Assistant Controller

Riverside Research Institute•Fair Oaks, VA

9d•$155,000 - $185,000•Onsite

About The Position

Riverside Research is seeking a dynamic, detail-oriented Assistant Controller for its corporate office in Fairfax, Virginia. Reporting directly to the Corporate Controller, this role oversees financial operations, ensures compliance with federal contracting standards, manages general ledger operations, and drives accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting. The position calls for expertise in government accounting standards, team leadership, and support for a mission-driven defense research organization. Riverside Research is an independent national security nonprofit focused on research and development in the national interest. It provides technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to challenging technical problems. U.S. citizenship is required for all opportunities. The Assistant Controller leads financial close and reporting, oversees accounting functions and contract revenue recognition, maintains internal controls and audit readiness, and monitors compliance with applicable government requirements. The role also supervises accounting staff, collaborates with FP&A, Contracts, and HR, improves accounting processes and systems, and supports executive leadership with reporting, analysis, and special projects.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is strictly required.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
12 or more years of progressive accounting experience.
At least 4 years in a supervisory or management role within government contracting or defense research.
Strong working knowledge of US GAAP, FAR, CAS, and DCAA compliance requirements.
Experience with ERP systems tailored for government contractors, such as Deltek Costpoint, Unanet, or similar.
Intermediate to advanced experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
Hands-on experience with Deltek Costpoint General Ledger, Pools, AP, AR, Billing, and Time & Expense modules.

Nice To Haves

Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential.
Advanced degree, such as a Master of Accountancy or MBA.
Background in nonprofit accounting (ASC 958) or federal research and development environments.
Working knowledge of manufacturing accounting.
Experience with multi-company integration and accounting.

Responsibilities

Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close processes and ensure timely, accurate reporting in accordance with GAAP.
Prepare, review, and analyze balance sheet reconciliations, journal entries, and financial statements.
Oversee daily accounting functions, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, and Fixed Assets.
Ensure revenue recognition is aligned with Cost-Plus, Time & Materials, and Firm-Fixed-Price government contract types.
Maintain working knowledge and understanding of cost pools.
Maintain and enforce internal controls to safeguard organizational assets and maintain financial audit readiness.
Monitor compliance with FAR, CAS, and DCAA requirements.
Support internal and external audits, including DCAA, DCMA, OMB single audit, and annual financial statement audits.
Manage preparation of the annual Incurred Cost Submission.
Ensure payroll tax, sales tax, and property tax compliance.
Prepare and submit workers’ compensation and DBA audits and review discrepancies.
Assist with preparation of the annual Form 990 tax return, related schedules, and supporting documentation.
Directly supervise and mentor corporate accounting staff, supporting their professional development and team performance.
Partner with FP&A and Contracts teams to maintain accurate project costing and overhead allocation models.
Collaborate with HR on payroll-related items.
Drive continuous improvements to financial systems, workflows, and automation for corporate accounting operations.
Support executive leadership and the Corporate Controller with ad hoc reporting, financial analysis, and special projects.