Financial Accountant/ IPSAS SME

DEFTEC Corporation•Chesapeake, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Accountant provides expert accounting support across Allied Command Transformation (ACT), playing a central role in upholding financial integrity, ensuring compliance with NATO financial regulations, and advancing the implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). This role supports the full spectrum of accounting operations, from daily general ledger activities and bank reconciliations to the preparation of ACT's consolidated annual financial statements, while contributing to the development and delivery of accounting policy, guidance, and training across ACT entities. This position requires a seasoned finance professional with a strong foundation in public sector accounting principles, demonstrated IPSAS expertise, and the analytical acumen to support financial and performance audits, track audit recommendations, and drive continuous improvement in accounting systems and processes. The ideal candidate will bring a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to a dynamic international environment, supporting ACT commands and subordinate headquarters in meeting the highest standards of financial accountability and transparency.

Requirements

University Degree in finance/accounting/audit (or professional qualification/accreditation from an IFAC member body such as CPA/ACCA/CIPFA or national equivalent), or national government equivalent certification or credentials with six years post related experience.
English proficiency equivalent to SLP 3333 (or demonstrably equivalent professional fluency).
Minimum 10 years' demonstrated experience in developing plans, policies and processes for the finance and/or accounting field.
Minimum 10 years' demonstrated experience in developing and presenting analysis and control of mission information, functions, processes, and objectives to achieve reasonable assurance that the entity is operating efficiently and effectively.
Minimum of 5 years' experience demonstrated in the analyses and preparation of financial statements in the private or public sector.
Minimum of 5 years' experience demonstrated knowledge and expertise of accounting principles, procedures and standards in the application of IPSAS.
Demonstrated ability to support the implementation of IPSAS.
Demonstrated experience in the implementation of intangible accounting policies, procedures and registers
Active NATO or National SECRET security clearance.

Responsibilities

Support development, implementation, and compliance with policies, directives, and international accounting standards.
Contribute to ACT-wide IPSAS accounting policy/directives; participate in ACT IPSAS implementation activities.
Draft/update accounting-related guidance, briefing notes, and reports, ensuring alignment with NATO financial rules/regulations and ACT implementing directives (as applicable).
Contribute to development and delivery of training on accounting and IPSAS-related standards across ACT entities.
Provide hands-on support, and continual improvement of daily accounting operations and systems, including accounting, audit support, budgeting support (as required), and reporting.
Ensure accuracy and timeliness of general ledger activities, cash management, financial statements inputs, and bank reconciliations.
Conduct/coordinate monthly and quarterly reconciliations, closure activities, and supporting documentation.
Prepare and coordinate the ACT consolidated annual financial statement process, including consolidation of working papers and coordination with subordinate HQs/reporting entities.
Contribute to ACT End-of-Year Guidance for ACT Commands and MWA activities, as tasked.
Ensure calls of funds from NATO Member Nations (including, as applicable, NCSEP and NSIP) are properly accounted for and reconciled.
Execute/assist periodic cash verifications; document results and corrective actions where required.
Support fixed asset inventory accounting: recording oversight, records maintenance, and proper accounting treatment for acquisitions/retirements within means and capabilities.
support evidence provision and responses on financial and performance audits
Track and contribute to closure of audit recommendations; report status to BUDFIN leadership.
Provide recommendations related to reimbursable services and SLAs; define requirements for external service providers regarding accounting and asset management performed by ACT.