Lead Accountant (Federal Contracts Emphasis)

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION: The Lead Accountant (Federal Contracts Emphasis) reports to the Accounting Manager and is responsible for

• Managing General Ledger accounting functions working with and assisting accounting staff.
• Managing Financial elements of Government contracts and subcontracts from business development phase through contract close-outs, ensuring compliance with contract terms and financial regulations.
• Play a key role in bid and proposal work, assisting in cost estimation, pricing strategy development, and financial analysis to support successful contract acquisition.
• Assisting Accounting Manager with the daily oversight of the accounting functions.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Regularly review funding allocations for prime and subcontracts to ensure they align with contract terms and budgetary constraints.
• Track and analyze funding levels to identify potential shortfalls or surpluses.
• Collaborate with project managers to understand project requirements and funding needs.
• Provide financial guidance and support in planning, budgeting, and forecasting for contracts.
• Accurately maintain and update financial records related to contracts, including budgets, expenses, and funding status.
• Hands-on oversight of the processing and verification of timely and accurate contract billings throughout the accounting system and reporting.
• Hands-on oversight of the processing and verification of timely and accurate contract costs (labor, travel, ODC, and Subcontractor invoices, etc.) throughout the accounting system and reporting.
• Develop and Manage Government Services Contract business indirect rates.
• Generate and distribute regular reports detailing the funding status of prime and subcontracts.
• Provide analysis and recommendations based on financial data.
• Evaluate and process requests for budget revisions or reallocations in accordance with contract terms and company policies.
• Ensure that all financial activities related to contracts comply with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies (GAAP, FAR, DFAR, GAS, DCAA, DCMA, etc.).
• Develop and manage corporate financial relationships with relevant Government agencies, such as DCAA, DCMA, DFAS, etc.
• Prepare and Manage Governmental Accounting documentation and submissions, such as annual Incurred Cost Submissions, annual Provisional Rates submissions, DCAA/DCMA audits, etc.
• Monitor and report any discrepancies or non-compliance issues.
• Assist in forecasting future funding requirements for ongoing and upcoming contracts.
• Contribute to long-term financial planning based on contract projections.
• Act as a point of contact between internal teams, Government contracting offices, clients, and subcontractors regarding funding-related inquiries.
• Provide timely updates and responses to all relevant stakeholders.
• Identify potential financial risks or issues related to funding and work proactively to mitigate them.
• Develop contingency plans for funding shortfalls or unexpected expenses.
• Monitor and track payments to subcontractors to ensure they align with contract terms and funding availability.
• Develop and manage financial submissions, audits and reviews related to contracts, and provide necessary documentation and explanations as required.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements in financial management related to contracts.
• Implement best practices and efficiencies to enhance contract finance administration.
• Maintain organized and comprehensive records of all financial transactions, correspondence, and contract-related documents.
• Manage and ensure all contract related transactions are captured in a timely and accurate manor in the companies Accounting Systems, including job costs, billings, subledgers, etc., as well as in Government System touch points such as WAWF, DCAA compliance documentation, etc.
• Provide training and support to colleagues or team members on contract finance processes and tools.
• Develop cost estimates for bids and proposals, considering various factors such as labor, materials, overhead, travel, ODCs, and contingencies.
• Conduct cost analysis to ensure competitive pricing while maintaining profitability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prepare budgets for bids and proposals, ensuring alignment with project requirements and financial constraints.
• Conduct profitability analysis on potential contracts to assess their financial viability and contribution to the organization's overall goals.
• Provide financial expertise and support during contract negotiations, offering insights on pricing, payment terms, and financial implications.
• Develop financial documentation and exhibits for inclusion in bid and proposal submissions, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
• Prepare Pricing narrative documentation and analysis for Government bid and proposal submissions.
• Conduct market research to gather competitive intelligence on pricing trends, industry benchmarks, and cost structures.
• Develop pricing strategies to maximize competitiveness and profitability.
• Perform cost benefit analyses to assess the potential return on investment for specific bids and proposals.
• Participate in proposal presentations, providing financial insights and addressing any financial-related questions from clients or stakeholders.
• Evaluate the financial aspects of unsuccessful bids to identify areas for improvement and gather lessons learned.
• Stay informed about relevant government regulations, especially those related to cost accounting standards and pricing strategies for government contracts.
• Work closely with legal and contracts teams to ensure that bid and proposal submissions align with legal and contractual requirements.
• Conduct scenario modeling and sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of different variables on the financial outcomes of bids and proposals.
• Maintain comprehensive records of bid and proposal activities, including financial data, correspondence, and documentation related to pricing strategies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or business administration required.
• A minimum of 2-5 years of relevant experience in contract finance administration, financial analysis, or a related field. Experience in Department of the Defense (DOD) government contracting preferred.
• Familiarity with non-FAR based procurement vehicles (Cooperative Research and Developmental Agreements, other transactions, etc.) a plus.
• Strong understanding of financial principles, including budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with contract terms, funding mechanisms, and compliance requirements.
• Experience in supporting bid and proposal activities, including cost estimation, pricing strategy development, and proposal review.
• Proficiency in data analysis, financial modeling, and the ability to interpret financial data to support decision-making.
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail is crucial in maintaining precise financial records and ensuring compliance.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, clients, and subcontractors.
• Ability to identify and address financial issues, propose solutions, and implement process improvements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, as well as familiarity with financial management software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Understanding of relevant industry regulations, government contracting requirements, and cost accounting standards (GAAP, FAR, DFAR, GAS, DCAA, DCMA, etc.).
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with colleagues from various departments.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
• Adherence to ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and integrity in financial transactions and reporting.
• Ability to work with varying seniority levels, including staff, managers and external partners.