SME IV

About the role

At Significance, we believe the best results come from investing in great people. As a woman-owned consulting firm supporting federal civilian and Department of Defense customers, we bring together talented professionals who are passionate about solving complex challenges and making a meaningful impact. We are currently seeking a Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) Functional Subject Matter Expert (SME) for an anticipated federal program, and this position represents a critical opportunity to shape financial strategy at the highest level of mission support. The successful hire will own the end-to-end financial integrity of the CBDP, ensuring that every transaction, report, and control mechanism aligns with strict federal oversight requirements. You will serve as the definitive voice on program accounting, driving consistency and transparency across all financial operations while safeguarding taxpayer investment. This role demands a proactive mindset, where you anticipate risks, design robust controls, and translate complex regulatory frameworks into actionable guidance for the team. You will be a catalyst for operational excellence, embedding best practices into daily workflows and reinforcing the trust that our government partners place in our delivery. By fostering a culture of collaboration and precision, you will directly contribute to the stability and success of mission-critical defense initiatives.

Key facts

What you'll do

Lead the coordination and execution of all CBDP accounting, financial reporting, and internal control activities from initial setup through ongoing sustainment.

Design, implement, and monitor Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) frameworks to identify, assess, and mitigate financial, operational, and compliance risks.

Develop and refine the Manager's Internal Control (MIC) Program, ensuring that control objectives are clearly defined, tested, and documented.

Evaluate and oversee Complementary User Entity Controls (CUECs) within Information Systems, validating that federal requirements are consistently met.

Perform comprehensive reconciliation of budgetary and proprietary accounts, resolving discrepancies and ensuring data integrity across the financial ecosystem.

Manage vendor pay operations with rigorous oversight, monitoring payment workflows and maintaining strict compliance with federal procurement and finance policies.

Provide authoritative expertise in funds management and control, enforcing accuracy, audit readiness, and compliance for all CBDP financial transactions.

Lead the integration of financial systems such as DAI and JICAP, ensuring seamless data flow, configuration integrity, and user access controls.

Prepare detailed audit documentation, including corrective action plans and sustainment strategies aligned with GAO, OMB, and Department of Defense standards.

Conduct testing and validation of financial controls, documenting results and recommending improvements based on observed outcomes and regulatory changes.

Develop and deliver comprehensive financial management reports, metrics, and executive briefings that provide clarity on program performance and risk posture.

Collaborate closely with accounting, budget, and compliance stakeholders to resolve complex financial issues and ensure alignment with federal guidance.

Serve as the primary point of contact for audit readiness activities, coordinating with internal and external auditors to streamline findings and close gaps efficiently.

Champion continuous improvement by analyzing program data, identifying trends, and proposing enhancements to financial processes and system capabilities.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required due to the sensitivity of federal defense programs and the need for personnel to hold public trust eligibility.

Candidates must possess a Top Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain one, ensuring eligibility for access to classified defense information.

A Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field is mandatory, with at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in federal financial management or defense contracting.

Applicants must demonstrate extensive experience managing Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) initiatives and internal control frameworks within a government or regulated environment.

You must have a proven track record supporting the Manager's Internal Control (MIC) Program, including development, testing, and documentation of control activities.

Experience with Complementary User Entity Controls (CUECs) in federal information systems is required, along with knowledge of relevant federal regulations and guidance.

Proficiency in financial systems such as DAI and JICAP is mandatory, including the ability to coordinate integrations, manage data validation, and support system compliance.

Candidates must have direct experience conducting reconciliations of budgetary and proprietary accounts, with demonstrated ability to resolve complex financial discrepancies.

A strong background in vendor pay operations and funds management within federal programs is essential, ensuring strict adherence to compliance and audit standards.

You must be capable of preparing audit documentation, corrective action plans, and sustainment strategies in full alignment with GAO, OMB, and Department of Defense policies.

The ability to develop and deliver accurate financial management reports, metrics, and briefings to senior leadership is a non-negotiable requirement for this position.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens eligible for public trust and able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.

You must bring a minimum of seven years of specialized experience in federal financial management, defense contracting, or a related government field.

Your background must include hands-on management of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and internal control programs in support of federal missions.

Nice to have

Preferred experience with financial systems integration, including DAI, JICAP, and related platforms that support defense programs.

Demonstrated success preparing audit documentation, corrective action plans, and sustainment strategies for federal oversight bodies.

Experience providing financial management reports, metrics, and executive briefings that drive informed decision-making at senior leadership levels.

Practical notes

This is a remote role contingent on award.

The anticipated duration of performance is for the period of the award.

Travel is not required for this position.

No visa sponsorship is available for this role.