Finance and Accounting Associate

Overview: 

Axlerator is hiring a Finance & Accounting Associate to play a key role in supporting finance operations and operational reporting across a diverse portfolio of entities. The ideal candidate will be comfortable navigating the distinct accounting, compliance, and reporting requirements of each entity type — including GAAP-based consolidated reporting, and cost accounting standards. 

This position is designed for an accounting and finance professional who is ready to take on complex, multi-entity responsibilities, and contribute to financial frameworks that drive operational excellence and support portfolio management initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to build and shape a finance and accounting structure with a new mission and perspective — one that is actively investing in and operating multiple businesses across government contracting and public markets. This role requires the ability to work out of Tysons, VA five days a week.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Execute monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes across all entities in accordance with U.S. GAAP, including consolidated financial statements and intercompany eliminations. 

• Perform complex account reconciliations and variance analysis across the consolidated group and at the individual entity level. 

• Manage cost accounting and project-based reporting, cost tracking, invoicing, and government-required reporting and multi-entity accounting and group-level reporting. 

• Support budgeting, multi-year forecasting, and rolling cash flow projections at the entity and consolidated group level, with KPI dashboards and variance reporting. 

• Develop and implement frameworks for AI adoption and automation within finance operations, leveraging tools such as Claude, ChatGPT, Power BI, and Tableau to modernize workflows. 

• Demonstrated experience leveraging AI tools and advanced Excel capabilities — including Power Query, Power Pivot, and automated workflows — to streamline financial processes, reduce manual effort, and improve reporting efficiency. 

• Enhance and maintain accounting policies and internal controls ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP, and government contracting standards; support external audits inquiries. 

• Mentor and develop Junior Associate-level team members while collaborating cross-functionally with operations, finance, and executive leadership to build scalable financial infrastructure. 

Qualifications 

Education & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. 

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; Preferred

• CPA, and/or CMA certification; Preferred 

• 3-5 years of accounting and finance experience with exposure to multi-entity structures, government contracting, or investment entities; public accounting background preferred 

• Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP, including Consolidation, Revenue Recognition, and Leases, Cost Accounting, and DCAA compliance; familiarity with SEC reporting concepts is preferred 

 Systems & Tools — Preferred/Required 

• Microsoft Excel (advanced) — pivot tables, financial modeling, and complex formula proficiency. 

• Deltek Costpoint or Deltek Vantagepoint; Preferred. 

• QuickBooks Online and/or QuickBooks Enterprise Suite; Preferred. 

• Power BI or Tableau for financial dashboards and data visualization; Preferred. 

• AI productivity tools including Claude and ChatGPT integrated into finance workflows; Preferred. 

• Additional ERP exposure (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central) preferred 

Soft Skills & Professional Attributes 

• Demonstrated initiative and ownership mindset; comfortable operating in a fast-moving, multi-entity environment with high attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. 

• Strong communicator who can translate financial insights for both technical and non-technical audiences; collaborative, self-directed, and comfortable championing AI and automation tools. 

• Integrity, confidentiality, and sound professional judgment in handling sensitive multi-entity and government contracting financial data. 

This role sits at the intersection of government contract accounting and modern finance operations — with real ownership over how both are built and run. If this is of interest, apply today!