Controller for Government Contracting: Build from Ground Up

Leoforce; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Leoforce in Austin, TX is seeking a Controller to build the company’s accounting and compliance infrastructure from the ground up. You’ll own the books, close processes, and government contract compliance for a fast-growing defense tech company.

This hands-on role requires public accounting foundation and direct experience with DCAA, FAR/DFARS, and cost allocation. You’ll design the chart of accounts and lead the first financial statement audit.

Qualifications

• Public accounting experience, ideally Big 4 audit.
• Controller or Assistant Controller experience in government contracting, preferably at a venture-backed defense or tech company.
• Hands-on DCAA, indirect rate and incurred cost experience.
• Experience selecting and implementing finance systems at an early-stage company.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Run all core accounting: general ledger, payables, receivables, payroll integration and the monthly close.
• Design the chart of accounts, cost structure and indirect rate pools needed to operate as a federal contractor.
• Implement a DCAA-compliant accounting environment, including timekeeping, labor distribution and cost allocation.
• Prepare billing rates, incurred cost submissions and forward pricing proposals.
• Maintain compliance with FAR, DFARS and CAS, and support government audits and pre-award system reviews.
• Partner with contracts and program teams on billing and revenue recognition across cost-plus, fixed-price, OTA and SBIR contracts.
• Deliver monthly and quarterly financials for leadership and the board.
• Lead the company’s first financial statement audit and set ASC 606 revenue policies.
• Build internal controls with a long-term view toward public-company readiness.
• Select and implement accounting, billing, expense and payroll systems, and connect them to project and contract data.
• Write policies, procedures and documentation as the finance team grows.
• Manage outside auditors, tax advisors, banks and outsourced accounting partners, then transition that work in-house.

Skills

Public accounting background

Govt contracting exp

DCAA experience

Indirect rate experience

Finance systems selection

Security clearance eligibility

Job description

Leoforce in Austin, TX is seeking a Controller to build the company’s accounting and compliance infrastructure from the ground up. You’ll own the books, close processes, and government contract compliance for a fast-growing defense tech company.

This hands-on role requires public accounting foundation and direct experience with DCAA, FAR/DFARS, and cost allocation. You’ll design the chart of accounts and lead the first financial statement audit.