Controller in Chantilly, VA

Brand: Nigel Frank InternationalReference: 2579Post ID: 123113Location: Chantilly, 0Salary: $200,000 - $240,000Posted: 2026-03-09Hiring Manager: Amber Milot (EVP of Corporate Development – Interim CFO)Search Type: Contract-to-Hire (preferred) PermanentTarget Conversion: ~6 months on contract, then permanentStart Timing: Immediate / As soon as the right person is foundLocation: 5 days onsite (local preferred; relocation possible but not ideal)ROLE OVERVIEW (What They Are Hiring)The client will ultimately hire one of the following, depending on candidate profile:Controller, ORDirector of AccountingTitle will be flexible based on experience:Strong, traditional Controller profile Controller titleSlightly lighter on finance/treasury but very strong in multi-entity + D365 F&O Director of Accounting titleReporting StructureInitially: Reports to Amber (Interim CFO)Longer-term: Will report to a newly hired CFO (active search underway)SCOPE OF ROLE / RESPONSIBILITIESLeadership (Core Focus – this is the differentiator)This is a leadership-first hire.The role will manage:5 Accounting Managers (direct reports)~6 staff (mix of AP/AR)2+ contractorsTotal span: ~12–13 peopleExpectations:Mentor, coach, and train the teamActively manage performance (PIPs, difficult conversations, written warnings when necessary)Bring structure to a currently “chaotic” environmentCreate and streamline processesStabilize the departmentBe a proactive problem solver (not just a technical accountant)Accounting / Finance ResponsibilitiesOversight of multi-entity accountingIncome statement review across entitiesMonth-end close & reportingAudit coordination and supportProcess improvement and internal controlsPartnering with IT on D365 F&O-related finance workflowsEnvironment ContextCompany is in ~2 years of transformation and changeFast-paced, high-growth, and sometimes chaoticNot a steady-state environment — they want someone who thrives in thisREQUIRED SKILLSET (Non-Negotiables)Must-HaveHeavy D365 F&O experience (NOT Business Central)Strong multi-entity accounting backgroundExperience managing managers (not just individual contributors)Proven track record handling performance issues (PIPs, coaching, exits when needed)Exceptional communication skillsHighly organized and structured leaderSystems / ToolsD365 F&O – criticalXflow (SignUp Software) – nice to have (not required; IT manages backend)Highly Preferred (Big Pluses)FAR / Overhead Audit experienceClient works with multiple state DOTs and undergoes annual FAR auditsGAAP audit familiarityESOP accounting exposure (helpful but not overly complex)LOCATION / WORK MODEL5 days onsite required at the startNo remote/hybrid initiallyPotential for occasional WFH later once the team is stableOpen to relocation but prefer local candidates (they are hesitant to relocate someone who may not work out)COMPENSATION (Permanent)Base Salary$200,000 – $240,000BonusTarget ~8–10% annually in a normal yearUses a “45% bonus plan” methodology (calculation mechanism, not actual payout)2025 was a record bonus year; unlikely to be repeated consistentlyBonus Eligibility (Contract-to-Hire Considerations)Must convert to permanent before October to be bonus-eligible in 2026If converting in August pro-rated bonus for Aug–Dec onlyCOLA / Raises2026 company-wide increase: 2.7%Annual compensation reviews; adjustments made if market benchmarks warrantINTERVIEW PROCESSRound 1 – Virtual: AmberRound 2 – Virtual Panel:Pete O’Hara (Director of Treasury)Lori Debo (Chief People Officer)Round 3 – Onsite (possibly 1–2 rounds):AmberPeteLoriPotentially: COO (Leo) and CIO (Larry Walters)Multiple rounds expected — this is a critical hire.WHY THIS ROLE / SELLING POINTSCompany GrowthRevenue increased $90M in one year (2024 2025)2024: $457M2025: $548MClear path toward a $1B revenue target within ~4–5 yearsCareer OpportunityAbility to build and shape the accounting functionChance to grow a larger teamSignificant visibility with executive leadershipKey role in major digital and operational transformation