Accounting Manager

BOWA•McLean, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

BOWA is seeking an Accounting Manager / Assistant Controller to join their finance team. This role reports to the President & CFO. The initial 4–6 months will involve hands-on learning of the company's close process, billing cycle, and Sage 300 CRE. Following this period, the role will transition into people leadership for the entire accounting function, including GL, AP, AR, Billing, and Payroll. As BOWA is now an ESOP company, this position will gain exposure to ESOP mechanics, though deep expertise is not required initially. The role offers significant ownership and a clear progression path to Assistant Controller / Controller, suitable for individuals who are licensed CPAs or are working towards their CPA.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting
3–6+ years of progressive accounting experience
Construction or project-based industry experience preferred
CPA license a plus but not required — candidates pursuing licensure encouraged to apply.
Experience with Sage 300 CRE (or similar project accounting software) ideal but not required — ramp-up time provided.
Strong Excel skills
Comfort with (or interest in) AI-assisted tools (e.g., Claude, Claude Cowork, ChatGPT).
Detail-oriented
Strong communicator
Discreet with sensitive information
Genuine fit with BOWA's ownership-minded ESOP culture.

Nice To Haves

CPA license
Experience with Sage 300 CRE (or similar project accounting software)

Responsibilities

Own Month-End Close & Financial Reporting
Manage Client Billing & Revenue Cycle
Strengthening Accounting Systems & Processes
Build Toward Team Leadership
Serve as Principal Accounting Contact for Division Leaders
Support ESOP & CFO-Level Financial Needs
Lead month-end close end-to-end (journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, close checklist) to deadline each month; maintain the GL and chart of accounts in Sage 300 CRE.
Prepare and review financial statements prior to CFO review, and proactively resolve reconciliation variances.
Own client billing accuracy and timeliness, partnering with project teams to confirm alignment with contract terms and job status.
Monitor AR aging to keep DSO on target and streamline the billing cycle as the business scales.
Become the team's go-to expert on Sage 300 CRE, documenting key workflows (close checklist, billing steps, payroll inputs).
Support payroll review (commission, bonus, salary, 401(k)) and recommend automation that reduces manual work.
Spend the first 4–6 months learning BOWA's processes and culture before taking on direct reports.
Once ramped, manage the Finance Department — setting expectations, developing the team, and serving as a thought partner and backup to the President & CFO.
Act as the primary contact for division leaders on job costing, budget-to-actual, and financial reporting — building trust so accounting is viewed as a partner, not just a back-office function.
Assist with ESOP-related accounting mechanics (e.g., debt service flows between BOWA and the ESOP Trust) under the CFO's direction.
Prepare ad hoc analysis for the CFO and support requests from auditors, lenders, or the ESOP Trustee's advisors.