Senior Project Controller

Who We Are:  LINK is a fast-growing Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) that leverages human-centered design to support strategy, innovation, communication, change, and branding within the federal government and adjacent industry partners. At LINK, we partner with engineers, futurists, and thought leaders to untangle complexity, discover opportunity, and communicate clearly with visual stories. 

Let us be your partners in change.

About the Opportunity

The Senior Project Controller is responsible for the financial oversight, operational coordination, and compliance management of assigned government contracts and projects. This role partners closely with Program Managers, Contracts, Accounting, Billing, Procurement, and HR to ensure projects are financially sound, properly funded, compliant with contract requirements, and positioned for successful execution.

The Project Controller serves as a key financial and operational partner to Program Managers, providing analysis, forecasting, funding oversight, procurement coordination, and risk identification throughout the project lifecycle. The role requires a strong understanding of government contracting, financial management, project controls, and the unique requirements of government-funded programs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Project Management, or a related field.
• 7-10+ years of experience in project controls, project accounting, financial management, or a related role within the government contracting industry.
• 5+ years of experience supporting program and/or project management in a government contracting environment.
• Experience working within a mid-sized government contractor environment ($50M+).
• Deep understanding of FAR, DFARS, CAS, and government contract requirements.
• Experience with government contract types, including Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) and Time-and-Materials (T&M).
• Experience with government procurement processes, subcontract management, and Other Direct Costs (ODCs).
• Knowledge of government contractor purchasing systems and compliance requirements.
• Experience with government accounting and ERP systems; Deltek Costpoint experience strongly preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including financial analysis, forecasting, and modeling.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze project financial data, identify variances, and communicate actionable insights.
• Proven ability to partner effectively with Program Managers and senior stakeholders.
• Experience managing or coordinating vendor, subcontractor, or consultant relationships.
• Strong understanding of project financial controls, budgeting, forecasting, and funding management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or MBA in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field.
• CPA, CMA, PMP, or similar professional certification.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) contracts.
• Experience with DCAA-compliant accounting systems and audit preparation.
• Experience coordinating procurement activities on large-scale government contracts.
• Familiarity with subcontractor compliance and government purchasing system requirements.
• Experience with project management and financial reporting software.
• Experience supporting contract proposals, pricing, and contract negotiations.

Responsibilities

Financial Management & Project Controls

• Oversee the financial performance of assigned government contracts and projects, including budgets, forecasts, expenditures, and variance analysis.
• Partner with Program Managers to establish project budgets, financial plans, and resource forecasts aligned with contract requirements and program objectives.
• Prepare and analyze Estimate at Completion (EAC) and Estimate to Complete (ETC) forecasts in partnership with Program Managers, Business Development and Accounting.
• Monitor contract funding, obligations, expenditures, burn rates, and remaining contract capacity.
• Track project profitability and key financial performance indicators, identifying trends, variances, risks, and opportunities.
• Monitor program funding levels and work with Program Managers and Contracts to identify funding requirements and anticipated funding increments.
• Ensure appropriate notification and escalation occurs when contract funding approaches established thresholds or requires additional action.
• Monitor travel and other project expenses against approved budgets and ensure costs are appropriately allocated to contracts.
• Identify procurement-related financial risks and escalate issues that may affect project cost, schedule, or performance.
• Ensure accurate cost allocation, accruals, and financial reporting for subcontractor, consultant, independent contractor, travel, and other direct costs.
• Conduct financial analysis to support project decision-making, resource planning, and risk mitigation.
• Identify and communicate financial risks, opportunities, and recommended actions to Program Managers and leadership.

Contract Compliance & Financial Reporting

• Ensure project financial activities comply with applicable government contract requirements, including FAR, DFARS, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and contract-specific terms and conditions.
• Monitor financial activity across applicable contract types, including Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) and Time-and-Materials (T&M) contracts.
• Prepare financial and project reports for internal leadership.
• Support DCAA, DCMA, and other government or customer audits by providing accurate and timely financial documentation.
• Maintain appropriate project financial records, controls, and documentation to support contract compliance and audit readiness.

Project Setup & Program Support

• Support Program Managers with initial project setup, including establishment of budgets, funding structures, purchase orders, financial controls, and required project documentation.
• Support project managers in monitoring project timelines, deliverables, resource allocation, and financial performance.
• Provide timely financial and operational analysis to enable informed program decisions.

Subcontractor & Independent Contractor Administration

• Monitor subcontractor and consultant financial performance and identify potential cost, funding, or compliance issues.
• Review subcontractor and consultant invoices with Program Managers to confirm that funding is available and costs are consistent with purchase orders, contracts, and approved project requirements.

  Assist Accounting and Accounts Payable in verification of invoices prior to payment. 

  Ensure proper cost allocation and accruals for subcontractor, consultant, and independent contractor expenses.

  Partner with Contracts and Accounting to maintain appropriate subcontractor and consultant records within applicable accounting and ERP systems.

Billing & Revenue Support

• Partner with Program Managers and Billing to ensure project invoices are accurate, properly supported, and submitted to customers on time.
• Review project financial data and supporting documentation to identify billing discrepancies or issues before customer submission.
• Coordinate with Accounting, Billing, and Program Managers to resolve invoicing questions and discrepancies.
• Monitor contract funding and billing activity to support timely revenue recognition and collection.

Process Improvement & Internal Controls

• Develop, implement, and maintain effective financial controls, processes, and reporting mechanisms for project and contract management.
• Identify inefficiencies and opportunities to improve project financial management, procurement coordination, and reporting.
• Contribute to the development and standardization of project control processes across the organization.
• Maintain and improve internal accounting and project financial controls.
• Train and support Program Managers and other stakeholders on financial management, procurement, funding, and project control best practices.
• Promote consistent, accurate, and compliant financial management practices across projects.

Work Schedule

• Full time, 40 hours per week
• Some travel required to attend relevant events and conferences, and participate in LINK team events

Salary:  LINK is committed to offering competitive compensation. While the salary range for this position is $115,000 - $150,000, your final offer may be adjusted based on factors such as experience and location.

Benefits:

• $100 monthly internet/cell phone stipend
• $150 monthly commuter stipend for eligible participants
• LINK sponsored healthcare benefits including medical, dental, vision
• Company-paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• 401K with employer contribution of up to 4%
• 11 Federal Holidays per year 
• 15 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year 
• Paid Holiday Time Off (Christmas Eve through the New Year) 
• Annual bonus plan participation
• Annual profit sharing participation
• $2,000 Learning and Development program reimbursement
• Technology package that includes a LINK-owned MacBook Pro, monitor, mouse and keyboard

LINK is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state, local, and federal law.

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact Human Resources to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.