Controller

Cherry Bekaert•Virginia Beach, VA

23d•$175,000 - $225,000

About The Position

Cherry Bekeart is partnered with a growing, private equity‑backed government contractor who is seeking a Corporate Controller to join their team on a permanent basis. This newly created role reflects the organization’s continued growth, ongoing acquisitions, and commitment to strengthening its financial infrastructure. The Corporate Controller will serve as a key financial leader, partnering closely with executive leadership to ensure operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and scalable financial processes in a complex government contracting environment. The ideal candidate will bring deep government contracting expertise, strong leadership experience, and a proven ability to drive process improvements while operating comfortably in a high-growth, transformation-oriented organization. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates outside the Virginia Beach area. The Corporate Controller will lead the accounting and financial operations of the organization, providing hands-on oversight of day-to-day accounting activities while delivering strategic financial guidance to support growth initiatives. This role manages a sizable accounting team and plays a critical role in audit readiness, compliance, systems optimization, and executive decision support within a FAR-regulated environment.

Requirements

15+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience
10+ years of leadership experience within the government contracting industry
Extensive hands-on experience with FAR, DFARS, DCAA, and government contracting compliance
Strong proficiency with Deltek Costpoint
Proven experience leading accounting operations in a high-growth, multi-contract environment
Excellent communication skills with the ability to partner at the executive level
Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance
Ability to meet access requirements for secure government or military facilities

Nice To Haves

CPA strongly preferred; highly qualified candidates without a CPA will be considered
Prior experience in private equity-backed or acquisitive organizations
Background in government contracting audit or advisory services

Responsibilities

Ensure full compliance with FAR, DFARS, DCAA, and all applicable federal regulatory requirements
Lead indirect rate development, monitoring, and annual budgeting processes
Oversee the annual Incurred Cost Submission (ICS), including preparation, analysis, and audit support
Maintain compliant job cost accounting and contract-specific billing practices
Serve as the primary liaison for DCAA audits, system reviews, pre‑award surveys, and other government inquiries
Ensure compliance across timekeeping, labor charging, payroll integration, and cost accounting practices
Oversee all daily accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll interface, and cash management
Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes with a focus on accuracy, timeliness, and contract performance
Ensure preparation of GAAP-compliant and government-compliant financial statements and disclosures
Strengthen internal controls to support audit readiness, risk management, and scalable growth
Develop standardized financial reporting packages, dashboards, and KPIs for executive leadership, including analysis of contract margins, indirect rates, and cash flow
Serve as the organizational owner of Deltek Costpoint, ensuring accurate configuration and ongoing optimization
Drive automation, workflow enhancements, and system integrations to improve efficiency, accuracy, and audit traceability
Strengthen system internal controls, segregation of duties, and documentation standards
Lead cash flow forecasting, liquidity planning, and working capital management in alignment with government payment cycles
Support mergers and acquisitions through financial due diligence, integration planning, and post-acquisition accounting alignment
Partner with executive leadership to provide insights and recommendations that support strategic initiatives and operational decision-making
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team, including multiple managers and accounting staff
Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence
Provide guidance and training across the organization on compliant accounting practices and audit readiness