Contract Accounting Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

MIKEL is a dynamic, women-owned small business specializing in Undersea Warfare Solutions for the U.S. Navy. We pride ourselves on our investment in people and technology, fostering a creative and innovative environment. We are committed to providing solutions that exceed customer expectations.

The Corporate Controller is responsible for directing all accounting, financial reporting, government compliance, cost accounting, and internal control functions for a growing small business providing engineering services and light manufacturing solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense, primarily the U.S. Navy. This position serves as the Company's senior accounting professional and is responsible for ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) requirements. The Controller will provide both strategic financial leadership and hands-on execution while managing day-to-day accounting operations. The ideal candidate possesses significant experience supporting government contractors, strong manufacturing cost accounting expertise, and extensive experience utilizing Deltek Costpoint ERP.

• Direct all accounting operations including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Fixed Assets, Cash Management, and Financial Reporting.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Lead the monthly and year-end closing processes.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Manage cash flow forecasting and working capital requirements.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to executive leadership.
• Develop and maintain annual operating budgets and periodic financial forecasts.
• High attention to detail and strong time management skills
• Provide guidance and counsel to staff.
• Conduct periodic performance evaluations, recommend personnel actions and act as resource for staff.
• Conduct periodic individual and/or group staff meetings.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Government Contract Accounting & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with DCAA, DCMA, FAR, and DFARS Standards.
• Maintain an adequate accounting system that meets DCAA requirements.
• Prepare and submit annual Incurred Cost Proposals (ICE Model).
• Prepare pricing rate proposals and provisional billing rates.
• Develop and monitor indirect rate structures.
• Support contract pricing activities and proposal development.
• Manage contract revenue recognition under applicable accounting standards.
• Maintain labor charging, timekeeping, and cost accounting compliance.
• Coordinate and respond to DCAA and DCMA audits, reviews, and requests.

Cost Accounting & Manufacturing

• Maintain standard and actual product costing methodologies.
• Oversee inventory accounting and valuation.
• Ensure accurate Bills of Material (BOM), labor standards, and manufacturing routings.
• Analyze manufacturing variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Monitor inventory controls including cycle counts and physical inventories.
• Support pricing strategies through accurate product costing.
• Ensure proper allocation of direct and indirect manufacturing costs.

Deltek Costpoint Administration

• Serve as the financial system owner for Deltek Costpoint.
• Maintain chart of accounts, project structures, pools, organizations, and accounting configurations.
• Ensure accurate project setup and contract accounting.
• Develop financial reports and dashboards utilizing Costpoint.
• Coordinate system upgrades, testing, and process improvements.
• Optimize Costpoint functionality to improve operational efficiency.

Audit & Internal Controls

• Coordinate annual financial statement audits.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, banking partners, and government auditors.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local reporting requirements.
• Evaluate and strengthen internal controls to protect Company assets.
• Develop corrective action plans resulting from audit findings.

Leadership

• Supervise accounting personnel and support staff.
• Mentor and develop accounting team members.
• Conduct periodic performance evaluations, recommend personnel actions and act as resource for staff. 
• Conduct periodic individual and/or group staff meetings. 
• Collaborate with Program Management, Contracts, Engineering, Operations, and Executive Leadership.
• Promote continuous process improvement throughout the finance organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Minimum 3 years of Controller or Assistant Controller experience.
• Minimum 5 years supporting U.S. Government contractors.
• Extensive experience with DCAA and DCMA compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience preparing Incurred Cost Submissions and indirect rate proposals.
• Thorough knowledge of GAAP, FAR, DFARS, and Cost Accounting Standards.
• Strong manufacturing cost accounting and inventory management experience.
• Extensive experience using Deltek Costpoint ERP.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, if required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting U.S. Navy contracts.
• Experience within engineering services and manufacturing organizations.
• Experience with Small Business Administration (SBA) government contracting requirements.
• Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM) reporting.
• Experience with ISO 9001 quality systems and CMMI / CMMC environments.
• Advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of government contract accounting principles.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent leadership and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong business acumen with a collaborative management style.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to communicate financial information effectively to executive leadership and non-financial managers.
• Proven ability to identify, develop business -case value proposition, design and implement process improvements and leverage technology to improve financial operations.

Success Measures

The successful Corporate Controller will:

• Maintain a DCAA-compliant accounting system.
• Successfully manage all DCAA, DCMA, and independent financial audits.
• Deliver timely and accurate monthly financial reporting.
• Maintain accurate indirect rates and cost allocations.
• Improve inventory accuracy and product cost reliability.
• Strengthen internal controls and financial processes.
• Provide executive leadership with actionable financial insights supporting profitable growth.