Assistant Controller

Our client is a mid-sized federal government contractor supporting U.S. government, foreign government, and NGO programs in the U.S. and abroad. Were looking for an Assistant Controller to lead the day-to-day accounting function, own the monthly close and financial reporting process, and build out a small but capable accounting team.

This role is the primary owner of core accounting operations GL, close, reporting, entity management, payroll, indirect taxes, insurance, and internal controls while partnering closely with the Finance Controller on budgeting, banking, and strategic projects. Experience in government contracting is strongly preferred but not required for candidates with a solid GAAP foundation and an interest in learning FAR/CAS/DCAA concepts.

This is a hands-on role: you'll lead and mentor a Senior Accountant and other staff, and you'll also be willing to dive into the details when needed.

Location: Gettysburg, PA (hybrid/remote is possible)

JOB RESPONSIBILITY SUMMARY

Financial Close & Reporting

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close process for all entities, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements.
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules prepared by the team.
• Maintain and improve the chart of accounts, cost centers, and project structure to support meaningful reporting.
• Prepare and present analysis on P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, and key metrics to management.

Payroll, Benefits & HR Coordination

• Oversee the U.S. payroll function (hourly and salaried employees, remote and multi-state workforce), ensuring accurate and timely processing and compliance with wage and hour rules.
• Coordinate payroll and payments to 1099 contractors and overseas contractors, including appropriate documentation, coding, and timing.
• Manage payroll tax registrations and state tax account setups for new jurisdictions, including ongoing monitoring of state and local withholding requirements.
• Ensure accurate filing and payment of payroll tax withholdings and returns, coordinating with external providers where applicable.
• Oversee year-end payroll and information reporting, including 1099-NEC/1099-MISC and related filings.
• Partner with HR to administer U.S. employee benefits (health, retirement, ancillary benefits), including enrollments, changes, reconciliations, and responses to employee questions.

Compliance, Indirect Tax, T&E & Policies

• Develop, maintain, and enforce accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls across AP, AR, payroll, timekeeping, travel, purchasing, and fixed assets.
• Own the company travel and expense reporting platform and policy, including system administration, configuration, compliance monitoring, and exception review.
• Manage resale and exemption certificates where applicable and ensure proper application for qualifying purchases.
• Oversee sales and use tax compliance where applicable, including nexus monitoring, registrations, return filings, and reconciliations (or coordination with external providers).
• Coordinate with external auditors and tax advisors; lead preparation of audit and review support.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and applicable company policies.
• Partner with the Finance Controller and external advisors to interpret and apply FAR/DFARS/CAS/DCAA requirements; over time, become a key internal resource on govcon accounting (prior experience preferred but not required).

Insurance & Risk Management

• Assist with the renewal, documentation, and ongoing management of general liability, auto, Defense Base Act (DBA), workers compensation, and other insurance policies, working with brokers and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate and support workers compensation audits, ensuring data accuracy and timely responses to carrier requests.
• Ensure that policy information, certificates of insurance, and endorsements are properly maintained and available for bids, contracts, and audits.

Treasury, Banking & Entity Management

• Oversee cash management, including bank reconciliations, cash forecasting inputs, and monitoring of borrowing base/LOC usage.
• Support compliance with loan covenants and banking requirements, preparing periodic reporting packages.
• Coordinate entity management activities (registrations, annual reports, tax notices) in partnership with legal, HR, and external advisors.

Team Leadership & Operations

• Directly supervise a Senior Accountant and other accounting staff as the team grows.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, workload prioritization, and coaching; review work for accuracy and completeness.
• Oversee AP, AR, payroll, and travel/expense processes; initially be hands-on where needed, with a goal of building repeatable processes and delegating execution.
• Foster a culture of ownership, documentation, and continuous improvement within the accounting team.

Systems, Process Improvement & Projects

• Serve as a key business owner and admin/power user for the ERP (Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or similar) and other management information systems, including HRIS and expense management platforms.
• Design and maintain standard and ad-hoc reports from these systems; troubleshoot issues and coordinate with vendors/IT as needed.
• Identify and implement process improvements, automation, and reporting enhancements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Lead or support special projects such as new entity setups, system implementations, pricing support, indirect rate updates, and cost-reduction initiatives.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with Operations, HR, Contracts, and Program Management to ensure accurate project set-up, billing, and cost tracking.
• Provide accounting guidance on new contracts, pricing, and business initiatives, flagging potential risks or compliance concerns.
• Support the Finance Controller with budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant involvement in the monthly close and financial reporting process.
• Experience supervising or leading staff (formal or informal team lead).
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and core accounting processes (GL, AP, AR, payroll, fixed assets, accruals).
• Direct experience with multi-state payroll, benefits administration, and basic HR/benefits interfaces.
• Experience in multi-entity or project-based environments.
• Proficiency with modern ERP systems and comfort working across HRIS and expense management platforms, including basic report writing and system administration.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong general systems aptitude.
• Demonstrated ability to document processes, design controls, and drive improvements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills; comfortable working with both details and big-picture implications.

Preferred (not required)

• Experience in federal government contracting (FAR/DFARS/CAS, DCAA/DCMA audits, indirect rate structures, ICE, or similar).
• Background in project-based businesses (govcon, engineering, construction, professional services, etc.).
• Deeper experience with sales & use tax, resale exemptions, and indirect tax planning/compliance.
• Experience working with banks and lenders on covenant reporting or borrowing bases.
• Prior involvement with foreign subsidiaries or FX accounting.
• Professional credential such as CPA or CMA (active or in progress).
• Experience with Business Central, Power BI, or other reporting/analytics tools.