Controller

Controller

Job Title: ControllerJob Family: FinanceCompany: Paligen Technologies, Inc. Location: Tampa, Florida Job Summary:Reporting to the CFO, the Controller will oversee all accounting functions for Paligen Technologies, Inc., a leading innovator in defense, aerospace, and chemical technologies. This role is responsible for establishing and maintaining robust financial controls, delivering accurate reporting and compliance with U.S. GAAP, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR/DFARS), and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). The ideal candidate brings a strong background in government contracting, manufacturing accounting, and cross-functional collaboration to support a high-growth, mission-focused organization. This leadership position requires a dynamic, collaborative, and compliance minded leader with a strong background working with Defense related programs. Extensive knowledge of financial management of all contract types, various Finance regulations, and the ability to create and lead a high-performance team are all essential for success in this role. Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Manage general ledger, month-end and year-end closings, and preparation of financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and internal accounting policies.
• Oversee reconciliation of all balance sheet accounts and reporting packages.
• Prepare variance analysis of key P&L and Balance Sheet accounts.
• Oversight of Accounts Payable
• Support the preparation of executive and board-level financial presentations.

2. Government Compliance & Cost Accounting

• Ensure adherence to FAR, DFARS, and CAS requirements.
• Manage DCAA audits and regulatory submissions, including incurred cost and forward pricing rate proposals.
• Maintain compliant job cost accounting and indirect rate structures.
• Support proposal pricing strategies with cost data and rate analysis.

3. Operational Finance & Program Support

• Ensure accurate revenue recognition under appropriate methods (e.g., percentage of completion, completed contract).
• Support integration of acquisitions.
• Partner with Program Management to monitor project performance, margin, and cost variances.
• Provide financial guidance during program reviews and contract modifications.
• Support cost estimating and analysis for new bids and contract expansions.

4. Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Evaluate, implement, enhance and maintain internal controls over financial transactions and reporting.
• Continuously improve accounting procedures and workflows for efficiency and scalability.
• Support ERP system integrations and enhancements to maintain data integrity (e.g., Deltek/Costpoint).

5. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor a team of accounting professionals in a culture of high performance and continuous development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration within the finance team.
• Collaborate with internal departments, including program management, legal, finance, HR, and engineering, to develop finance strategies and alignment with business objectives.
• Build, develop, and inspire a high-performance team that acts with integrity, meets commitments, works collaboratively, drives continual improvement, and achieves goals.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of government contracting regulations (FAR, DFARS, CAS).
• Experience in cost accounting and compliance in manufacturing and project-based environments.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and strong Excel/data analysis capabilities.
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing government contract financials, indirect rates, and compliance.

Qualifications:Technical Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, CAS, and DCAA requirements.
• Expertise in financial systems, ERP software, and government cost accounting principles.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Experience managing all contract types: Fixed Price, Cost Plus, Time & Material.
• Strong accounting knowledge and compliance with GAAP.

Key Competencies:

• Integrity and accountability - is a trusted partner within the team.
• Acts with integrity, works collaboratively while meeting commitments.
• Strong communication skills (written and oral), strong analytic and problem solving skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities across a diverse portfolio of programs.
• Strong financial and business acumen skills.
• Strategic thinking, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and drive financial performance.
• Staff development: focus on building a strong and collaborative team and develop bench strength.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills, and high degree of responsiveness.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated aptitude for working with non-finance business leaders at all levels of the organization in defining and applying complex financial constructs for the benefit of the business.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA or CMA certification.
• Experience with mergers and acquisitions and integration activities.
• Experience with contract bid/proposal pricing environments.

Other Requirements:

• Travel: ~5%-10%, possible rare international travel
• Work Environment: Office work environment, with occasional visits to manufacturing sites
• Background Investigation/Drug Screen/US Person: Required

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

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