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Assistant Controller

McLean, VA

BOWA is looking for an Accounting Manager / Assistant Controller to join our finance team, reporting to the President & CFO. The first 4–6 months are hands-on — learning our close process, billing cycle, and Sage 300 CRE — before growing into people-leadership over the full accounting function (GL, AP, AR, Billing, and Payroll).

BOWA recently became an ESOP company; this role gains exposure to ESOP mechanics, though deep expertise isn't required on day one. Whether a licensed CPA or working toward one, you'll get real ownership and a clear path to Assistant Controller / Controller.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Own Month-End Close & Financial Reporting
  • Manage Client Billing & Revenue Cycle
  • Strengthening Accounting Systems & Processes
  • Build Toward Team Leadership
  • Serve as Principal Accounting Contact for Division Leaders
  • Support ESOP & CFO-Level Financial Needs

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Own Month-End Close & Financial Reporting

  • Lead month-end close end-to-end (journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, close checklist) to deadline each month; maintain the GL and chart of accounts in Sage 300 CRE.
  • Prepare and review financial statements prior to CFO review, and proactively resolve reconciliation variances.

Manage Client Billing & Revenue Cycle

  • Own client billing accuracy and timeliness, partnering with project teams to confirm alignment with contract terms and job status.
  • Monitor AR aging to keep DSO on target and streamline the billing cycle as the business scales.

Strengthening Accounting Systems & Processes

  • Become the team's go-to expert on Sage 300 CRE, documenting key workflows (close checklist, billing steps, payroll inputs).
  • Support payroll review (commission, bonus, salary, 401(k)) and recommend automation that reduces manual work.

Build Toward Team Leadership

  • Spend the first 4–6 months learning BOWA's processes and culture before taking on direct reports.
  • Once ramped, manage the Finance Department — setting expectations, developing the team, and serving as a thought partner and backup to the President & CFO.

Serve as Principal Accounting Contact for Division Leaders

  • Act as the primary contact for division leaders on job costing, budget-to-actual, and financial reporting — building trust so accounting is viewed as a partner, not just a back-office function.

Support ESOP & CFO-Level Financial Needs

  • Assist with ESOP-related accounting mechanics (e.g., debt service flows between BOWA and the ESOP Trust) under the CFO's direction.
  • Prepare ad hoc analysis for the CFO and support requests from auditors, lenders, or the ESOP Trustee's advisors.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

  • Growing into direct supervision of the Finance team.

Requirements for the Position:

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting and 3–6+ years of progressive accounting experience; construction or project-based industry experience preferred.
  • CPA license a plus but not required — candidates pursuing licensure encouraged to apply.
  • Experience with Sage 300 CRE (or similar project accounting software) ideal but not required — ramp-up time provided.
  • Strong Excel skills and comfort with (or interest in) AI-assisted tools (e.g., Claude, Claude Cowork, ChatGPT).
  • Detail-oriented, strong communicator, discreet with sensitive information, and a genuine fit with BOWA's ownership-minded ESOP culture.

 

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