Senior Controller, Government Contracts & ESOP

Arete Associates; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life and Long-Term Disability

Vision Reimbursement

Fitness Reimbursement

Company-funded 5% to 401(k)

Company-funded 5% to Employee Stock Ow

Continuing Education Funds

Flexible Scheduling

Paid Time Off

Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

Job summary

Arete Associates in Northridge, CA is seeking an experienced Controller to lead our accounting organization. This exempt, full-time role oversees accounting, financial reporting, payroll/timekeeping and billing, ensuring compliance with ASC 606, FAR, DFARS, and DCAA.

You will manage an established team, enhance internal controls, handle government contract accounting under ESOP ownership, and drive process improvements to support growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration; CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience, with 4+ years in GovCon/A&D.
• Knowledge of ESOP accounting and FAR + DCAA timekeeping rules.
• Experience applying ASC 606 to project-based contracts; strong Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee consolidated month-end and year-end close with GAAP-compliant reporting.
• Lead accounting, payroll/timekeeping and billing, ensuring DCAA compliance.
• Manage internal controls, risk mitigation, and asset safeguarding.
• Direct DCAA/DCMA audit readiness and incurred cost submissions.
• Apply ASC 606 to government contracts and manage labor cost allocations.
• Oversee state and federal taxes, ESOP accounting, and stock transactions.
• Drive process improvements and automation of accounting workflows.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP & financial reporting

DCAA compliance

Cost accounting

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance/Business Admin

CPA / CMA / MBA preferred

Tools

Deltek Costpoint

GovCon ERP

Job description

Arete Associates in Northridge, CA is seeking an experienced Controller to lead our accounting organization. This exempt, full-time role oversees accounting, financial reporting, payroll/timekeeping and billing, ensuring compliance with ASC 606, FAR, DFARS, and DCAA.

You will manage an established team, enhance internal controls, handle government contract accounting under ESOP ownership, and drive process improvements to support growth.