internal controls.
• Lead process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Skills

DCAA Compliance

GAAP Knowledge

Cost Accounting

Financial Reporting

Internal Controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

WAWF

IPP

ERP Systems

Job description

Position Summary

Strategic Operational Solutions, Inc. (STOPSO) is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Assistant Controller to support the Controller in overseeing the company's accounting operations, financial reporting, and government contract compliance.

This position plays a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, developing and monitoring indirect cost rates, supporting Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) compliance, and ensuring adherence to federal contracting regulations.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting professional with experience in government contracting who thrives in a small-business environment, demonstrates strong analytical skills, and is comfortable managing multiple accounting functions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Government Contract Accounting & DCAA Compliance

• Maintain accounting practices and systems in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), as applicable, and DCAA requirements.

• Establish and maintain project and contract cost structures for cost-reimbursable, time-and-materials (T&M), and firm-fixed-price (FFP) contracts.

• Monitor and reconcile direct and indirect costs by contract, task order, and Contract Line Item Number (CLIN).

• Ensure proper cost classification, allowability, allocability, and reasonableness in accordance with FAR Part 31.

• Support DCAA audits, including pre-award surveys, incurred cost audits, and timekeeping floor checks.

• Prepare audit schedules, supporting documentation, and responses to auditor inquiries.

• Monitor compliance with company timekeeping, labor distribution, and labor charging policies.

2. Indirect Cost Rates, Budgeting & Forecasting

• Assist in developing, calculating, and monitoring indirect cost rates, including fringe benefits, overhead, and general and administrative (G&A) expenses.

• Prepare and analyze provisional, actual, and forecasted indirect cost rates.

• Support preparation of the annual Incurred Cost Submission (ICS), including the Incurred Cost Electronically (ICE) schedules and supporting documentation.

• Assist with annual budgets, financial forecasts, and indirect cost rate projections.

• Analyze budget-to-actual variances, identify financial trends, and recommend adjustments to improve cost management and rate accuracy.

• Support financial planning and reporting related to government contract performance.

3. General Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Assist in preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Support month-end and year-end closing activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial analysis.

• Oversee or assist with accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, and government contract billing.

• Support government invoicing through applicable platforms, including Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) and the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

• Maintain accurate general ledger records, chart of accounts, and fixed asset and depreciation schedules.

• Support internal controls, accounting policies, and financial process documentation.

• Assist with internal and external audits by preparing schedules, reconciling accounts, and responding to information requests.

4. Accounting Operations & Process Improvement

• Provide guidance, training, and support to accounting personnel responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, and payroll functions.

• Review accounting transactions and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.

• Assist with the administration, maintenance, and optimization of the company's accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting workflows, strengthen internal controls, and improve operational efficiency.

• Support accounting procedures and financial reporting processes that align with organizational growth and government contracting requirements.

5. Leadership Support & Special Projects

• Serve as a backup to the Vice President of Finance & Accounting, as needed.

• Collaborate with finance leadership, program managers, and other departments to support contract financial management.

• Assist with contract closeouts, including final cost reconciliations, indirect rate adjustments, and supporting financial documentation.

• Participate in special projects, financial analyses, and other accounting initiatives as assigned.

Position Expectations

The Assistant Controller is expected to demonstrate a high level of accuracy, accountability, confidentiality, and professionalism while supporting STOPSO's financial operations. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, knowledge of government contracting requirements, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

The individual must be comfortable balancing day-to-day accounting responsibilities with financial analysis, regulatory compliance, and process improvement initiatives.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on protected characteristics.