Government Contracting Advisory Manager

RSM US LLP•McLean, VA

16h•$119,100 - $239,300

About The Position

RSM’s Government Contracting team within the Management Consulting practice provides specialized advisory, compliance, and hands-on assistance to help Federal government contractors navigate complex regulatory requirements and improve the overall effectiveness of their contracting and finance functions – pairing deep technical credibility with a consultative, transformation-minded approach. The US Federal Government spends over $700B a year on goods and services – from traditional aerospace & defense to technology R&D, vaccine development, and international aid. Federal government contracting touches nearly every business sector. As a Manager in our growing Management Consulting practice focused on Federal government contractors, you will deliver technically rigorous, end-to-end government contracting solutions, managing teams to deliver projects on time, on budget, and in line with client expectations to modernize and transform the way their finance and contracting functions operate. You will work on numerous projects per year, managing several pieces of assignments, not just one small part, and you will feel a great sense of accomplishment when you are done! You will also work in a mutually respectful team environment which will help you perform at your best and advance your career and professional capabilities. This role is a delivery and growth-support role within our Government Contracting practice and is expected to have a focus on the Federal government contracting market – following: Identifying, growing and developing opportunities, accounts and relationships within the Federal government contracting market alongside Management Consulting leadership. Bringing the full strength of the firm across Consulting (e.g. Risk, Technology, etc.) as well as across our other Lines of Business (i.e. Audit & Tax) to drive growth. Supporting the development and growth of a delivery team within Government Contracting (and across other Management Consulting capabilities – e.g. CFO Advisory, Technology, Program & Project Management etc.) focused on serving Federal contractors. Being ‘hands-on’ and delivering on client engagements alongside our Government Contracting and Management Consulting teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
5 – 7 years’ experience in Federal government contracting, professional services, or a CPA firm
2+ years of experience leading and managing project teams
In-depth, hands-on experience with several of the following: FAR, DFARS and other agency supplements CAS DFARS business systems (Accounting, Estimating, Purchasing) DCAA audit programs and associated internal control requirements Cost allocation structure design and cost impact analysis Forward Pricing Rate development CASB Disclosure Statement preparation GSA Schedules and commercial pricing
Expert understanding of government contract cost accounting and the people, process, technology, and controls that support compliance
Experience as a team lead or project manager on at least one full life cycle compliance, cost accounting, or finance transformation engagement
Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills with the ability to exercise mature judgment
Executive presence and an understanding of stakeholder/client relationship management
Proven experience collaborating with clients and other professional services areas
Extensive experience in developing and building proposals
Strong oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills
Ability to travel as required to meet client needs

Nice To Haves

CPA or MBA
Experience supporting transformation, process improvement, or technology enablement engagements in addition to core compliance work
Functional understanding of government contracting accounting/ERP platforms such as Deltek Costpoint, Unanet, and related cost accounting systems
Fundamental and foundational understanding of AI and the applicability to the government contracts lifecycle and the Finance and Accounting function. This includes the ability to identify specific functional use-cases for Artificial Intelligence across the government contracts lifecycle and Finance and Accounting Operating Model as well as the ability to articulate leading practices associated with phased-AI adoption across the government contracts lifecycle and Finance and Accounting function.
Experience in defining systems strategy, developing systems requirements, designing and prototyping, testing, training, defining support procedures, and implementing practical business solutions under multiple deadlines
Experience in the development of teams
Exposure to or experience across multiple industries within the Federal contracting landscape (e.g. aerospace & defense, technology, professional services, R&D)
Hands-on technical experience implementing, configuring, or administering Deltek Costpoint , including its accounting, project setup, billing, and compliance modules, within a government contracting environment
Industry or profession-focused certifications like Six Sigma and/or PMP

Responsibilities

Lead the execution of projects to help clients meet Federal contracting requirements and improve the effectiveness of their contracting and finance functions, including: Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency supplement compliance Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) compliance Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) business systems – Accounting, Estimating, and Purchasing Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audit readiness and internal control requirements Cost allocation structure design and cost impact analysis Forward Pricing Rate development Cost Acccounting Standards Board (CASB) Disclosure Statement preparation General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules and commercial pricing Operating model and business process improvement Contracting and finance technology assessment and enablement
Drive high-quality work within expected timeframes and on budget
Monitor progress, manage risk and ensure clients are kept informed about progress and expected outcomes
Embrace a ‘hands-on’ approach as needed to help clients overcome specific challenges, including support with incurred cost submissions, rate calculations, business system documentation, and audit response
Get regularly involved in internal and external business development activities and identify new opportunities through various channels
Understand firm capabilities and have the ability to expand client service across lines of business
Manage engagement and project financials
Develop industry specialization and drive targeting, marketing, and training activities within Government Contracting
Build client relationships and deliver quality client services
Oversee and drive multiple concurrent projects to completion and assist our clients uncover additional areas of opportunity
Develop new products, solutions, and deliverables for the rapidly changing Federal contracting environment
Provide mentoring and motivate diverse client engagement teams by delivering constructive on-the-job coaching to team members, while fostering an innovative and inclusive team-oriented work environment