Cost Accountant/Project Controls

Our client is seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Cost Accounting/Project Controls professional to lead key financial reconciliation project oversight and cost management activities. This role is crucial for ensuring accurate financial operations maintaining compliance with federal regulations (FAR DFARS CAS) and delivering insightful project cost reporting. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in Deltek Costpoint a deep understanding of government contracting structures (T&M CPFF FFP) and a proven track record in managing project budgets indirect cost allocation and audit readiness.

Core Responsibilities:

Financial & Cost Reconciliation:

• Reconcile historical transactions and subledgers with the general ledger across multiple years.
• Analyze large data sets to identify discrepancies and resolve inconsistencies in financial records.
• Prepare adjusting entries and support the development of audit-ready documentation.
• Collaborate with internal departments to resolve aged transactions and validate historical entries.

Project Controls & Cost Accounting:

• Lead the setup maintenance and monitoring of project accounts in Deltek Costpoint.
• Develop and manage project budgets aligned with contract terms and indirect rate structures.
• Track project performance analyze direct/indirect costs and prepare forecasts and variance reports.
• Perform cost allocations in compliance with CAS and company policies.
• Produce detailed reporting on project profitability burn rates and labor utilization.

Regulatory Compliance & Audit Support:

• Ensure all financial activity adheres to FAR DFARS CAS and DCAA audit requirements.
• Support internal and external audits through preparation of schedules reconciliations and narrative explanations.
• Maintain robust audit-ready documentation on all cost and billing activities.

Billing and Revenue Recognition:

• Validate billable labor ODCs and subcontractor charges against contract terms and budgets.
• Track unbilled revenue and aging reports; proactively resolve delays or billing discrepancies.
• Partner with project managers and contracts staff to ensure timely and accurate billing cycles.

Accounts Payable Oversight:

• Ensure vendor invoices are accurately processed and coded to appropriate projects CLINs and accounts.
• Maintain compliance with internal controls and DCAA guidelines on AP processes.

Process Improvement & Documentation:

• Recommend and implement internal control improvements and reporting enhancements.
• Document procedures and train staff to ensure continuity scalability and compliance.
• Lead initiatives to standardize project cost tracking and enhance reporting accuracy.

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance or related field. Relevant and extensive work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 5 years of experience in project controls or cost accounting in a government contracting (GovCon) or manufacturing environment.
• 3 years of experience with Deltek Costpoint using Projects and Materials modules.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables lookups etc.).
• Advanced understanding of FAR DFARS CAS and DCAA audit processes.
• Demonstrated ability to reconcile historical financial data and resolve audit findings.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with government contract billing (T&M CPFF FFP).
• Familiarity with billing systems such as WAWF and IPP.
• Hands-on experience in supporting manufacturing engineering or MRO government contractors.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication skills to liaise with stakeholders present financial insights and resolve discrepancies.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in financial reporting and cost tracking.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to analyze complex data and propose actionable solutions.