Director of Accounting

About the Company

Our client is a rapidly growing, private equity-backed government contractor headquartered in Leesburg, Virginia. The company operates in secure environments supporting critical government missions and is entering an exciting phase of growth and value creation.

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to step into a highly visible leadership position within a growing private equity-backed government contractor. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the accounting organization, mentor future leaders, partner directly with executive leadership, and play a meaningful role in preparing the company for its next chapter of growth.

Position Summary

The Director of Accounting will serve as a key member of the finance leadership team and a trusted partner to the CFO during a period of significant growth and transformation. This individual will oversee the accounting function, mentor and develop a high-performing team, strengthen financial processes and controls, and help build the infrastructure necessary to support acquisitions, continued expansion, and future strategic transactions.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting expertise with a passion for developing people and driving organizational improvement in a dynamic government contracting environment.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations

• Oversee all accounting operations and monthly close activities
• Ensure timely, accurate, and efficient financial reporting
• Review monthly financial results and reporting packages
• Maintain strong internal controls and accounting processes
• Drive process improvements and operational efficiencies
• Partner with finance leadership to support organizational growth

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting organization
• Serve as direct manager and coach to accounting leadership team members
• Build organizational depth, succession plans, and leadership capabilities
• Conduct regular leadership meetings and establish accountability throughout the department
• Foster a culture of collaboration, ownership, continuous improvement, and professional development

Private Equity & Executive Reporting

• Support audits and financial statement reviews
• Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements
• Support reporting requirements related to private equity ownership
• Maintain accounting controls and reporting accuracy
• Participate in lender, investor, and executive reporting processes
• Help establish scalable accounting and reporting structures appropriate for a growing organization

Strategic Initiatives & Growth

• Partner closely with the CFO in scaling the accounting function
• Support acquisition due diligence, integrations, and transaction readiness initiatives
• Assist with financing activities and strategic growth initiatives
• Build infrastructure necessary to support continued expansion

Industry & Compliance Support

• Provide accounting leadership within a government contracting environment
• Support DCAA-compliant accounting practices and audit readiness
• Maintain understanding of FAR, CAS, indirect rates, and government contract compliance
• Support contractual, customer, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain eligibility for a security clearance if required

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required
• CPA required
• 15+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Experience leading accounting teams in growing organizations
• Experience within government contracting, aerospace & defense, national security, or similarly regulated industries preferred
• Prior experience working in a private equity-backed company preferred
• Demonstrated success developing and mentoring accounting professionals
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Experience supporting M&A activity, due diligence, integrations, or transaction readiness initiatives preferred
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

Personal Characteristics

• Leadership-first mindset with a passion for developing people
• Strong executive presence and ability to influence across the organization
• Hands-on when necessary but focused on building scalable processes and teams
• Collaborative partner to the CFO and executive leadership team
• High integrity and discretion in handling sensitive information
• Comfortable operating in an environment preparing for significant growth and future transaction activity