Contributors:
Brenda Plunkett, Senior Manager, Outsourced Accounting
Tracy Croteau, Senior Associate, Outsourced Accounting
When a New York City–based cybersecurity organization (the Organization) operating across government contracting and commercial markets, experienced the sudden resignation of its controller, Cherry Bekaert helped maintain compliance, avoid disruption to federally funded contracts, and quickly secure a qualified replacement.
Compliance Doesn’t Pause When a Controller Resigns
Accounting continuity is essential for a government contractor. This was jeopardized when the Company’s controller resigned on only a few days' notice.
Immediate risk was applied to:
- Ongoing accounting operations and financial reporting processes
- Department of Defense contract compliance
- Maintenance of an acceptable accounting system, required for contractors undergoing Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audits
For government contractors, the ability to demonstrate compliant accounting practices is a prerequisite to being awarded — and retaining — federal funding. Any lapse during a leadership transition could have serious implications.
Stabilizing Operations First, Then Scaling
Cherry Bekaert supported the Organization through both immediate stabilization and long-term talent placement — combining outsourced accounting continuity with specialized recruiting in a single engagement.
Interim Support for Operational and Audit-ready Continuity During Transition
Expanding its existing Outsourced Accounting Services engagement for DCAA audit-readiness support, the Firm immediately extended services to bridge the gap left by the controller’s departure while a permanent solution was assessed to maintain continuity in day-to-day operations and compliance requirements.
Targeted Executive Search To Match Technical Skill With Real-world Experience
At the same time, Cherry Bekaert’s Recruiting & Staffing Services practice began a nationwide targeted search for an in‑house controller.
While the situation was initially urgent, the presence of interim outsourced accounting support allowed the permanent search to proceed thoughtfully rather than reactively. Discussions with the Organization’s chief operating officer (COO) involved whether to address the gap through a temp-to-permanent or direct hire, in which the COO ultimately confirmed a preference for a direct-hire solution.
The Recruiting & Staffing Services team identifying five to seven highly qualified candidates ideal to meet the needs of the Organization and COO. This included specialized background and experience in:
- Government contracting
- Commercial accounting environments
- Cybersecurity‑adjacent organizations
Two finalists emerged, with the selected Florida-based candidate bringing a differentiator especially relevant to the client’s business: firsthand experience responding to a real‑time cybersecurity attack at a prior organization. This was a practical advantage for a company operating in a high‑risk security environment.
A Strategic Hire and Continued Business Momentum
The Recruiting & Staffing Services engagement resulted in:
- Uninterrupted accounting and compliance support throughout the transition
- Highly qualified candidate pool, with multiple finalists meeting specific criteria
- Successful controller placement aligned with the Organization’s technical and industry requirements, and long-term business needs
- Additional conversations around future needs, including a newly created Contract Manager role currently being formed with the COO
As the organization transitions from a research-driven model toward commercialization of its products, Cherry Bekaert helped restore stability and confidence during a critical leadership transition — positioning the business for continued growth.
How We Can Help
Cherry Bekaert’s Recruiting & Staffing Services helps organizations navigate critical accounting, finance, HR and IT talent needs through tailored solutions, including:
- Executive Search Services
- Management Consulting Interim Solutions
- Temporary Staffing Solutions
- Permanent Hire Search & Placement
