Controller

Defcon Ai • McLean, VA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

DEFCON AI is an insights company that uses artificial intelligence, mathematical optimization, data analytics, and software engineering to improve the resilience of complex systems. The Controller will own accounting, financial close, compliance, and reporting for a fast-growing defense technology company serving Department of War and commercial customers. This hands-on leadership position serves as the CFO’s accounting partner, ensuring accurate monthly closes, audit-ready financials, and government contract accounting practices prepared for DCAA and DCMA review. The Controller will build scalable accounting processes, strengthen internal controls, and lead a small accounting team as the company grows.

The role operates in a hybrid capacity from DEFCON AI’s McLean, Virginia office, with at least one day per week onsite and additional office time as business needs require. Some work may need to be performed in a cleared facility. The Controller partners with company leadership and teams across FP&A, Contracts, Program Management, Human Resources, and Security.

The role owns the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close under U.S. GAAP; financial statements and management reporting; revenue recognition across government and commercial contract types; government contract accounting and compliance; audits, tax coordination, technical accounting, and internal controls; accounting and ERP systems; and the development and management of the accounting team.

DEFCON AI offers a flexible, results-based work environment, competitive salary, bonus and equity package, employer-paid health insurance, unlimited PTO with manager approval, flexibility in managing the workday, and 14 weeks of fully paid parental leave. The stated base salary range is $170,000–$220,000, depending on experience, skills, and other factors.

Requirements

• Active CPA license.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including ownership of the financial close and management of an accounting team.
• Experience with or strong knowledge of U.S. government contracting requirements, including FAR, DFARS, DCAA audits, indirect rates, and incurred cost submissions.
• Strong technical accounting skills and command of U.S. GAAP, including ASC 606.
• Experience leading annual audits and working directly with external auditors.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a closely related field.
• Active U.S. security clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Accounting, including an MAcc or MSA.
• Public accounting experience, ideally with audit or government contracting advisory exposure.
• Experience in a venture-backed or high-growth defense technology company.
• Hands-on experience with government contracting ERP systems such as Deltek Costpoint, Unanet, or Procas.
• Experience supporting both government and commercial revenue streams.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close under U.S. GAAP.
• Prepare financial statements, account reconciliations, and management reporting for the CFO, CEO, and Board of Directors.
• Manage revenue recognition under ASC 606 across firm-fixed-price, time-and-materials, cost-reimbursable, and commercial contracts.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and equity and stock compensation accounting.
• Maintain a DCAA-compliant accounting system, timekeeping process, and job-cost structure.
• Develop and manage indirect rate structures, including fringe, overhead, general and administrative rates, and provisional billing rates.
• Prepare incurred cost submissions, forward pricing support, and pricing inputs for proposals.
• Ensure compliance with FAR Part 31 cost principles, applicable Cost Accounting Standards, and DFARS business system requirements.
• Serve as the primary contact for DCAA and DCMA audits and reviews.
• Lead the annual external financial statement audit from planning through final sign-off, including PBC requests and supporting schedules.
• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for external auditors throughout the year.
• Research complex transactions and prepare technical accounting position memos related to ASC 606, ASC 718, ASC 842, debt, and equity financings.
• Coordinate with external tax advisors on federal and state filings.
• Design and maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures appropriate for a growing company.
• Partner with FP&A on budgets, forecasts, cash flow planning, and contract profitability analysis.
• Own the accounting and ERP systems and drive process automation as the company scales.
• Work with Contracts, Program Management, Human Resources, and Security teams to support business operations and compliance.
• Hire, develop, and manage the accounting team.
• Establish clear ownership, operating rhythms, and quality standards across the accounting function.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, bonus, and equity package.
• 100% employer-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee and family.
• Unlimited PTO, with manager approval.
• Flexibility to manage the workday while meeting business and team needs.
• 14 weeks of fully paid parental leave.

What This Job Offers

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