Principal

About the role

Significance, Inc. is seeking a Principal for an anticipated federal program. The Principal will provide strategic oversight of accounting, audit, and financial management operations for DoD-supported programs. This role ensures strict compliance with DoD financial management regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The Principal will oversee the preparation, review, and analysis of budgets, forecasts, cost estimates, and financial reports to inform decision-making and maintain fiscal accountability. They will lead internal audit processes and coordinate with external auditors to ensure transparency, compliance, and corrective action on findings. This individual will serve as a subject matter expert on fiscal law, appropriations, and DoD financial systems, advising program managers and senior leadership on financial risks and opportunities. The Principal will implement internal controls, risk management practices, and process improvements to enhance financial stewardship. Collaboration with cross-functional teams will align financial strategies with program objectives and mission requirements.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Spearhead the strategic oversight and end-to-end governance of complex accounting and financial management functions for multiple Department of Defense programs, ensuring adherence to strict regulatory frameworks and program-specific fiscal objectives.
• Architect and enforce compliance protocols for DoD financial management regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), conducting rigorous reviews to mitigate financial and legal risk.
• Direct the preparation, analysis, and interpretation of comprehensive budgets, multi-year forecasts, and cost estimates, translating financial data into actionable insights that drive strategic program decisions and optimize resource allocation.
• Lead the development and execution of internal audit strategies, coordinating seamlessly with external audit bodies to facilitate smooth audit cycles, resolve findings, and implement robust corrective action plans.
• Function as the definitive subject matter expert on evolving fiscal law, dynamic appropriations landscapes, and intricate DoD financial systems, delivering authoritative counsel to program managers and senior leadership on emerging financial risks and strategic opportunities.
• Engineer and deploy sophisticated internal controls and risk management frameworks, continuously assessing operational and financial processes to identify gaps and drive measurable improvements in financial stewardship and program integrity.
• Orchestrate deep collaboration with cross-functional program, technical, and operational teams to ensure financial strategies are tightly aligned with overarching program objectives, mission requirements, and critical delivery milestones.
• Monitor and evaluate the financial health of assigned programs, leveraging advanced analytical skills to forecast trends, assess variances, and recommend timely interventions that safeguard funds and ensure mission success.
• Champion a culture of transparency and accountability by clearly articulating complex financial concepts to diverse stakeholders, fostering an environment of trust and enabling informed decision-making at all levels of program management.
• Drive the successful navigation of audits and investigations, preparing comprehensive documentation and responses that demonstrate rigorous compliance and support organizational objectives.
• Lead the evaluation and integration of new financial management tools and technologies, enhancing the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of financial reporting and oversight mechanisms.
• Serve as a pivotal liaison between technical project teams and financial oversight entities, ensuring that financial constraints and opportunities are considered throughout the program lifecycle.
• Mentor junior financial staff and stakeholders on best practices in financial management, instilling a deep commitment to regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
• Provide expert guidance on the interpretation of federal fiscal laws and regulations, ensuring all program financial activities are conducted within the bounds of legal and contractual authorities.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required.

A Top Secret security clearance is required.

Candidates must be eligible for a Public Trust Position.

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, or a related field.

Candidates must have demonstrated experience in financial management, budgeting, and forecasting.

Candidates must have proven experience in overseeing internal audit functions.

Candidates must be knowledgeable of DoD financial management regulations and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

Candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Candidates must have experience with financial management software specific to the Department of Defense.

Candidates must have a strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Candidates must have experience managing complex budgets and multi-year financial plans.

Candidates must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice to have

Preferred experience with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).

Preferred experience with Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).

Practical notes

This role may require travel.

This position requires U.S. citizenship.

This position requires a Public Trust eligibility or a ability to obtain a Public Trust eligibility.

This position requires a Top Secret eligibility or a ability to obtain a Top Secret eligibility.

This position requires a current DoD Issuance Directive (DDI) 8570.01-M baseline certification.

Candidates must be able to obtain a Public Trust Position.

Candidates must be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.

The anticipated assignment location is Fort Belvoir, VA.

This role may require travel.

This position requires U.S. citizenship.

This position requires a Public Trust eligibility or a ability to obtain a Public Trust eligibility.

This position requires a Top Secret eligibility or a ability to obtain a Top Secret eligibility.

This position requires a current DoD Issuance Directive (DDI) 8570.01-M baseline certification.

This position requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

This position requires a Master's degree in Accounting, Compensation, Finance, or related field.

This position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, or related field.