Controller

SpectrumCareers; Washington, Baltimore (District of Columbia, MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SpectrumCareers is seeking a seasoned Controller for a government contracting client in the DC area. This leadership role directs accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and team development, ensuring GAAP compliance and a smooth close cycle.

You will partner with executives and oversee cross-functional accounting functions in a growth-focused environment. The ideal candidate has public and corporate accounting background, strong technical accounting skills, and a track

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field required.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• Advanced degree or additional professional certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting managers and their teams.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes with timely reporting.
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements and operational reports for executives.
• Partner with operations to analyze results and provide insights.
• Ensure U.S. GAAP compliance and strengthen internal controls.
• Oversee annual external audit and provide required schedules and memos.
• Review payroll- and compensation-related accounting entries.
• Oversee intercompany accounting, eliminations, and reconciliations.
• Manage foreign currency translation and consolidation for international entities.
• Ensure revenue recognition, lease accounting, stock-based compensation, and other accounting areas are documented.
• Drive process improvements and accounting system optimization.
• Collaborate with Operations, HR, Sales, Contracts, and IT to support business objectives.
• Support financial reporting requirements and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Process improvement

ERP systems

NetSuite

GovCon experience

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

CPA

Advanced degree or certifications

Tools

NetSuite

ERP systems

Job description

Our client is a growing Government Contracting (GovCon) company is seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and team development. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for ensuring GAAP compliance, driving an efficient close process, partnering with executive leadership, and overseeing a multi-functional accounting team. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of public accounting and corporate accounting experience, strong technical accounting knowledge, and a proven ability to lead teams in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting managers and their respective teams.
• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements and operational reports for executive leadership.
• Partner with operations and business leaders to analyze financial results and provide actionable insights.
• Maintain compliance with U.S. GAAP and strengthen internal controls across the organization.
• Manage the annual external audit process, including preparation of supporting schedules, accounting memos, financial statement tie-outs, and auditor requests.
• Review and approve payroll-related and compensation-related accounting entries.
• Oversee intercompany accounting activities, eliminations, and reconciliations.
• Manage foreign currency translation and consolidation activities for international entities.
• Ensure revenue recognition, lease accounting, stock-based compensation, and other technical accounting areas are properly accounted for and documented.
• Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and accounting system optimization efforts.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, HR, Sales, Contracts, and IT to support business objectives.
• Support financial reporting requirements and strategic initiatives as the company continues to grow.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field required.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• Advanced degree or additional professional certifications are a plus.

Experience

• 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Prior leadership experience managing accounting teams and developing future leaders.
• Public accounting experience preferred.
• Experience leading month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and technical accounting requirements.
• Experience in a high-growth organization preferred.
• ERP implementation, migration, or optimization experience is a plus.
• Government contracting (GovCon) experience strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including large data set analysis, complex formulas, and financial modeling.
• Experience with ERP systems; NetSuite experience is preferred.
• Strong financial reporting, reconciliations, and accounting systems expertise.

Core Competencies

• Exceptional leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interpret accounting guidance and document technical accounting conclusions.
• Proven ability to improve processes, implement controls, and drive efficiencies.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Effective cross-functional business partnering skills.