Cfo (21794)
Our client is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead its financial operations, accounting functions, and regulatory compliance activities. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for a finance professional who combines strong technical accounting expertise with strategic business insight.
The CFO will serve as a key business partner to executive leadership, overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, contract accounting, cash management, and internal controls. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in government contracting, a thorough understanding of federal cost accounting requirements, and a proven track record managing audits, financial compliance, and banking and bonding relationships.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Strategic Leadership
Direct all accounting and financial operations, including monthly and annual close, financial statement preparation, and management reporting.
Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, and financial performance analysis.
Oversee contract-level financial performance, job costing, work-in-progress reporting, billing analysis, and profitability assessments.
Provide financial guidance to executive leadership regarding business strategy, pricing, contract opportunities, capital allocation, and growth initiatives.
Manage external accounting relationships, tax planning, and financial audits or reviews.
Government Contract Accounting & Compliance
Ensure compliance with applicable federal acquisition regulations, cost accounting requirements, and government contract accounting standards.
Develop and maintain appropriate direct and indirect cost structures, including fringe, overhead, and general and administrative rates.
Oversee indirect rate development, provisional billing rates, and annual incurred cost submissions.
Establish procedures for identifying allowable and unallowable costs and maintaining accurate labor and expense allocations.
Review contract proposals and pricing structures to ensure accurate cost estimates and regulatory compliance.
Maintain accounting practices and documentation consistent with government contract audit expectations.
Audit & Regulatory Oversight
Serve as the primary financial contact for government auditors and contracting representatives.
Coordinate and manage government accounting system reviews, incurred cost audits, labor reviews, and contract proposal audits.
Maintain appropriate accounting documentation, internal controls, and audit support materials.
Address audit findings, develop corrective action plans, and support the resolution of compliance matters.
Ensure financial systems and processes remain audit-ready.
Banking, Bonding & Financial Relationships
Manage relationships with financial institutions, lending partners, and surety providers.
Prepare and present financial statements, contract performance reports, and other supporting information required for bonding and credit arrangements.
Maintain and expand bonding capacity to support business development and contract requirements.
Monitor financing arrangements, credit facilities, financial covenants, and working capital.
Develop strategies to strengthen cash flow and overall financial stability.
Business & Contract Compliance
Oversee required business registrations, certifications, and government contracting documentation.
Maintain compliance with applicable federal and state contracting requirements.
Monitor small business certification requirements and related eligibility documentation, as applicable.
Oversee contract billing, invoicing, and payment processes.
Coordinate compliance with applicable labor regulations, payroll requirements, insurance, licensing, and contractual obligations.
Accounting Systems, Internal Controls & Team Leadership
Oversee the organization's accounting systems, including general ledger, job costing, project tracking, and financial reporting capabilities.
Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting capabilities, and financial systems as the organization grows.
Establish and maintain effective internal controls, financial policies, and approval procedures.
Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting and finance team.
Work closely with executive leadership and operational departments to support contract administration, project performance, payroll, and financial decision-making.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or MBA preferred.
10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including at least five years in government contracting.
Previous experience in a senior financial leadership role, such as Controller, Director of Finance, or CFO.
Strong working knowledge of FAR and DFARS requirements and government contract cost accounting.
Hands-on experience developing indirect cost rates and preparing incurred cost submissions.
Direct experience managing government audits and working with federal auditors and contracting representatives.
Demonstrated experience managing surety relationships and supporting bonding capacity.
Strong knowledge of GAAP, accrual accounting, job costing, WIP reporting, and contract revenue recognition.
Experience with multiple government contract structures, including firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, time-and-materials, and IDIQ contracts.
Advanced proficiency with QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel.
Familiarity with federal contractor registrations, certification requirements, and related compliance obligations.
Strong leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Background in construction, infrastructure, engineering, or another project-based, bonded-work environment.
Familiarity with Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), Truthful Cost or Pricing Data requirements, and Earned Value Management.
Experience with government contracting financial systems or ERP platforms.
Knowledge of federal small business programs and related certification requirements.
Familiarity with government contractor cybersecurity and information protection requirements.
Experience supporting business growth, financing initiatives, acquisitions, or strategic transactions.
Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 10 - 15 years
Salary: $150,000 - $200,000 Annual
Bonus/Commission: Yes