Government Accounting and Compliance Lead

Nightwing; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Nightwing seeks a seasoned Government Compliance Leader to act as a strategic partner for government contract accounting. You will architect our FAR/CAS compliance framework, lead negotiations with DCAA/DCMA, and drive risk-aware financial strategy across the organization.

You’ll oversee incurred cost submissions, forward pricing rate proposals, and CAS disclosure statements while guiding cost allocation methods and internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance required.
• CPA/CMA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of government contract accounting experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal liaison with DCAA and DCMA on FAR/CAS matters.
• Lead all phases of government audits and disclosures.
• Prepare and defend Incurred Cost Submissions, Forward Pricing Rate Proposals, and CAS Disclosure Statements.
• Provide SME on cost allocation, rate structures, and cost impact analyses.
• Design and implement compliant internal controls and policies.
• Partner with Program Management, Contracts, Finance, and Operations to embed compliance into business planning.

Skills

FAR Part 31

CAS

DCAA/DCMA liaison

Incurred Cost Submissions

Forward Pricing Rate Proposals

Cost allocation

Indirect rate structures

Audit support

Regulatory interpretation

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA/CMA or advanced degree (preferred)

Tools

Deltek Costpoint

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.*