Controller

Savantage Solutions is seeking a Controller for its growing GovCon finance organization. The Controller is the senior financial operator of the company, responsible for managing all day‑to‑day finance and accounting functions. This is a hands‑on leadership role that directly supports the CFO, manages the finance team, and ensures the financial integrity, DCAA compliance posture, and operational efficiency of the organization across its portfolio of federal prime contracts. The ideal candidate is a GovCon finance professional who thrives in a lean, high‑accountability environment, brings deep knowledge of FAR Part31 and government cost accounting, and is comfortable being the primary financial operator – not just an overseer. Core Competencies Attention to Detail: Meticulous accuracy in financial reporting, cost accounting, and compliance documentation Financial Judgment: Sound, independent financial judgment with the ability to elevate appropriately Communication: Ability to translate complex financial and compliance data into clear executive communications Risk Awareness: Proactive identification and remediation of compliance gaps, audit risks, and financial exposures Leadership: Trusted operator and deputy to the CFO – reliable, discreet, and business‑minded Self‑Direction: Comfort working hands‑on in a lean team without layers of support staff Duties and Responsibilities Financial Operations & Reporting Manage all day‑to‑day financial operations including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash management Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process and deliver timely, accurate financial information Prepare management reports, financial dashboards, budget‑to‑actual variance analyses, and executive summaries for the President/CEO and CFO/Secretary Manage and continuously improve Savantage’s QuickBooks accounting environment, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and DCAA compliance Oversee government invoice preparation and submission through applicable federal billing portals including IPP and Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) Manage accounts receivable aging, collections, and cash application in alignment with contract billing cycles Directly supervise, mentor, and develop direct reports Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular one‑on‑ones and annual reviews, and build capability within the finance team Drive process improvement, internal control enhancements, and workflow automation across finance operations Coordinate with the IT Manager – who reports to the CFO – on finance system integrity, data security protocols relevant to the FCL, and technology tools that support the accounting and billing functions Serve as acting CFO when the CFO is unavailable, representing the finance function to executive leadership, auditors, and external stakeholders GovCon Cost Accounting & DCAA Compliance Maintain a DCAA‑compliant accounting system and ensure all financial practices adhere strictly to FAR Part31 cost principles Develop, maintain, and monitor the company's indirect cost rate structure – fringe benefits, overhead, and G&A Serve as the primary internal point of contact for DCAA audits and reviews Ensure compliance with applicable Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) Prepare and submit the annual Incurred Cost Submission (ICS) and support contract closeout financial activities Maintain adequate internal controls and segregation of duties appropriate for a small government contractor Financial Planning & Analysis Lead the annual budgeting, forecasting, and long‑range financial planning process across all contracts and corporate overhead Monitor contract funding levels, ceiling amounts, burn rates, and period of performance milestones across the active prime contract portfolio Develop and maintain financial models supporting bid and proposal cost volumes, GSA Schedule option year pricing, and executive strategic decisions Provide scenario modeling and what‑if analysis to support the CFO and President/CEO in evaluating growth opportunities, hiring decisions, and capital allocation Track and report on key financial metrics including DSO, utilization, indirect rate trends, and contract profitability Manage daily cash positioning, monitor bank account activity, and ensure sufficient liquidity to meet payroll and vendor obligations Maintain and manage the company's banking relationships and line of credit, including covenant compliance and reporting Forecast short‑ and medium‑term cash flow in alignment with the contract‑driven revenue and billing cycle Support bonding, insurance renewals, and any financing requirements tied to contract performance obligations or FCL maintenance Tax, Audit & Regulatory Compliance Coordinate with Savantage’s external CPA firm on annual tax preparation and filing; maintain organized financial records and supporting schedules to support the tax engagement Ensure timely filing of all applicable federal, state, and local tax returns and regulatory reports Maintain a strong working understanding of the differences between GAAP and tax‑basis accounting, and ensure Savantage's financial records and reporting appropriately reflect both perspectives Oversee the proper accounting treatment of Savantage's intellectual property and proprietary software assets under both GAAP (ASC350 / ASC730) and federal tax rules – including capitalization versus expensing decisions, amortization schedules, and R&D tax credit eligibility Advise the CFO and executive leadership on the financial statement and tax implications of IP development, licensing, acquisition, or disposition activity Maintain corporate financial records in accordance with retention requirements Support any SBA‑related financial reporting or compliance requirements tied to WOSB certification Team Leadership & CFO Support Hands‑on proficiency with QuickBooks; experience managing or transitioning to a DCAA‑compliant ERP system strongly preferred Experience in a Small Business GovCon environment Experience supporting organizational growth and new contract vehicle onboarding Demonstrated experience with GAAP vs. tax accounting differences, particularly as they relate to a company with intellectual property, proprietary software, or technology assets Familiarity with ASC350 (intangibles and internal‑use software), ASC730 (research and development), and the corresponding federal tax treatment including Section174 R&D capitalization rules Education and Certifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field CPA Preferred Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field Minimum 8 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with at least 4 years in GovCon industry as a finance professional managing day‑to‑day financial operations Proven ability to supervise, develop, and hold accountable a small finance team Strong Excel and financial modeling skills Working knowledge of federal government billing portals including IPP and Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) Demonstrated experience developing and managing indirect rate structures and preparing Incurred Cost Submissions Experience with GSA Schedule contract financial management, including billing, modifications, and option year pricing Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance Working knowledge of FAR Part31 allowable cost principles, DCAA audit requirements, and GovCon indirect cost accounting Preferred Qualifications Abilities and experience noted under “Required” plus hands‑on proficiency with QuickBooks and preference for those skilled in transitioning to a DCAA‑compliant ERP system Savantage Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer #J-18808-Ljbffr