Senior Cost Accountant - Government Contracting (Accounts Payable, Job Costing)

Applied Intuition•Arlington, VA

7d•$110,000 - $155,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly experienced and analytical Senior Accountant to manage the full cycle of Accounts Payable functions supporting government contract compliance and operations. This role focuses on AP job cost allocations, subcontractor invoice and corporate credit cards reconciliations, and processing a high volume of travel expenses. The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of FAR/DFARS, Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR), per diem policies, and sales & use tax accruals, ensuring financial accuracy and audit readiness across the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
5+ years of accounting experience within a federal government contracting environment, with a strong focus on accounts payable and job costing.
Advanced understanding of FAR/DFARS cost principles, allowability and government accounting standards.
Proven experience processing and auditing travel expense reports in compliance with JFTR, FTR, and federal per diem rules.
Strong background in job cost allocation, cost segregation, and subcontractor invoice tracking.
Knowledge of sales and use tax accruals, thresholds, and multistate compliance.
Proficiency with ERP systems such as PROCAS, Deltek Costpoint, Unanet, or similar platforms.
Excellent Microsoft Excel skills: able to perform reconciliations and build cost reports.
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail; able to prioritize and manage multiple deliverables.
Ability to gain a US Government security clearance

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting DCAA or DCMA audits.
Familiarity with JFTR travel guidelines, ITAR, and other government regulatory frameworks.
Prior experience in defense DoD contracting environment.
Active Secret Clearance

Responsibilities

Oversee full-cycle Accounts Payable (AP) processing, including coding, approvals, and disbursements in accordance with FAR-compliant accounting practices.
Manage job cost coding and allocation to appropriate cost objectives, ensuring accuracy of direct and indirect charges and allowability determinations per FAR 31 and contractual terms.
Perform subcontractor invoice reviews and reconciliations, ensuring alignment with contract terms, funding, and cost allowability.
Process and audit employee travel expense reports, verifying compliance with company policy and JFTR/FTR regulations.
Maintain and apply accurate per diem rates based on GSA schedules and contract-specific requirements.
Calculate and record sales and use tax accruals for applicable purchases and ensure proper tax reporting and remittance.
Maintain fixed assets and depreciation schedules per asset class, prepare and book adjusting entries as required.
Collaborate with project managers, procurement, and contracts teams to validate costs and ensure timely invoice approvals and accruals.
Maintain detailed and audit-ready documentation supporting AP transactions and travel expense reimbursements.
Support month-end close activities including AP accruals, job cost reconciliations, and variance analysis.
Assist in preparing schedules for DCAA, DCMA, and independent audits as needed.
Prepare and file 1099MISC, 1099 NSC, 1098 fillings annually and assist with drafting responses to IRS inquiries.
Provide support for continuous improvement of AP and job cost processes, identifying areas for increased efficiency and internal control.