Project Setup Accountant

Astrion; United States; Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic government contracting firm is seeking an experienced Project Setup Accountant to manage complex government contracts using Deltek Costpoint. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance and several years of experience in government contracting. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with GAAP and overseeing the entire contract setup lifecycle. The role demands strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently within a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3 - 5+ years of accounting experience in a government contracting environment.
• Strong experience with government contract types (CPFF, T&M, FFP, IDIQ).
• In-depth knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
• Strong knowledge of government contract types (CPFF, T&M, FFP, IDIQ).
• In-depth knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and CAS.

Responsibilities

• Setup and maintenance of complex government contracts in Deltek Costpoint.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, FAR, DFARS, and CAS.
• Act as advisor to Contracts and Finance leadership.
• Design and maintain compliant project charge trees, account groups, organizations, and labor category mappings.
• Interpret contract terms and translate them into compliant Costpoint configurations for Cost-Plus, T&M, FFP, and IDIQ contracts.
• Identify financial, compliance, and setup risks and propose solutions.
• Ensure all project setups comply with GAAP, FAR, DFARS, CAS, and company policies.
• Enforce cost allowability and internal controls; support DCAA audits.
• Act as advisor to Contracts, Billing, Program Management, and Finance leadership.

Skills

Advanced expertise with Deltek Costpoint

Attention to detail

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to interpret complex contracts

Independent Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

Tools

Deltek Costpoint

Excel

Process Documentation

Job description

Overview

Project Setup Accountant

LOCATION: Remote-Us

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: N/A

CERTIFICATION: N/A

TRAVEL: As Needed

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for an experienced and results-oriented Project Setup Accountant. The Project Setup Accountant is a subject matter expert responsible for the end-to-end setup, maintenance, and governance of government contracts and projects within Deltek Costpoint. This role ensures complex contract structures are configured accurately and in full compliance with GAAP, FAR/DFARS, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and DCAA requirements. The Project Setup Accountant serves as a key liaison between Accounting, Contracts, Billing, and Program Management, providing leadership, guidance, and oversight across the project setup lifecycle.

There will be periodic peak workloads aligned with month-end close, billing cycles, contract awards, and audit periods.

Required Qualifications / Skills

• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• Experience
  • 3 - 5+ years of accounting experience in a government contracting environment.
  • Advanced, hands‑on expertise with Deltek Costpoint project and contract setup.
  • Strong experience with government contract types (CPFF, T&M, FFP, IDIQ).
  • In‑depth knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
• Systems & Technical Skills
  • High proficiency in Deltek Costpoint (Project Setup, Contract Management, Billing, GL, and related modules).
  • Advanced Excel skills.
  • Experience with process documentation and internal control design.
• Skills & Competencies
  • Exceptional attention to detail and strong compliance mindset.
  • Ability to interpret complex contracts and assess accounting and compliance risk.
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple complex setups simultaneously.
  • Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.

Preferred Qualifications / Skills

• Experience in a mid‑size to large government contractor environment.
• Prior experience leading or training project setup/accounting teams.

Responsibilities

• General Responsibilities
  • Setup and maintenance of complex government contracts in Deltek Costpoint, including multi‑CLIN/SLIN contracts, task orders, IDIQs, and contract modifications.
  • Configure projects, subprojects, and task orders with appropriate revenue formulas, billing formulas, rate structures, ceilings, and periods of performance.
  • Establish and maintain contract records in Costpoint Contract Management, including funding, ceilings, fee structures, and billing terms.
  • Design and maintain compliant project charge trees, account groups, organizations, and labor category mappings.
• Contract Review & Financial Interpretation
  • Serve as a reviewer for government contracts, amendments, and funding actions.
  • Interpret contract terms and translate them into compliant Costpoint configurations for Cost‑Plus, T&M, FFP, and IDIQ contracts.
  • Identify financial, compliance, and setup risks and proactively recommend solutions.
• Compliance, Controls & Audit Support
  • Ensure all project and contract setups comply with GAAP, FAR, DFARS, CAS, and company accounting policies.
  • Enforce cost allowability and allocability through proper Costpoint configuration and internal controls.
  • Serve as an accounting contact during external financial and DCAA audits and other government reviews related to project setup and billing.
• Leadership & Cross‑Functional Partnership
  • Act as advisor to Contracts, Billing, Program Management, and Finance leadership.
  • Assist with developing, documenting, and improving standard operating procedures (SOPs) for project setup in Costpoint.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements, system enhancements, and automation.
• Billing, Revenue & Funding Oversight
  • Establish billing and revenue setup to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with contract terms.
  • Monitor funding, ceilings, and period‑of‑performance controls and elevate potential issues to leadership.
  • Support complex billing scenarios, revenue recognition, and project closeouts.
• Month‑End Close & Reporting Support
  • Provide support for month‑end and year‑end close related to project accounting.
  • Assist with indirect rate calculations, revenue recognition analysis, and complex project‑related journal entries.
  • Provide project setup data and insights to support financial reporting, forecasting, and management decision‑making.