Brewer-Garrett is a facility solutions company. Our goal is to make buildings more energy-efficient through HVAC design, electrical upgrades, building automation systems design and installation, maintenance, and repair. We are a solution-based business with a proven track record of saving our clients' money through reduced energy usage while improving their overall carbon footprint. Our team is second to none. Their creativity and dedication to providing solutions for our clients is their #1 priority. Their collaborative approach to projects is what sets BG apart from the rest of the industry, and we are seeking a Federal Cost Accountant to join our federal team.

JOB SUMMARY: The Federal Cost Accountant role ensures accurate project costing and compliance with government contracting requirements. The Federal Cost Accountant will perform key accounting tasks, focusing on project cost accounting, government compliance, and financial reporting. The ideal candidate should have a solid understanding of accounting principles, experience in FAR and CAS cost accounting requirements, and the ability to adapt to the complexities of government contracting. They should be detail-oriented, collaborative, and eager to contribute to the efficiency of our federal operations.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Project Cost Accounting: Ensure accurate allocation and tracking of project expenses, maintaining detailed records that align with company and government guidelines.
• Government Invoicing: Assist in the preparation and submission of government invoices, ensuring they meet all compliance requirements.
• Expense Auditing: Review and audit travel expense reports and other project-related expenses to ensure compliance with government and company policies.
• Financial Reporting: Support the preparation of financial reports, ensuring accurate reflection of project costs and adherence to GAAP.
• Compliance: Maintain knowledge of and ensure compliance with government contracting regulations and standards.
• Support Activities: Assist with other accounting tasks as needed, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the federal team.
• Project Development: Support the sales and estimating teams from initial bid review through final proposal submission.
• Incurred Cost Submissions: Experience preparing or assisting in the preparation of Incurred Cost Proposals (ICPs) for submission to the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA).
• Financial Statements: Ability to prepare financial statements that accurately reflect project costs and are compliant with GAAP and government accounting standards.

Strong Analytical and Audit Skills:

• Audit Support: Ability to support DCAA or other external audits by providing accurate and well-documented cost data.
• Variance Analysis: Conduct variance analysis to identify discrepancies between budgeted and actual costs and provide explanations and corrective actions.

Proficiency in Accounting Software

• ERP Systems: Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems that are commonly used in government contracting (e.g., Deltek Costpoint, Procas, Unanet, COINS, JAMIS).
• Cost Accounting Modules: Proficiency in using cost accounting modules within these systems to track project costs, manage budgets, and generate reports.

Attention to Detail and Documentation:

• Detailed Record Keeping: Meticulous attention to detail in tracking and documenting costs to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Timekeeping Compliance: Ensuring that labor costs are accurately recorded and allocated to the appropriate projects, often requiring knowledge of timekeeping systems and practices.

Understanding of Contract Types:

• Cost-Reimbursable Contracts: Familiarity with cost-plus contracts, including how to track and report allowable costs.
• Fixed-Price Contracts: Understanding how to manage costs within the constraints of fixed-price agreements.
• Time and Materials Contracts: Ability to track and bill for labor and materials on a time-and-material basis.
• Interdepartmental Coordination: Ability to work closely with project managers, contract administrators, and other departments to ensure accurate cost tracking and reporting.
• Client Interaction: Sometimes required to interact with government clients to provide cost data or explanations as needed.
• Regulatory Updates: Staying up to date with changes in regulations, standards, and best practices in government contracting and cost accounting.

Financial Reporting:

• Preparing financial statements and reports for internal management, including cost breakdowns and profitability analysis.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field.
• Minimum 5 to 10 years' experience in government cost accounting at a senior level.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Auditing Standards (CGAP) certification.
• Deep understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
• Experience with government construction or service contracts preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in accounting software and data analysis tools.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Effective communication skills (oral and written); must be able to effectively relay information to various audience groups, including but not limited to, customers and prospective customers, managers, leadership, colleagues, and business associates.
• Strong interpersonal skills: ability to foster and maintain positive working relationships with individuals internal and external to the company and from various backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to self-motivate and prioritize tasks; must be able to effectively manage own schedule with limited oversight.
• Must be able to prepare professional written communications (emails, documents, etc).
• Must demonstrate professionalism and tact in all interactions.
• Good presentation and group facilitation skills.
• Demonstration of time-management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Good analytical skills; ability to analyze data and relay trends and potential outcomes; ability to evaluate problems and identify resolutions; good negotiation skills.
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe PDF.
• Ability to maintain satisfactory attendance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires regular travel by car to perform the required functions. Travel by airplane may be occasionally required.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; climb stairs; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move office products and supplies up to 20 pounds.

BG is proud to be an EOE and Drug-Free Workplace.

Brewer-Garrett is an equal opportunity employer, all qualified job applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.