Job Description

Controller
Location: Springfield, VA (Hybrid)
Engagement Type: Temp‑to‑Hire
Compensation: Market Hourly Rate | $150,000–$165,000 upon conversion (flexibility for strong candidates)

Cordia Resources by Cherry Bekeart is partnered with a growing, employee‑owned government contractor that is seeking a Controller to join their team in Springfield, Virginia.

This newly created opportunity is intended to begin on a temp‑to‑hire basis, for candidates who demonstrate strong alignment and long‑term fit. This hands-on role supports an organization experiencing continued growth through new contract wins and expansion and is critical to ensuring stable, compliant, and scalable financial operations.



The Controller will be hands-on and lead a team of two, overseeing daily accounting operations, government contract compliance, and financial reporting within a regulated environment. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this is a hands‑on leadership role that requires deep government contracting expertise and the ability to partner closely with executive leadership.

This role is designed to provide immediate operational support with a clear path to long‑term leadership as the organization continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities
Accounting Operations

• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and appropriate documentation
• Maintain oversight of the general ledger and review account reconciliations to ensure financial integrity
• Support and approve payroll processing
• Monitor and verify the accuracy of all financial transactions

Government Contract Accounting & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, CAS, and other applicable regulations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for DCAA, DCMA, and external CPA audits
• Maintain audit readiness and strengthen internal control environments
• Prepare, review, and support billing rates, cost proposals, and forward pricing rate proposals (FPRPs)

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and variances; recommend corrective actions
• Provide financial insights to executive leadership to support informed decision‑making
• Manage cash flow forecasting and daily cash management

Contracts & Program Support

• Oversee contracts and subcontracts personnel, ensuring accuracy of contract documentation and compliance
• Support contract proposal development and pricing activities
• Provide financial metrics and reporting to program and operational leadership

Systems & Process Improvement

• Utilize and further optimize Unanet (or comparable ERP systems) to improve reporting, compliance, and operational efficiency
• Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen controls and scalability

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor a team of two: one accounting and one contracts staff, providing guidance and professional development
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive government contract accounting experience
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, FAR, DFARS, CAS, and DCAA/DCMA requirements
• Experience with cost‑reimbursable, time‑and‑materials, and firm‑fixed‑price contracts
• Hands‑on experience supporting government‑compliant accounting and job costing systems
• Proficiency with Unanet or comparable government contracting ERP systems
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or CMA certification
• Prior DoD contracting experience
• Familiarity with Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) accounting and reporting

Work Schedule & Environment

• Hybrid work schedule following an initial onboarding period
• Collaborative, mission‑driven organization supporting scientific and government research initiatives

IND123