A/R, Billing, and Project Setup Manager

ARA Career•Albuquerque, NM

About The Position

ARA’s Corporate Accounting Department seeks a passionate A/R, Billing, and Setup Manager with strong leadership skills and extensive government contracting billing and project setup knowledge. Our team supports the dedicated employee owners who make Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) the success it is today. We are committed to exceptional customer service and delivering accurate and timely project setup, billing, collection services, project closeout, and audit support. We value teamwork, individual and group accountability, and strive for a balanced, enjoyable work environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field with 10 – 12 years of accounting/billing experience (Master’s or PhD acceptable with equivalent experience)
Five or more years of leadership experience with demonstrated success leading and developing staff
Hands-on government contract accounting experience and knowledge of FAR billing requirements
Experience billing fixed price, T&M, and cost reimbursable contracts
Experience using Deltek Costpoint for billing and project setup
Exceptional customer service and communication abilities across all organizational levels
Results-oriented with a high degree of integrity and strong judgement
Ability to analyze problems, recommend solutions, and maintain compliance with internal and external requirements
Experience supporting auditors and preparing audit-ready documentation
Professional, reliable, proactive, and committed to continuous learning and improvement
Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities
Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under strict deadlines

Nice To Haves

CPA or auditing background
Familiarity with WAWF and resolving DFAS payment issues
Experience with system implementations or conversions

Responsibilities

Lead the day-to-day operations of the A/R, Billing, Project Setup, and Contract Closeout teams
Hire, train, coach and develop staff; build depth and ensure continuity of expertise
Foster a collaborative, customer-focused culture with strong accountability and process ownership
Ensure timely and accurate billing, project setup, rate adjustments, and closeout activities
Maintain compliance with FAR 52.216-7 and all relevant government requirements
Troubleshoot complex project setup, revenue recognition, and billing issues using expert Costpoint knowledge
Develop, document and maintain company-wide procedures governing billing, project setup, collections, and contract closeout
Provide guidance on indirect rate structures (including provisional and final rates) and how they impact project setup and billing
Monitor and reconcile unbilled receivables to ensure accurate revenue and project setup, and timely billing, closeout and issue identification
Oversee collection efforts and maintain A/R reserve analysis
Prepare, analyze, and present DSO performance and trends to executive and senior management and the Board of Directors
Ensure financial processes support data accuracy, transparency, and long-term sustainability
Maintain strong internal controls and ensure adequate process documentation
Provide comprehensive support for external financial audits, internal audits, and government/customer audits
Collaborate with auditors to provide required data, resolve inquiries, and strengthen audit readiness
Lead system upgrade testing, enhancements, and business system evaluation or migration activities
Partner with IT and functional SMEs to improve workflows, resolve system issues, and drive process automation
Drive continuous process improvement efforts to streamline operations and modernize workflows
Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance across all related functions
Serve as a subject matter expert to internal customers and project managers on contract terms, billing requirements, and project setup
Build strong relationships across the organization to provide expert guidance and resolve issues effectively
Continue to partner with our DCMA ACO and staff, providing excellent contract closeout, expiring funds and deobligation support
Communicate proactively to ensure alignment across functional and operational teams