Controller, Vice President of Accounting

Job Description

Job Description

STR is seeking an experienced and highly qualified Controller to lead our accounting team and oversee all accounting operations and internal controls within the organization. This role requires a hands-on financial leader with a strong background as a Controller, CPA credentials, and substantial experience in both private and public company environments. Experience in the aerospace and defense industry is highly preferred, though not required. This role requires additional in-office presence expected during close periods in the Woburn, MA office.

You will be responsible for the management and development of the financial accounting team of 10+ employees, oversight of financial accounting, technical accounting, cost accounting, accounting strategy, and tax. You'll take ownership of the monthly and quarterly accounting close processes and balance sheet oversight, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and timeliness. Reporting directly to the CFO, you will be a key player in the company's journey and will own the buildout of SEC-ready reporting capabilities should the company pursue capital markets opportunities. Join us at a pivotal moment as we scale and prepare for the next chapter of STR's growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of 10+ accounting professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration
• Oversee all aspects of financial accounting, tax compliance and planning, balance sheet integrity, technical accounting, and implementation of accounting standards
• Leverage AI and automation tools to enhance accounting processes, improve close efficiency, strengthen controls, and enable the team to focus on higher-value analysis and professional growth
• Direct and refine processes related to cost accounting and technical accounting
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP and government contracting regulations, including FAR, DFARS, and CAS; support DCAA audit requirements as necessary
• Oversee percentage of completion (POC) revenue and profit recognition and Estimate at Completion (EAC) preparation processes compliance and monitoring for government contracts
• Manage and enhance the monthly and quarterly accounting close, including detailed oversight and analysis of balance sheet accounts to ensure accuracy and proper reconciliation
• Manage analysis of actual quarterly and annual financial results of operation, balance sheets, and cash flows, including aligning such analysis with STR's FP&A process, KPIs and non-GAAP metrics
• Own the preparation and review of complex technical accounting memorandums, policy documentation, and support for new or unusual transactions
• Support proposal development and forward pricing efforts by providing accurate financial modeling, rate forecasts, and margin analysis for bids and contracts
• Oversee the review and finalization of annual incurred cost submissions to government agencies and support government audit processes
• Support and advise management on financial decisions, process improvements, and risk mitigation strategies
• Play a lead role in building scalable financial infrastructure, including systems/controls enhancements, process documentation, and audit readiness to support future strategic alternatives
• Develop public-company-grade reporting processes and the team's ability to produce high-quality disclosures as the company's obligations evolve
• Partner closely with the CFO and executive leadership team on all accounting matters
• Assist and collaborate with the CFO on presentations, reporting and communications for the STR Board of Directors and Audit Committee
• Maintain and develop accounting internal controls consistent with SOX-level rigor, ensuring the organization is prepared for future strategic initiatives
• Serve as the primary point of contact with external auditors, managing audit processes, coordinating deliverables, and ensuring timely resolution of audit findings; coordinate with tax advisors and regulatory bodies as necessary
• Collaborate with the Internal Audit leader to leverage select elements of the annual internal audit plan and scope with the independent auditor's external audit of the annual STR financial statements 

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance with current CPA
• Minimum of 15 years of finance experience with progressively responsible accounting roles, including at least 5 years serving as a Controller or in a comparable senior leadership position
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP
• Knowledge and expertise with POC accounting and EAC preparation
• In-depth understanding of SOX/internal controls
• Demonstrated experience managing accounting teams of at least 5 individuals
• Public-company-caliber reporting and controls experience
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is required

Preferred:

• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MS in Accounting)
• Aerospace and defense industry experience
• Government contract accounting and experience with SEC reporting are a significant plus
• Strong technical accounting skills and experience preparing accounting memorandums and implementing new standards
• Top-tier firm auditing experience
• Experience with government contracting ERP systems
• Proven ability to lead organizations through periods of change and growth
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving business environment

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $290,000-$330,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at for more info.

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at View email address on us.fitly.work and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.