Assistant Unit Controller

Assistant Business Unit Controller

Job Summary

The Assistant Business Unit Controller is responsible for overseeing complex accounting activities, technical accounting research, government accounting compliance, and the development and enhancement of accounting processes and internal controls. This role serves as a key advisor to Finance leadership on accounting matters, ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP, government contract requirements, and company policies while driving efficiency, accuracy, and continuous improvement across accounting operations.

The Assistant Business Unit Controller leads critical accounting initiatives, supports audits, develops accounting policies, and partners cross-functionally to ensure financial transactions are properly recorded and reported. This position combines technical accounting expertise with operational leadership and process improvement responsibilities.

Essential Job Responsibilities and Results

Technical Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Research, interpret, and apply complex accounting guidance under U.S. GAAP.
• Prepare technical accounting analyses and memoranda for significant transactions and emerging accounting issues.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate accounting policies and procedures.
• Evaluate the accounting implications of new business initiatives, contracts, acquisitions, financing arrangements, and other complex transactions.
• Support the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Partner with external auditors to support annual audits and financial statement reviews.

Government Accounting & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable government accounting regulations, contract requirements, and reporting standards.
• Support accounting and financial reporting for government contracts, grants, and regulated funding arrangements.
• Monitor compliance with FAR, DFARS, CAS, and other applicable government accounting requirements, as relevant.
• Coordinate responses to government audits, inquiries, and financial reviews.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of documentation supporting indirect cost allocations, cost pools, and other government accounting methodologies.
• Collaborate with operational and project teams to ensure proper cost accumulation, billing support, and contract compliance.

Accounting Operations & Process Improvement

• Lead efforts to improve accounting processes, workflows, controls, and efficiencies.
• Evaluate existing accounting procedures and implement best practices to strengthen accuracy, compliance, and scalability.
• Develop and monitor key accounting controls to ensure effective risk management and financial integrity.
• Drive automation initiatives and improvements within ERP and financial systems.
• Establish standardized processes and documentation to support operational consistency.
• Identify opportunities to streamline month-end and year-end close activities.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor accounting staff as assigned.
• Review work performed by accounting team members and provide coaching and development.
• Partner with Finance, Operations, Human Resources, Legal, and other departments on accounting-related matters.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial initiatives.
• Lead special projects and process improvement initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications (Education, Experience, and Certifications)

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience with technical accounting research and application of U.S. GAAP.
• Experience supporting government contracts, government accounting, regulated industries, or similar compliance-intensive environments preferred.
• Experience leading accounting process improvement initiatives.
• Supervisory or leadership experience of 3 to 5 years required.
• Public accounting experience is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Strong understanding of government accounting principles and compliance requirements.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex accounting guidance.
• Experience developing accounting policies and internal controls.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical accounting concepts to non-financial audiences.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with Infor FSM, Microsoft Dynamics Gov Con, and Adaptive Reporting is a plus.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment

Typically works in an office environment with adequate lighting and ventilation and a normal range of temperature and noise levels.

Valid Florida driver's license required.

Physical Effort

Most work requires normal physical effort.

Manual Dexterity

Requires moderate use of a personal computer, including word processing, spreadsheets, financial modeling, and presentation software, for compiling reports, statistical data, financial analyses, presentations, memoranda, and other similar documents.

Key Improvements Made

• Corrected grammar and formatting inconsistencies.
• Standardized capitalization and section headings.
• Improved sentence flow and readability.
• Corrected government accounting acronyms (DFARS).
• Fixed wording in the government accounting documentation responsibility.
• Updated terminology for a more professional and executive-level presentation while preserving all original content and responsibilities.