Controller Security Clearance

Position: Controller with Security Clearance
At Areté, we are on the forefront of developing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation's most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth. Discover your future with us.

We are seeking an experienced and compliance-driven Controller to lead our accounting organization. In this role, you will oversee accounting, financial reporting, payroll/timekeeping and billing, ensuring full compliance with ASC 606, FAR, DFARS, and DCAA requirements. As a key financial leader in our mid-size, partially ESOP-owned business, you will manage an established accounting team, ensure strict DCAA timekeeping compliance, and navigate the unique accounting, tax structures, and reporting rules associated with shared ESOP and corporate equity ownership.

This is an exempt, full-time position that may be based out of our Tucson, AZ;
Falls Church, VA;
Niwot, CO; or Northridge, CA offices.

Key Responsibilities:

* Oversee the consolidated month-end and year-end close processes, delivering timely, GAAP-compliant financial packages, partial-ESOP footnote disclosures, and variance analyses to executive leadership.

* Supervise, mentor, and develop a mid-sized accounting team, including Accounting Managers, Accountants, Billing Specialists, Payroll Administrators and AP Specialists.

* Maintain and enhance corporate internal financial control frameworks to mitigate risk and safeguard corporate assets.

* Direct DCAA/DCMA audit readiness (including labor floor checks), manage annual incurred cost submissions, and ensure rigorous corporate compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).

* Apply ASC 606 standards to complex, multi-year government contracts, evaluating performance obligations, variable consideration, and over-time revenue recognition (input/output methods).

* Oversee filing of state and Federal income taxes, property taxes, sales taxes and business licenses.
* Oversee the accounting for our partial Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Partner with our Stock Administration team to ensure accurate accounting for stock transactions.

* Oversee the payroll administration process and ensure the timekeeping system meets strict DCAA compliance guidelines (e.g., daily time entry, employee approvals, supervisor approvals, and audit trails for labor allocations).

* Manage the accurate distribution of direct and indirect labor hours to project cost codes and indirect rate pools for accurate billing and incurred cost tracking.

* Drive process improvements, automate accounting workflows, and optimize financial and timekeeping systems to support growing transaction volumes and complex contract structures.

* Ensure robust project and cost accounting frameworks are maintained to enable tracking of labor utilization and margins across multiple funding structures (FFP, CPFF, T&M).

* Manage the preparation of short-term and annual cash flow forecasts. Support the Finance organization in the development and monitoring of indirect rates by providing accurate cost data, actuals analysis, accounting insights, and compliance oversight. We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:
Health & Wellness:
* Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

* Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)

* Vision Reimbursement

* Fitness Reimbursement
Financial:
* Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan

* Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan

* Continuing Education Funds
Work-Life Balance:
* Flexible Scheduling

* Paid Time Off (PTO)

* Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave
What We Value:
* Creativity and innovation in solving challenges

* Integrity and responsibility in all actions

* Collaboration across teams and specialties

* Responsiveness in fast-paced environments

* Passion for national security and excellence
Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):
* Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business…