Controller

Mission critical facilities depend on utilities, life safety, security, and building automation control systems to maintain readiness 24/7/365. Simplesense protects critical infrastructure from cyber attack and enables facility managers and operators access to the latest technology as well as previously inaccessible information to monitor, diagnose, and respond faster to events in real-time.

Our team combines over 100 years of direct mission experience solving hard problems with 50 years technical expertise deploying DevSecOps, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure, giving us a deep appreciation for our customers’ mission and end users’ priorities. We build for scale, architecting and prioritizing technical work for long term sustainability.

Simplesense is looking for a Controller to join our remote, US-based team. The Controller oversees the accounting operations of the company. This position will supervise the accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, payroll processes, company and project budgets, and some government contracting compliance responsibilities.

The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator, attentive, and efficient. They can complete work skillfully and independently. The Controller must be good at giving and receiving constructive feedback. 

Responsibilities:

• Internal Controls and Compliance – Establish and maintain internal control procedures to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal government requirements.
• Financial Reporting – Prepare and present all required financial reports, ensuring adherence to accounting guidelines and principles. Develop and present comprehensive financial reports, dashboards, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to the executive team and Board of Directors, offering actionable insights into financial performance. Ensure robust project cost accounting and reporting, providing detailed analysis of actuals versus budget for each government contract, facilitating proactive management of contract profitability and burn rates.
• Budgeting & Strategic Financial Planning – Manage all company and government project budgets, including financial aspects across various government contract types (e.g., Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Cost-Plus (CPFF/CPAF), Time & Materials (T&M), and Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts), and ensure Simplesense is working in the most fiscally optimized manner possible. Develop and refine financial forecasts and models that support strategic growth initiatives, including scenario planning for new contract awards, headcount growth, and capital expenditures.
• Labor Categories (LCATS): Update and maintain Simplesense overhead and fringe rates for future firm-fixed price contract bids. Continually monitor and analyze indirect cost rates (overhead, G&A, fringe), providing timely adjustments and forecasts to ensure billing accuracy and competitive pricing.
• Quoting & Pricing: Review quotes and update project financials. Provide critical financial input and analysis for bid and proposal (B&P) efforts, assisting in pricing strategies for new government contracts to ensure competitiveness and profitability.
• Cash Management: Monitor and control cash flow, developing processes and managing all expenditures, receivables, and payables to ensure the company’s financial stability and support operational needs. Manage treasury accounts. Optimize working capital management to support increased operational demands and expansion opportunities, including managing lines of credit and other financing needs as the company scales.
• Financial Performance Review: Manage the accounting budget and system, which has low risk due to controls set in place. Provide financial analysis for capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations as requested or required.
• Accounts Payable: Directly manage all aspects of accounts payable, ensuring on-time payment of invoices. Set up and onboard new vendors, assuring timely payments and compliance with taxes in terms of W9s/1099s. Review and approve subcontractor invoices and financial reports, ensuring compliance with prime contract terms and appropriate cost segregation.
• Accounts Receivable: Directly manage all aspects of accounts receivable, including timely and accurate invoicing, collections, and application of payments. Implement and monitor AR processes to optimize cash flow and minimize outstanding receivables. Ensure all invoicing to government and commercial clients is accurate, timely, and compliant with contract terms and government regulations (e.g., WAWF, progress payments).
• Financial Technology Integration: Responsible for the recommendation, implementation, and maintenance of all financial software, including payables, bookkeeping, and expenses. Evaluate, implement, and optimize financial data analysis and reporting tools to enhance real-time financial visibility and support strategic decision-making. Collaborate with IT and operations to ensure seamless integration between financial systems and other business-critical platforms, such as project management or operational data systems.
• Expenses: Support Approval and process expense reimbursement requests and manage spending controls.
• Payroll: Manage and process all payroll functions in coordination with Human Resources.
• Bookkeeping: Ensure books are current and accurate at all times.
• Close-out: Perform all monthly and annual close-out procedures, ensuring books are closed and accurate. File 1099s annually.
• Tax & Audit Management: Manage all corporate tax filings (federal, state, and local), working closely with external tax advisors. Coordinate and lead the annual financial audit process, including preparing audit schedules and serving as the primary liaison with external auditors. Lead the preparation and submission of the annual Incurred Cost Submission (ICE) to DCAA, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with all applicable regulations. Prepare the company for and facilitate various government audits, including DCAA accounting system audits, estimating system audits, and purchasing system reviews.
• Operational Integration & Strategic Guidance: Serve as a key financial advisor to the leadership team, providing insights and recommendations to support strategic planning, growth initiatives, and risk management. Partner with operational leaders to understand business drivers and provide financial guidance that supports efficient execution and profitability within various project areas. Design and implement financial processes and systems that support the company's rapid growth and expansion, ensuring financial infrastructure scales effectively. Continuously identify and implement process improvements within the accounting and finance functions to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. Manage the integrity and compliance of the company's timekeeping system, ensuring accurate labor charging in accordance with FAR, DCAA, and contract-specific requirements.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business Administration required.
• CPA required. 
• 7+ years of directly related, hands-on experience in a full-cycle accounting role, preferably in a growing small business environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in government contract accounting and compliance, including revenue recognition, cost allowability, Incurred Cost Submissions (ICE), and experience with DCAA audits (e.g., accounting system, estimating system).
• Strong understanding of financial accounting principles, practices, and reporting standards (GAAP/IFRS).
• Experience with government contracting finances and budgeting.
• Strong understanding of DCAA, DFAR, and FAR accounting and timekeeping regulations.
• Experience with government accounting systems (e.g., Deltek Costpoint, Unanet) preferred.
• Experience with mergers and/or acquisitions preferred.
• Strong knowledge of internal controls and accounting guidelines.
• Demonstrated record of improving financial results and processes in an autonomous role.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.

Competitive benefits package including equity

• Medical, Life, Short-Term Disability, and AD&D insurance
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• 401K matching
• Profit sharing
• Equity