Director of Accounting

Society of Defense Financial Management; Leesburg (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6% 401(k) company match with immediate

Medical insurance with employee+75% of

Dental, life, and disability insurance

Educational assistance up to $7,000

Four weeks of vacation, two weeks sick

Job summary

Society of Defense Financial Management is seeking a Director of Accounting to lead the accounting function, oversee monthly close, internal controls, and financial reporting, and drive process improvements in a fast-growing government contracting environment.

The role reports to the CFO, builds and mentors the team, partners with senior leadership on strategy and growth, and ensures compliance with government contracting requirements while supporting private equity and lender reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• Active CPA certification required.
• 15+ years of progressive accounting and leadership experience.
• Experience leading accounting teams in growing organizations.
• Experience in government contracting or regulated industries preferred.
• Experience with private equity-backed organizations preferred.
• Experience supporting M&A due diligence, integrations, or transaction readiness preferred.
• Strong financial reporting and internal controls knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting organization including oversight of accounting leaders.
• Oversee monthly close, accounting operations, and timely financial reporting.
• Review monthly results and reporting packages from accounting and FP&A teams.
• Strengthen internal controls and drive process improvements.
• Establish succession planning and leadership development across accounting.
• Partner with CFO and executive leadership on financial strategy and growth.
• Support investor, lender, and board reporting requirements.
• Build scalable accounting infrastructure to support expansion.
• Assist with M&A due diligence, acquisitions, and financing transactions.
• Ensure operations align with government contracting requirements and compliance standards.
• Foster collaboration and professional development within the team.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Executive presence

Strategic partnering

Communication

Process improvement

M&A support

Risk management

Education

CPA certification

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Job description

Position Overview

Our client, a fast-growing government contracting and technology services organization, is seeking an experienced Director of Accounting to lead its accounting function and support continued organizational growth.

Reporting directly to the CFO, this individual will oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and team development while helping prepare the organization for future strategic transactions. The ideal candidate is a seasoned accounting leader with a strong background in building and mentoring teams, improving processes, and partnering with executive leadership in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting organization, including direct oversight of the Assistant Controller and broader accounting team.


• Oversee monthly close, accounting operations, and timely, accurate financial reporting.


• Review monthly financial results and reporting packages prepared by accounting and FP&A teams.


• Strengthen internal controls, improve accounting processes, and drive operational efficiencies.


• Establish accountability, succession planning, and leadership development across the accounting function.


• Partner closely with the CFO and executive leadership to support financial strategy and organizational growth.


• Support private equity investor, lender, and board reporting requirements.


• Build scalable accounting infrastructure and reporting processes to support continued expansion.


• Assist with M&A due diligence, acquisitions, integrations, financing transactions, and future exit preparation.


• Ensure accounting operations align with government contracting requirements, contractual obligations, and applicable compliance standards.


• Foster a collaborative, high-performing accounting team focused on continuous improvement and professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.


• Active CPA required.


• 15+ years of progressive accounting and leadership experience.


• Proven experience leading, mentoring, and developing accounting teams within growing organizations.


• Experience in government contracting, aerospace and defense, national security, or similarly regulated industries preferred.


• Prior experience within a private equity-backed organization preferred.


• Experience supporting M&A transactions, due diligence, integrations, or transaction readiness initiatives preferred.


• Strong understanding of financial reporting, internal controls, and accounting operations.


• Demonstrated ability to build scalable processes and improve operational efficiencies.


• Strong executive presence, communication skills, and ability to partner with senior leadership.


• Leadership-focused approach with the ability to remain hands-on when necessary.


• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.


• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.


• Ability to maintain eligibility for a security clearance, if required.

Compensation & Benefits

Our client offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 6% 401(k) company match with immediate vesting.


• Medical insurance with 100% of employee premiums covered and 75% of dependent premiums covered.


• Dental, life, and disability insurance.


• Educational assistance of up to $7,000 annually.


• Four weeks of vacation, two weeks of sick leave, and 11 paid holidays.