Program Controller

ARS is looking for a Program Controller. The Program Controller is responsible for the financial management of multiple government contracts. This role works closely with Program Managers, Contracts, and Accounting to keep project financials accurate, funding current, and reporting on time. It is a good fit for an early-career professional with some exposure to government contract accounting who wants to grow in program finance. The position requires strong attention to detail, effective communication skills, and the ability to coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely contract financial reporting.

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support. Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain project trackers for funding, costs, and labor
• Monitor and update funding for subcontractors and assigned programs, and flag potential shortfalls to management
• Review subcontractor and vendor invoices for accuracy and compliance with contract terms
• Set up employees and subcontractors in the project timekeeping system
• Verify revenue and costs each month and help resolve discrepancies
• Prepare monthly funds status and man-hour reports
• Assist with annual budgets and man-hour forecasts
• Create and maintain purchase requisitions for subcontractors
• Review and process employee expense reports
• Enter contract modifications into the accounting system, coordinating with Contracts to ensure accuracy
• Support audits, reviews, and ad hoc requests from program and finance leadership
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• Must be a US citizen
• 2+ years experience with budget analysis, funding tracking, or burn-rate monitoring in a contract/program environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, lookups, pivot tables)
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, including recurring month-end reporting

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 2+ years experience supporting DoD or federal government contract types (FFP, Cost-Plus, T&M, IDIQ).
• Experience with Deltek CostPoint or a similar government contracting ERP
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS and government contract accounting concepts
• Experience with subcontract management or invoice review
• Exposure to timekeeping systems and monthly close processes
• Experience with expense report review or processing

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans, and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.