Contract Bookkeeper Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Scout Space is building a new way to see and operate in space: with a new paradigm of data empowering every satellite to make space safer. We are a rapidly-growing team; we are deploying real solutions to orbit over the next 2 years; and our work will transform the face of spaceflight. We are looking for people that bring excitement and energy to our organization, are curious and eager to learn, and want to help drive our programs forward. 

As Financial Controller, you will own the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of Scout Space's accounting function. Reporting to the VP of Operations, you will manage the company's external bookkeeping relationship while building the accounting infrastructure, financial processes, and internal controls needed to support a rapidly growing space company. This is a hands-on role for someone who wants to build the financial backbone of a fast-growing, government-facing space company, including helping transition accounting functions in house as Scout scales.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with GAAP. 
• Manage the relationship with the company's external bookkeeping firm while developing the accounting capabilities, systems, processes, and internal controls needed to support Scout's continued growth, including transitioning accounting responsibilities in-house over time. 
• Maintain and continuously improve the general ledger, chart of accounts, and accounting policies to support a scaling organization. 
• Partner cross-functionally to develop scalable business processes that integrate accounting, procurement, inventory management, manufacturing, and quality system requirements.
• Design, implement, and monitor internal controls over financial reporting and accounting processes, ensuring strong financial governance, segregation of duties, and audit-readiness as the company grows. 
• Ensure compliance with government contract accounting requirements, including DCAA compliance, FAR/DFARS requirements, incurred cost submissions, and government contract accounting standards.
• Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, and revenue recognition across both government and commercial contracts, ensuring strong, well-controlled processes for every dollar in and out of the business. 
• Oversee payroll processing and payroll accounting, ensuring accurate and timely pay, tax filings, and benefits administration in coordination with the company's payroll provider. 
• Coordinate corporate tax compliance, including sales and use tax, state registrations, annual tax filings, 1099 reporting, and other regulatory filings in partnership with external tax advisors.
• Prepare accurate financial reporting and supporting schedules for executive leadership, investors, lenders, auditors, the Board, as well as program-related reporting required by government and commercial customers. 
• Support the annual audit process and coordinate with external auditors, tax preparers, and legal counsel as needed. 
• Partner with the CFO and finance leadership on budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial reporting, ensuring that financial information is clean, reconciled, and reliable. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. 
• 5-10 years of progressive accounting experience, including experience owning the close process and financial statement preparation for a growth-stage company. 
• Experience with government contract accounting, including DCAA compliance and FAR/DFARS cost accounting standards. 
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and audit processes. 
• Experience managing or transitioning outsourced accounting/bookkeeping functions, with the ability to build and lead an in-house team. 
• Proficiency with accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks Online or similar ERP) and supporting tools (payroll, expense management platforms). 
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment. 
• Eligible to hold a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA designation. 
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other government-contracting technology industries. 
• Experience working in venture-backed startups or other high-growth technology companies. 
• Experience with hardware and manufacturing accounting, including inventory valuation, fixed assets, and capitalization of significant equipment and facility costs. 
• Experience standing up or scaling an in-house accounting function from an outsourced model. 

Benefits

• Open Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401k Matching
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care FSA
• Wellness Stipend
• Work From Home Stipend
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability plans
• Commuter Benefit
• Education Reimbursement

Don't fulfill all the qualifications listed above? If you still feel like you might be a good fit, please feel free to APPLY ANYWAY. We believe in a well-rounded team, and this sometimes means that someone with out-of-context knowledge can contribute just as well as someone with very explicit alignment with our capabilities needs stated.

Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote fashion. While we welcome remote candidates, we have a preference for candidates in or around the Washington, DC metropolitan area (or willing to relocate) to provide more opportunities to work and collaborate in-person.

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

Scout Space Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. To conform to US Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, a protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorization from the US Department of State.

We're Proud to Prioritize Mental Health. Scout Space has been recognized with the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America. This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment where mental well-being is valued, protected, and openly talked about. We know that when people feel seen and supported, great work happens, and that is the kind of culture we are building here at Scout Space.

Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Pay range: $120,000 - $200,000.