Director of Cost Accounting & Compliance (Gov Con)

Location: Reston VA

Hybrid Work Environment: 1-2 Days onsite weekly

Position Overview

A leading federal government contractor is seeking a Director of Cost Accounting & Compliance to oversee all government cost accounting compliance activities across a large, multi-entity organization. This individual will serve as the primary point of contact for DCAA and DCMA, lead incurred cost submissions, manage indirect rate structures, and ensure company-wide adherence to FAR, DFARS, CAS, and federal audit requirements.

This is a high-impact, highly visible role supporting operational accounting, GL teams, and compliance functions across the U.S. The ideal candidate is a hands-on GovCon expert who is comfortable owning complex compliance processes end-to-end.

Why This Role is Attractive

• High-growth organization building out a larger compliance presence in the DMV
• Executive visibility — direct interaction with CFO, senior leadership, and federal auditors
• Opportunity to own and modernize DCAA/DCMA compliance, indirect rates, and ICS processes
• Large finance organization (~50–60 employees) spanning multiple states
• Strong long-term career path within expanding GovCon operations

Key Responsibilities

Incurred Cost Submissions & Indirect Rates

• Lead preparation and review of the annual Incurred Cost Submission (ICE/ICS), including Schedules A–N.
• Ensure timely and adequate submission of final indirect rate proposals per FAR 52.216-7.
• Develop, analyze, and monitor provisional and final indirect rates (G&A, OH, fringe, service centers).
• Support negotiations with the Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO).

DCAA / DCMA Audit Interface

• Serve as the primary point of contact for DCAA/DCMA audits (accounting system, billing system, adequacy, ICS reviews, etc.).
• Manage RFIs, sample selections, audit documentation, and corrective action responses.
• Support contract and subcontract closeouts; review subcontractor rate and cost status.

Allowability, Allocability & Compliance Policy

• Interpret and advise on FAR Part 31, DFARS cost principles, and unallowable cost rules.
• Maintain and update written cost accounting policies and internal guidance.
• Oversee compliance for labor/timekeeping, T&E, materials, and ODC controls.

Advisory & Cross-Functional Support

• Partner with Pricing, Contracts, Supply Chain, PMs, and Finance to ensure allowability and cost structure consistency.
• Review pricing packages for CPFF, T&M, and FFP proposals.
• Provide guidance on cost allocation, indirect structures, and compliance considerations.

Controls, Monitoring & Training

• Develop compliance dashboards and risk-based monitoring for labor, pools/bases, unallowable cost screening, and more.
• Deliver training to finance staff, PMs, and operational teams on cost principles and audit readiness.
• Ensure accurate, timely documentation to support audits and internal inquiries.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 8 years of government contracting accounting/compliance experience
• Strong working knowledge of:
• FAR Part 31
• FAR 52.216-7
• DFARS cost regulations
• CAS concepts
• Direct experience managing DCAA audits and leading Incurred Cost Submissions
• Expertise in indirect rate development, analysis, and negotiations
• Advanced Excel and strong analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally and brief executives clearly

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a DCAA Senior/Supervisory Auditor or compliance lead at a large GovCon
• Professional certification: CPA, CMA, CIA, CPCM, or similar
• Experience with:
• DFARS business systems (Accounting, Estimating)
• Timekeeping/T&E compliance aligned to FTR/JTR
• Contract closeout processes
• Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle Fusion (highly preferred, not required)

Working Conditions

• Hybrid schedule: 1 day onsite in the Reston office, otherwise remote