Controller

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for overseeing all accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, cost accounting, and compliance functions for a shipyard specializing in U.S. Navy contracts and ship construction/repair programs. This role ensures accurate financial management of government contracts, compliance with FAR/DFARS and DCAA requirements, project cost control, and operational financial support for shipbuilding and marine industrial activities.

The Controller partners closely with Operations, Program Management, Contracts, Estimating, Supply Chain, and Executive Leadership to manage financial performance across multiple vessel construction, maintenance, modernization, and repair projects.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management Reporting

Lead all accounting operations including:

General Accounting

Accounts payable/receivable

Payroll

Fixed assets

Job cost accounting

Financial reporting

Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.

Manage month-end and year-end closing processes.

Develop and maintain internal financial controls and accounting policies.

Provide financial analysis and reporting to executive leadership regarding shipyard operations and program profitability.

Government Contract Accounting Compliance

FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations)

DFARS

CAS (Cost Accounting Standards)

DCAA audit requirements

Oversee accounting and reporting for Navy shipbuilding, repair, and modernization contracts.

Maintain compliant indirect rate structures and oversee incurred cost submissions.

Support DCAA audits, DCMA reviews, and government financial reporting requirements.

Monitor contract funding, billing, and revenue recognition under government contract guidelines.

Ensure proper segregation and allocation of direct and indirect costs.

Manage and oversee:

Cost Plus Accounting

DCAA Accounting

Government contract compliance reporting

Project Job Cost Accounting

Oversee project accounting for ship construction and repair programs.

Monitor labor, material, subcontractor, and overhead costs across multiple contracts.

Analyze contract performance, cost variances, earned value metrics, and budget-to-actual reporting.

Collaborate with Program Managers and Operations leadership to improve cost efficiency and contract profitability.

Support estimate-at-completion (EAC) forecasting and contract financial reviews.

Budgeting Forecasting

Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes for shipyard operations.

Develop cash flow forecasts and working capital plans for large-scale Navy programs.

Provide financial modeling and analysis for bids, proposals, and strategic initiatives.

Assist leadership with long-range financial planning and capital expenditure analysis.

Leadership Team Management

Supervise accounting and finance staff.

Develop and mentor finance personnel within the shipyard environment.

Coordinate with external auditors, banks, insurance providers, and government representatives.

Promote continuous improvement in accounting systems, ERP utilization, and reporting processes.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

CPA preferred.

710+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience.

Minimum 5 years of experience in:

Shipbuilding

Ship repair

Government contracting

Defense manufacturing

Strong knowledge of:

Navy contract environments

FAR/DFARS

DCAA compliance

Cost Plus Accounting

General Accounting

Job cost accounting

Experience with ERP systems used in industrial or government contracting environments.

Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.

Advanced Excel and financial modeling capabilities.