A/R, Billing, and Project Setup Manager

ARA’s Corporate Accounting Department seeks a passionate A/R, Billing, and Setup Manager with strong leadership skills and extensive government contracting billing and project setup knowledge. Our team supports the dedicated employee owners who make Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) the success it is today. We are committed to exceptional customer service and delivering accurate and timely project setup, billing, collection services, project closeout, and audit support. We value teamwork, individual and group accountability, and strive for a balanced, enjoyable work environment.What you’ll do as ARA’s A/R, Billing, and Setup ManagerLeadership & Team DevelopmentLead the day-to-day operations of the A/R, Billing, Project Setup, and Contract Closeout teamsHire, train, coach and develop staff; build depth and ensure continuity of expertiseFoster a collaborative, customer-focused culture with strong accountability and process ownershipBilling, Project Setup & ComplianceEnsure timely and accurate billing, project setup, rate adjustments, and closeout activitiesMaintain compliance with FAR 52.216-7 and all relevant government requirementsTroubleshoot complex project setup, revenue recognition, and billing issues using expert Costpoint knowledgeDevelop, document and maintain company-wide procedures governing billing, project setup, collections, and contract closeoutProvide guidance on indirect rate structures (including provisional and final rates) and how they impact project setup and billingFinancial Monitoring & AnalysisMonitor and reconcile unbilled receivables to ensure accurate revenue and project setup, and timely billing, closeout and issue identificationOversee collection efforts and maintain A/R reserve analysisPrepare, analyze, and present DSO performance and trends to executive and senior management and the Board of DirectorsEnsure financial processes support data accuracy, transparency, and long-term sustainabilityAudit, Controls & Compliance SupportMaintain strong internal controls and ensure adequate process documentationProvide comprehensive support for external financial audits, internal audits, and government/customer auditsCollaborate with auditors to provide required data, resolve inquiries, and strengthen audit readinessSystems Leadership & Process ModernizationLead system upgrade testing, enhancements, and business system evaluation or migration activitiesPartner with IT and functional SMEs to improve workflows, resolve system issues, and drive process automationDrive continuous process improvement efforts to streamline operations and modernize workflowsIdentify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance across all related functionsCustomer & Stakeholder PartnershipServe as a subject matter expert to internal customers and project managers on contract terms, billing requirements, and project setupBuild strong relationships across the organization to provide expert guidance and resolve issues effectivelyContinue to partner with our DCMA ACO and staff, providing excellent contract closeout, expiring funds and deobligation supportCommunicate proactively to ensure alignment across functional and operational teamsA/R, Billing, and Setup Manager RequirementsBachelor’s degree in accounting or related field with 10 – 12 years of accounting/billing experience (Master’s or PhD acceptable with equivalent experience)Five or more years of leadership experience with demonstrated success leading and developing staffHands-on government contract accounting experience and knowledge of FAR billing requirementsExperience billing fixed price, T&M, and cost reimbursable contractsExceptional customer service and communication abilities across all organizational levelsResults-oriented with a high degree of integrity and strong judgementAbility to analyze problems, recommend solutions, and maintain compliance with internal and external requirementsExperience supporting auditors and preparing audit-ready documentationProfessional, reliable, proactive, and committed to continuous learning and improvementExcellent attention to detail and organizational abilitiesAbility to manage multiple tasks and work under strict deadlinesA/R, Billing, and Setup Manager PreferencesCPA or auditing backgroundFamiliarity with WAWF and resolving DFAS payment issuesExperience using Deltek Costpoint for billing and project setupExperience with system implementations or conversionsHYBRID WORK NOTICE: This position is available for fully remote or hybrid work consideration at any of our division locations across the United States . Preference will be given to those near Albuquerque, NM or Raleigh, NC.Company & Division InformationThe ARA Corporate office prides itself on providing excellent customer service and accounting services to a growing and ever-changing organization. We strive to be flexible while ensuring that we comply with government, state, and contract regulations and requirements. We partner with our employees to help them in turn provide exceptional customer service to our customers.Applied Research Associates (ARA) is a 100% employee-owned technology solutions company with more than 2,300 employee-owners across the United States and Canada. Our dedicated team brings deep technical expertise and a passion for solving complex challenges – creating innovative solutions that protect our safety, security, and way of life. At ARA, every project is an opportunity to exceed expectations. We deliver solutions that not only meet mission objectives but unlock new possibilities for the future. Learn more about who we are and what we do by going to: QualificationsBEHAVIOURSTeam Player: Works well as a member of a groupLeader: Inspires teammates to follow themFunctional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subjectEnthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interestDetail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done wellDedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrityMOTIVATIONSSelf-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside helpGoal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasksFlexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goalsFinancial: Inspired to perform well by monetary reimbursementAbility to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organizationEDUCATIONBachelor of Arts or better in Accounting or related fieldEXPERIENCE8 - 10 years: Related experience with a master’s degree10 - 12 years: Related experience with a bachelor’s degreeLICENSES & CERTIFICATIONSCPAJob SummaryRequisition Number: ARBIL009964Job Category: Finance \& AccountingSchedule: Full-Time