Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Job Description
NES Alliance is hiring a hands-on CFO to lead its finance and contracts function. This is not a delegate-and-review role. You will do the work yourself, from pricing models to DCAA audit responses, year-end tax planning with CPA firm, month end close, bank like credit reporting, payroll processing, while setting direction for the finance team below you.
You will also represent NES Alliance directly with federal contracting officers, prime contractors and teaming partners. Strong judgment, clear communication and a steady executive presence matter as much as technical depth.
Key responsibilities
Finance and accounting leadership- Lead the finance team (Controller, Finance Manager, Senior Accountant, Staff Accountant), setting priorities and holding a high bar for work quality.
- Work hands-on with the team on complex accounting, analysis and close activities.
- Oversee financial statements and manage the annual audit with the outside accounting firm.
DCAA and government compliance- Manage DCAA audits from start to finish as NES Alliance's main point of contact.
- Prepare and submit annual incurred cost submissions.
- Keep accounting practices compliant with FAR requirements for government contractors.
Proposal pricing- Build and maintain forward pricing models.
- Develop the pricing volume for federal proposals, including writing the pricing narrative.
- Work with the proposal team on pricing strategy for new bids.
Government contract administration- Work directly with federal contracting officers on modifications, change orders, scope changes and administrative changes.
- Review the FAR clauses in each contract and decide what NES Alliance must do to stay compliant.
Subcontracts and teaming- As a subcontractor: manage modifications and changes from the prime, and identify which flow-down requirements apply to NES Alliance.
- As a prime: issue and manage NDAs, teaming agreements and subcontract agreements with partners.
- Act as liaison with NES Alliance's general counsel. Route requested clause changes to counsel, understand counsel's position, and communicate it back to the other party with the revised language. Drafting legal language is not expected.
Required qualifications- 10+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience in federal government contracting, including a senior leadership role such as CFO, VP of Finance or Controller.
- Experience leading DCAA audits and preparing incurred cost submissions.
- Experience building forward pricing models and writing pricing volumes for federal proposals.
- Working knowledge of the FAR, including cost principles and contract clauses.
- Experience with government contract administration, including modifications, change orders and working with contracting officers.
- Experience managing subcontracts, teaming agreements and NDAs, and working with legal counsel.
- A hands-on approach: comfortable doing detailed work yourself, not only directing others.
- Executive presence and excellent written and verbal communication, suited to representing the company directly with government customers.
- Ability to work on site in Bethesda, MD four days a week.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related field.
- Experience with Deltek Costpoint or a similar government contracting accounting system.
- Familiarity with DFARS and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
Preferred Qualification- CPA
- Experience at a small or mid-size contractor during a growth period.
- Experience supporting defense or intelligence community customers.
Location, schedule and compensation
- Location: Bethesda, MD. On site 4 days a week, 1 day remote.
- Compensation: Competitive base salary plus benefits.
NES Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic.
