Senior Controller – Government Contracts

Qwaltec, Inc.; Tempe (AZ); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Qwaltec, Inc. in Tempe, AZ, is seeking a full-time Controller to lead the accounting function for a growing federal government contractor.

Reporting to the CEO, the Controller will ensure accurate financial records and compliant practices under GAAP, FAR, and DFARS, while guiding contract billing and cost accounting. The role requires strong judgment, attention to detail, and experience with indirect-rate structures and audits; you will partner with Finance, Contracts, and Operations to support

Qualifications

• Ten years of progressively responsible accounting experience with leadership responsibility.
• At least five years of substantive accounting experience with a federal government contractor.
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, FAR, and DFARS.
• Experience with project accounting, contract billing, revenue recognition, funding and ceilings.
• Experience owning accounting and financial workstreams for audits and reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities, including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash, fixed assets, and project accounting.
• Prepare timely financial statements, management reports, cash forecasts, backlog analyses, and project-level reporting.
• Design, operate, and document accounting policies and internal controls supporting accurate reporting and audit trails.
• Ensure GAAP, FAR, DFARS compliance in pricing, billing, reporting, and cost allocations.
• Own indirect-rate structures, fringe, overhead, and G&A pools; review forecasts and corrective actions.
• Prepare provisional billing rate submissions, final indirect-rate calculations, and incurred-cost submissions.
• Oversee invoicing, billing, and revenue recognition across contract types.
• Provide accounting input for proposal pricing, cost volumes, and basis-of-estimate development.
• Lead and develop the accounting team with clear ownership and accountability.
• Evaluate ERP environment and system interfaces to improve accuracy and scalability.
• Support audit readiness and coordination with Finance and Program Management.

Skills

Team leadership

GAAP expertise

DFARS familiarity

Contract accounting

Financial reporting

Excel advanced

Analytics

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

CPA preferred

Tools

ERP software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Qwaltec, Inc. in Tempe, AZ, is seeking a full-time Controller to lead the accounting function for a growing federal government contractor.

Reporting to the CEO, the Controller will ensure accurate financial records and compliant practices under GAAP, FAR, and DFARS, while guiding contract billing and cost accounting. The role requires strong judgment, attention to detail, and experience with indirect-rate structures and audits; you will partner with Finance, Contracts, and Operations to support