Program Controller

QinetiQ U.S.; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Program Controller to join our Finance team. You will manage financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and EVM for complex government contracts.

The role emphasizes compliance with FAR/DFARS, CAS, and cost accounting standards, with collaboration across program managers, divisional leads, and external auditors. This position offers a challenging environment within a world-class defense technology company, based in Virginia, with opportunities to lead

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field.
• 7–10+ years of experience in program control or government contracting.
• Deep understanding of FAR/DFARS, cost-plus and fixed-price contracts.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrated experience with EVM principles and tools.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary financial liaison between program managers, finance, and clients.
• Develop and maintain program budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses.
• Prepare monthly financial reports (EACs, ETCs, cash flow) for stakeholders.
• Support project start-up, execution, and close-out activities in the ERP system.
• Monitor funding, burn rates, and contract ceilings; notify stakeholders of risks.
• Ensure compliance with CAS, FAR/DFARS, and contract terms.
• Lead analysis on cost, schedule, performance, variance, and risk.
• Collaborate with program managers and division leads to oversee financials.

Skills

EVM principles

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field

Tools

Deltek Costpoint

Unanet

SAP

Excel (PivotTables, VLOOKUP)

Job description

Program Controller

Company Overview

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

Position Overview

QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Program Controller to join our Finance team.

The Program Controller will support financial management and control for complex government contracts, including cost-reimbursable, fixed-price, and time-and-materials (T&M) types. This role involves leading program financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and earned value management (EVM) in support of program managers and senior leadership. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in government contract accounting, financial analysis, and compliance with FAR/DFARS and other federal regulations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary financial liaison between program managers, corporate finance, and clients on assigned programs.
• Develop and maintain detailed program budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses.
• Prepare and present monthly financial reports (including EACs, ETCs, and cash flow) to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support project start-up, execution, and close-out activities, including project setup in ERP system.
• Track funding, burn rates, and contract ceilings; proactively notify stakeholders of risks or funding shortfalls.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms, cost accounting standards (CAS), and internal policies.
• Leading analysis on cost, schedule, performance, variance, and risk reporting and analysis.
• Develop and provide monthly financial reports to program managers
• Partnering with program managers and division leads to assist them in running their programs proactively by providing oversight on financial tracking.
• Monitor subcontractor and vendor invoicing, accruals, and funding flows.
• Support audits and data calls from DCAA, DCMA, or internal reviewers.
• Proactively analyze data to answer key questions from stakeholders with an eye for what drives business performance, investigating and communicating areas for improvement in efficiency and productivity.
• Consistently meets all required deadlines (contract modifications, project setup changes, accruals, at risk approvals)
• Guide and mentor junior program finance staff, if applicable.
• Coordinate and lead projects to support Transformation efforts across the company.
• Coordinate with contractors, and others across the Company to ensure successful on-time completion of assignments.
• Support documentation, training and project management.
• Execute discrete projects, as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business, or related field.
• 7-10+ years of relevant experience in program control, financial analysis, or project accounting in a government contracting environment.
• Deep understanding of federal contracting (FAR, DFARS), cost-plus and fixed-price contracts, and indirect cost allocation.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., Deltek Costpoint, Unanet, SAP) and Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, vlookups, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience with EVM principles and tools.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work cross-functionally.

Preferred Qualifications

• IBM TM1, Hyperion or other similar budgeting and forecasting tool
• PMP or similar project finance certification.
• Six Sigma Green to Black belt

Pay Transparency

The salary range for this role is $134,000 - $160,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Company EEO Statement

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] or call [phone] Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.