Managerial Cost Accounting Federal Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Guidehouse • Washington, DC

12d • $113,000 - $188,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Guidehouse is seeking a Managerial Cost Accounting Federal Subject Matter Expert (SME) to join their Finance & Accounting Consulting team. This role involves supporting project management, designing and implementing cost allocation and billing models, leading rate and cost model development, ensuring compliance with federal financial management standards, and mentoring junior staff. The position requires advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Google Workspace. This is a hybrid role with up to 10% travel required and the ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university.
• Must be able to OBTAIN and MAINTAIN a Federal or DoD "PUBLIC TRUST".
• Based on our contractual obligations, candidate must be located within the United States and US Citizen.
• 6+ years of experience supporting governmental financial management, shared services, Working Capital Funds (WCF), or large-scale financial or cost accounting transformation programs.
• Experience supporting federal cost recovery funds or other federal Working Capital Fund environments.
• Experience leading cost modeling or cost accounting functions.
• Experience with managerial accounting functions and governance structures.
• Strong understanding of federal financial processes, including cost allocation, billing, budgeting, and financial reporting in a cost-recovery environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to translate technical and financial concepts for executive audiences.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (financial modeling/analysis), PowerPoint (executive presentations), and Word.
• Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace productivity suite Docs, Sheets, and Slides

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience leading WCF transformation initiatives, including service catalog design and activity-based costing implementation.
• PMP, CPA, CGFM, or similar professional certification.
• Experience developing executive dashboards, visualization tools, and performance metrics (e.g., burn rates, net operating results).
• Experience supporting audit readiness, internal controls, and compliance activities aligned with GAAP, FASAB, and OMB A-123.

Responsibilities

• Support the Project Manager with establishing and maintaining project plans, risk management, and integrated master schedules to drive execution across interdependent workstreams.
• Direct the design and implementation of cost allocation and billing models, including activity-based costing, service catalog development, and standardized financial data structures to support full cost recovery.
• Lead rate and cost model development.
• Ensure compliance with federal financial management standards, accounting standards, and internal controls (e.g., GAAP, FASAB, FAR, SFFAS 4 & SFFAS 10) and lead audit readiness and documentation efforts.
• Mentor junior staff, manage team performance, and contribute to business development, proposal efforts, and client relationship management.

Benefits

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Student Loan PayDown
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Employee Referral Program
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
• Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
• Mobility Stipend

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior