What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounting Specialist position at RAM Laboratories, Inc.?
Who We Are
RAM Labs is a private defense contractor inventing interdisciplinary technology in cybersecurity, AI/ML, and networking. Our tight-knit team has a track record of developing high-risk, high-reward solutions sponsored by major defense programs, vital national agencies, and private industry. We take care of our people, offering handpicked benefits, schedule flexibility, and the opportunity to make a unique impact within a small, creative team. We are centrally located in Mission Valley, San Diego.
Job Summary
The Part-Time Accounting Specialist is primarily responsible for managing RAM Labs' internal financial accounting systems, with a heavy emphasis on government cost accounting and defense contractor compliance. This role handles full-cycle accounting, general ledger maintenance, AP/AR, payroll, monthly financial reporting, CPA support for tax preparation, and DCAA audit readiness. The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in indirect rate management, Incurred Cost Proposals (ICP), FAR/CAS compliance, and cost proposal preparation.
Secondary, minor duties may include light administrative support for contract tracking and routine business operations as needed.
Responsibilities
Primary Accounting & Government Cost Compliance
- Government Cost Accounting & Compliance: Maintain and evaluate monthly indirect cost pool calculations, ensuring accurate allocation of direct vs. indirect costs in accordance with FAR and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
- Tax & Audit Preparation: Compile financial records, reports, and documentation to support our external CPA during tax preparation and year-end filings.
- Incurred Cost Proposals (ICP): Assist in the preparation, submission, and audit support of annual Incurred Cost Proposals for government contract oversight.
- Cost Proposals & Rate Forecasting: Collaborate with management on indirect rate forecasting, projecting rates, and calculating cost proposal structures for defense solicitations.
- Financial Management & Reporting: Manage full-cycle AP/AR, general ledger, bank reconciliations, month-end/year-end close, and internal financial statement generation.
- Contractor Audit Support: Represent the company during external accounting reviews and government agency (DCAA/DCMA) audits by maintaining fully compliant records and timekeeping controls.
- Payroll & Budgeting: Conduct time-charging checks, manage accurate payroll submissions, and monitor contract funding/revenue profiles against project budgets.
Secondary Support Functions (Internal Operations)
- Provide basic support for tracking government and commercial contract deliverables and financial milestones.
- Provide occasional administrative assistance for general business operations or basic HR processes on an as-needed basis.
Required Skills & Experience
- Proven background in Government Cost Accounting for defense contractors (DCAA compliance, indirect cost pools, timekeeping rules, and FAR/CAS principles).
- Experience supporting Incurred Cost Proposals (ICP) and tax preparation support for external CPAs.
- Strong proficiency in QuickBooks Desktop and advanced MS Excel (data analysis, formulas, financial modeling).
- Solid foundation in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Familiarity with DoD contracting environments and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR/DFARS).
- High degree of self-motivation, attention to detail, confidentiality, and ability to work independently on a flexible, part-time schedule.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience representing a defense contractor during DCAA / DCMA audits.
- Familiarity with Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) for defense contractor travel.
- Prior experience within a small defense contractor or high-tech R&D environment.
Education & Experience
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Experience: Minimum 2–3 years of hands-on government cost accounting experience in the private defense/government contracting sector.
Pay: $35.00 - $50.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Professional development assistance
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in San Diego, CA 92108
Salary : $35 - $50