Assistant Controller

Institute for Defense Analyses • Alexandria, VA

10d

About The Position

The Assistant Controller reports to the Controller and serves as a key member of the Accounting leadership team. This role will manage and direct General Ledger and Accounts Payable operations as core areas of responsibility, while supporting broader accounting close and reporting functions as needed.
The Assistant Controller provides technical expertise and leadership in financial accounting, cost accounting, GAAP, FAR, and CAS, while partnering closely with the Controller on process improvement, system optimization, and policy development. This position requires a hands-on leader who is willing to work side-by-side with staff, manage competing priorities, and work extended hours as needed to meet internal and external deadlines. The Assistant Controller acts as the Controller’s primary backup and is expected to demonstrate the capability and ambition to assume broader leadership responsibilities over time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience demonstrating increasing responsibility and complexity
• Minimum of 5 years of recent, relevant experience in the U.S. Government contracting industry
• Minimum of 4 years of recent, hands-on experience with Deltek Costpoint, including Accounting, Accounts Payable, and Project modules (cost pools, cost and revenue processing)
• Strong expertise in GAAP and thorough knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)
• Extensive understanding of indirect cost structures and rate development
• Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to address performance issues professionally and constructively
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and resolve moderately complex accounting issues
• Proven ability to manage multiple critical priorities simultaneously and work extended hours to meet deadlines
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency, including the ability to analyze and manipulate large datasets efficiently
• U.S. citizenship required

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Accounting or MBA preferred
• Working knowledge of Business Intelligence tools including Cognos preferred
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Controller’s principal deputy, with the ability to assume responsibilities during planned absences or when special initiatives require dedicated focus
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to General Ledger and Accounts Payable staff
• Direct and oversee General Ledger and Accounts Payable operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and consistency
• Provide management-level review and approval for routine and non-routine accounting activities, including wire transfers, accounts payable corrections, journal entries, and balance sheet reconciliations
• Act as the primary escalation point for General Ledger and Accounts Payable issues and inquiries
• Supervise assigned staff, including hiring, onboarding, training, cross-training, performance evaluation, succession planning, coaching, and corrective action as needed
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities related to the General Ledger and Accounts Payable
• Oversee balance sheet reviews, account reconciliations, and monthly flux analysisEnsure accurate and timely preparation of financial statements, including income statements and balance sheets
• Serve as subject matter expert for Deltek Costpoint, including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Projects, cost pools, and cost/revenue processing
• Identify and resolve General Ledger and subledger discrepancies, including cost pool and system integration issues
• Load monthly financial data into OneStream and ensure all corporate reporting deadlines are met
• Maintain current, hands-on knowledge of Accounts Payable best practices, including working knowledge of Concur
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, FAR, CAS, and all applicable regulatory requirements
• Ensure consistent application of company accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls across the General Ledger and Accounts Payable functions
• Serve as an authorized approver for key accounting activities to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to internal controls
• Maintain current knowledge of Accounting and Finance policies and procedures; draft, update, and recommend revisions as business needs, systems, or regulatory requirements evolve, subject to approval by the Controller
• Interpret accounting and finance policies and provide guidance to staff to ensure consistent and appropriate application
• Assist the Controller with the development, maintenance, and periodic review of accounting policies and procedures
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation, analysis, and technical explanations as required
• Continuously assess accounting operations to identify opportunities for efficiency, scalability, and risk reduction
• Lead and support process improvement initiatives to streamline workflows and improve data quality and reporting timeliness
• Conduct an annual, comprehensive review of staff workload and alignment against business needs
• Implement system and process enhancements in collaboration with Accounting leadership and corporate partners

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits, including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, 6 weeks 100% paid parental leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.
• Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our Nation’s warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL).
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
• A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks through flex time, partial telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.
• Located in Alexandria's high-tech corridor, IDA's brand new Potomac Yard facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, workspaces and gym.
• Easy access to local dining and shopping, the Potomac Yard Metro stop and the Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $300/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level