Controller

The posting, as Red Cell Partners wrote it

About Us

Red Cell Partners is an incubation firm building and investing in rapidly scalable technology-led companies that are bringing revolutionary advancements to market in three distinct practice areas: healthcare, cyber, and national security. United by a shared sense of duty and deep belief in the power of innovation, Red Cell is developing powerful tools and solutions to address our Nation’s most pressing problems.

About DEFCON AI

RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF DISRUPTION. DEFCON AI is an insights company that leverages artificial intelligence, mathematical optimization, data analytics, and software engineering for resilient optimization of complex systems.
In today’s dynamically changing world, Defcon AI’s technology aligns outcomes with operational goals, better decision making, and empowers customers to anticipate assess, and mitigate the impacts of disruptions.

About the Role

We are seeking a Controller to own accounting, financial close, compliance, and reporting for a fast-growing defense technology company supporting Department of War and commercial customers.

This role will operate in a hybrid capacity from our McLean, Virginia office, with at least one day per week in the office, or more as business needs require. Some work may need to be performed in a cleared facility.

You will serve as the CFO's right hand on the books, ensuring an accurate monthly close, audit-ready financials, and a government contract accounting environment that stands up to DCAA and DCMA review.

This is a hands-on leadership role. You will build scalable accounting processes, strengthen internal controls, and lead a small accounting team as DEFCON AI grows across defense and commercial markets.

Key Responsibilities

Own Accounting and Financial Close

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close under U.S. GAAP.
• Prepare financial statements, account reconciliations, and management reporting for the CFO, CEO, and Board of Directors.
• Manage revenue recognition under ASC 606 across firm-fixed-price, time-and-materials, cost-reimbursable, and commercial contracts.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and equity and stock compensation accounting.

Lead Government Contract Accounting and Compliance

• Maintain a DCAA-compliant accounting system, timekeeping process, and job-cost structure.
• Develop and manage indirect rate structures, including fringe, overhead, and general and administrative rates, as well as provisional billing rates.
• Prepare incurred cost submissions, forward pricing support, and pricing inputs for proposals.
• Ensure compliance with FAR Part 31 cost principles, Cost Accounting Standards where applicable, and DFARS business system requirements.
• Serve as the primary contact for DCAA and DCMA audits and reviews.
• Support SBIR Phase III and other contract vehicles, including appropriate segregation of unallowable costs.

Manage Audit, Tax, and Internal Controls

• Lead th

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identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

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