Accounting Specialist I

Vantage Systems•Lanham, MD

2d•$60,000 - $80,000

About The Position

The Accounting Specialist I supports accounting operations within a government contracting environment, with a focus on reconciliations, transaction processing, project accounting, and audit-ready documentation. This role assists with AP, AR, general ledger activity, reporting, data analysis, and compliance support while helping strengthen accounting processes and internal controls. This position is designed for an early-career accounting professional seeking to build experience in general ledger accounting, government contracting, project accounting, financial reporting, and audit support.

Requirements

0-3 years of accounting, finance, bookkeeping, or related experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred.
Foundational understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting concepts; familiarity with GAAP preferred.
Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis.
Experience with NetSuite or a similar ERP/accounting system preferred.
Familiarity with ADP Workforce Now, payroll systems, or timekeeping systems is a plus.
Exposure to government contracting, project accounting, FAR, DCAA audits, or compliance requirements is a plus.
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and problem-solving ability.
Ability to analyze data, identify discrepancies, and follow issues through resolution.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to identify discrepancies, ask questions, and follow issues through resolution.
Demonstrated initiative and willingness to take ownership of assigned tasks.
Ability to maintain organized and audit-ready supporting documentation.
Comfortable working with large data sets and reconciling information across multiple reports and systems.
Ability to learn new systems, processes, and accounting procedures quickly.
Professional communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive information.
Commitment to continuous learning, process improvement, and documentation.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with government contract types, including Cost-Plus, Time & Materials (T&M), and Fixed Price contracts.
Exposure to DCAA audits, incurred cost submissions, government compliance requirements, or regulated accounting environments.
Exposure supporting account reconciliations, month-end close activities, or audit preparation.
Experience working with project accounting, contract funding, labor charging, or cost tracking processes.
Exposure to FAR and CAS requirements.
Familiarity with process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), or internal control environments.
Prior experience in government contracting, aerospace and defense, professional services, or other project-based industries is a plus.

Responsibilities

Process accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions, ensuring accuracy, proper coding, supporting documentation, and required approvals.
Assist with journal entries, account reconciliations, and general ledger maintenance.
Perform reconciliations for bank, balance sheet, project, and other assigned accounts; investigate and resolve routine discrepancies.
Maintain accurate accounting records and supporting documentation within NetSuite and other financial systems.
Support customer invoicing activities and maintain organized billing support files.
Review employee expense reports for accuracy, allowability, proper coding, and compliance with company policies.
Assist with payroll-related accounting activities and related documentation as needed.
Prepare schedules, reconciliations, and supporting workpapers for monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
Compile, organize, and reconcile financial data from multiple sources to support reporting and management requests.
Assist with project and contract administration activities, including maintaining project setup information and supporting documentation.
Respond to requests for financial records and supporting documentation from internal stakeholders, auditors, and customers.
Maintain organized, audit-ready files and documentation in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Follow established accounting procedures and internal controls while identifying process gaps or discrepancies for review.
Provide general accounting and administrative support to the Accounting and Finance team.