Government Accounting and Compliance Lead

Nightwing; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Nightwing is seeking a seasoned Government Compliance Leader to partner with leadership and shape our compliance framework for government contracting. You will translate complex FAR/CAS requirements into practical, value-driven solutions and guide strategic decisions across the organization.

Reporting to the Controller, this role offers a flexible work arrangement with in-office or remote designation and the chance to influence audits, pricing, and internal controls while advancing cybersecurity

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive government contract accounting experience with FAR Part 31 and CAS
• 5+ years of leadership experience in government contracting
• Proven track record with DCAA and DCMA through audits, negotiations, and dispute resolution
• Hands-on experience preparing Incurred Cost Submissions, Forward Pricing Rate Proposals, and CAS Disclosure Statements
• Expert knowledge of indirect rate structures and cost allocation methodologies
• Exceptional analytical and communication skills with ability to translate regulations clearly
• Self-directed leader with executive presence and pragmatic problem-solving
• Ability to build and lead high-performing teams and interface with auditors

Responsibilities

• Liaise with DCAA and DCMA; lead negotiations on FAR/CAS interpretations
• Oversee government audits including disclosure statements, incurred cost submissions, and business system reviews
• Anticipate regulatory developments and assess organizational impact for strategic decisions
• Direct production of submissions: Incurred Cost Proposals, CAS Disclosure Statements, Forward Pricing Rate Proposals, indirect rate analyses
• Provide SME on cost allocation methodologies and rate structures to support competitiveness
• Support financial statement audits with government contracting perspective
• Design and operationalize policies embedding compliance into operations

Skills

Regulatory expertise

Agency relations

Audit management

Cost accounting

Leadership

Communication

Regulatory strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA/CMA or advanced degree preferred

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

We're seeking a seasoned Government Accounting professional to serve as a strategic partner and trusted advisor for our organization. This role demands a sophisticated blend of technical expertise in FAR and CAS compliance, proven leadership capabilities, and the diplomatic acumen to influence across all organizational levels.

Your Strategic Impact

As our Government Compliance Leader, you'll serve as the architect of our compliance framework while driving financial strategy that protects and enhances business value. You'll be the authoritative voice on government contracting matters, translating complex regulatory requirements into practical, value-added business solutions.

Core Responsibilities

Regulatory Expertise & Agency Relations

• Serve as principal liaison with DCAA and DCMA, leading negotiations and expertly resolving disputes involving FAR and CAS interpretations
• Orchestrate all phases of government audits including disclosure statements, incurred cost submissions, and business system reviews
• Anticipate regulatory developments and proactively assess organizational impact, positioning leadership to make informed strategic decisions

Technical Leadership & Deliverables

• Direct the production of mission-critical submissions: Incurred Cost Proposals, CAS Disclosure Statements, Forward Pricing Rate Proposals, and comprehensive indirect rate analyses.
• Provide subject matter expertise on cost allocation methodologies, rate structures, and cost impact analyses that support competitive positioning
• Support financial statement audits with government contracting perspective and technical precision

Strategic Compliance Architecture

• Design, document, and operationalize policies and procedures that embed compliance into business operations rather than treating it as an afterthought
• Conduct proactive compliance surveillance and risk assessments, identifying vulnerabilities before they become questioned costs
• Implement sophisticated internal controls that balance regulatory adherence with operational efficiency

Business Partnership & Influence

• Translate regulatory complexity into actionable guidance that empowers business leaders to make compliant, strategic decisions
• Build trusted relationships across functions: Program Management, Contracts, Finance, Operations, ensuring compliance considerations are integrated into business planning
• Communicate with clarity and credibility to executive leadership on compliance posture, risk exposure, and mitigation strategies

What Sets You Apart

You bring not just technical mastery of government cost accounting principles, but the executive presence to drive organizational change. You understand effective compliance isn't about saying 'no', it's about finding the compliant path to 'yes'. Your leadership style balances rigor with pragmatism, and you've demonstrated the ability to build high-performing teams while maintaining productive relationships with government auditors and contracting officers.

Reporting & Work Environment

This role reports directly to the Controller and offers flexibility in work location, including in-office or remote designation, recognizing that talent and expertise transcend geography.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field; CPA/CMA or advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of progressive government contract accounting experience with deep expertise in FAR Part 31 and CAS standards
• 5+ years of leadership experience building and managing teams in government contracting environments
• Proven track record working directly with DCAA and DCMA through audits, negotiations, and dispute resolution
• Hands-on experience preparing and defending Incurred Cost Submissions, Forward Pricing Rate Proposals, and CAS Disclosure Statements
• Expert knowledge of indirect rate structures, cost allocation methodologies, and government business system requirements
• Exceptional analytical skills with demonstrated ability to identify compliance risks and develop strategic, compliant solutions
• Outstanding communication skills; able to translate complex regulations into clear guidance for all organizational levels and influence senior leadership
• Self-directed leader with executive presence, pragmatic problem-solving approach, and ability to balance compliance rigor with business objectives

Preferred

• Experience in $1bn+ contracting organizations, Big 4 or specialty consulting background, Deltek Costpoint familiarity, business system remediation experience
• Active engagement in industry associations (NCMA, NDIA, GCA) demonstrating commitment to regulatory developments and best practices

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.