Controller in Chantilly, VA

Hiring Manager

Amber Milot (EVP of Corporate Development – Interim CFO)

Role Overview

The client will ultimately hire one of the following, depending on candidate profile:

• Controller
• Director of Accounting

Title will be flexible based on experience: a strong, traditional Controller profile will receive the Controller title, while a slightly lighter finance/treasury focus with strong multi-entity and D365 F&O experience will receive the Director of Accounting title.

Reporting Structure

• Initial reports to Amber (Interim CFO)
• Longer‑term reports to a newly hired CFO (active search underway)

Scope of Role / Responsibilities

Leadership (Core Focus – this is the differentiator)

• Manage 5 Accounting Managers (direct reports)
• Manage ~6 staff (mix of AP/AR)
• Manage 2+ contractors
• Span ~12–13 people in total

Expectations:

• Mentor, coach, and train the team
• Actively manage performance (PIPs, difficult conversations, written warnings when necessary)
• Bring structure to a currently “chaotic” environment
• Create and streamline processes
• Stabilize the department
• Be a proactive problem solver (not just a technical accountant)

Accounting / Finance Responsibilities

• Oversight of multi‑entity accounting
• Income statement review across entities
• Month‑end close & reporting
• Audit coordination and support
• Process improvement and internal controls
• Partnering with IT on D365 F&O‑related finance workflows

Environment Context

• Company is in ~2 years of transformation and change
• Fast‑paced, high‑growth, and sometimes chaotic
• Not a steady‑state environment – they want someone who thrives in this

Required Skillset (Non‑Negotiables)

• Heavy D365 F&O experience (NOT Business Central)
• Strong multi‑entity accounting background
• Experience managing managers (not just individual contributors)
• Proven track record handling performance issues (PIPs, coaching, exits when needed)
• Exceptional communication skills
• Highly organized and structured leader

Systems / Tools

• D365 F&O – critical
• Xflow (SignUp Software) – nice to have (not required; IT manages backend)

Highly Preferred (Big Pluses)

• FAR / Overhead Audit experience
• Client works with multiple state DOTs and undergoes annual FAR audits
• GAAP audit familiarity
• ESOP accounting exposure (helpful but not overly complex)

Location / Work Model

• 5 days onsite required at the start
• No remote/hybrid initially
• Potential for occasional WFH later once the team is stable
• Open to relocation but prefer local candidates (they are hesitant to relocate someone who may not work out)

Compensation (Permanent)

Base Salary

$200,000 – $240,000

Bonus

Target ~8–10% annually in a normal year. Uses a “45% bonus plan” methodology (calculation mechanism, not actual payout). 2025 was a record bonus year; unlikely to be repeated consistently.

Bonus Eligibility (Contract‑to‑Hire Considerations)

• Must convert to permanent before October to be bonus‑eligible in 2026
• If converting in August, pro‑rated bonus for Aug–Dec only

COLA / Raises

• 2026 company‑wide increase: 2.7%
• Annual compensation reviews; adjustments made if market benchmarks warrant

Interview Process

Round 1 – Virtual: Amber

Round 2 – Virtual Panel: Pete O’Hara (Director of Treasury), Lori Debo (Chief People Officer)

Round 3 – Onsite (possibly 1–2 rounds): Amber, Pete, Lori. Potentially: COO (Leo) and CIO (Larry Walters). Multiple rounds expected – this is a critical hire.

Why This Role / Selling Points

Company Growth

• Revenue increased $90M in one year (2024 → 2025)
• 2024: $457M
• 2025: $548M
• Clear path toward a $1B revenue target within ~4–5 years

Career Opportunity

• Ability to build and shape the accounting function
• Chance to grow a larger team
• Significant visibility with executive leadership
• Key role in major digital and operational transformation