Staff Accountant - Financial Analysis, Reporting & Federal Contract Compliance

Lafayette Group Inc.; Arlington (VA); Remote; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lafayette Group Inc. is seeking a Staff Accountant focused on financial analysis, reporting and federal contract compliance. You will support general accounting, payroll processing, and contract costing, ensuring accuracy, internal controls and audit readiness.

Ideal candidate has 3–6 years of accounting experience, familiarity with DCAA/CAS, FAR, and UKG/UnaNet; strong Excel and communication skills; location in DC area or remote option.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Approximately 3–6 years of accounting experience including general ledger, financial reporting and reconciliations.
• Experience with UnaNet; UKG Workforce Ready a plus.
• Payroll processing and payroll tax support experience.
• Federal government contracting, DCAA compliance, or government contract audit support preferred.
• Familiarity with FAR, CAS, indirect cost allocations, and government contract billing.
• Strong Excel, analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and close processes.
• Prepare management reports, budgets vs actual analyses, and forecasts.
• Maintain accurate general ledger records and improve internal controls.

Skills

Excel

Analytical

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

UnaNet

UKG Workforce Ready

Job description

Staff Accountant - Financial Analysis, Reporting & Federal Contract Compliance

The Staff Accountant at Lafayette Group supports general accounting, corporate financial analysis and reporting, payroll processing and payroll tax compliance, and federal government contract accounting. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, supporting financial reporting and analysis, and ensuring appropriate documentation, internal controls, and audit readiness, including compliance with applicable federal contracting requirements and DCAA expectations.

The ideal candidate has a strong accounting foundation, analytical skills, payroll experience, and familiarity with federal government contracting, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) compliance, and audit support. They will be able to successfully perform routine accounting independently while providing meaningful support across corporate finance, payroll and federal contract compliance.

Key Responsibilities

General Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules; assist with monthly and annual financial close and financial statement preparation.
• Prepare management reports, budget-to-actual analyses, and financial forecasts; analyze revenue, expenses, labor costs, and contract performance.
• Maintain accurate general ledger records and identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and internal controls.

Payroll & Payroll Tax Support

• Process or support payroll, employee timekeeping, labor distributions, and payroll accounting reconciliations.
• Assist with payroll tax accounts, filings, quarterly and annual reporting, and resolution of payroll discrepancies.

Government Contract Accounting & DCAA Compliance

• Support federal contract accounting in accordance with applicable FAR requirements and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), when applicable.
• Maintain supporting documentation for labor costs, timekeeping, contract billing, indirect cost allocations, and incurred cost submissions.
• Assist with identifying unallowable costs, maintaining compliant accounting practices, and ensuring records are accurate and audit-ready.

Audit Support & Collaboration

• Prepare financial records, reconciliations, payroll documentation, and cost schedules for financial statement audits, DCAA audits, and other compliance reviews.
• Respond to audit requests, assist with resolving findings, and coordinate with Company Leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Approximately 3-6 years of accounting experience, including general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and reconciliations.
• Experience with UnaNet, additional experience with UKG Workforce Ready a plus
• Payroll processing and payroll tax support experience.
• Federal government contracting, DCAA compliance, or government contract audit support experience strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with FAR, applicable CAS, indirect cost allocations, and government contract billing.
• Strong Excel, analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and internal controls.

Location: DC Metro area preferred, but remote possible

Desired Start Date: 11/2/2026

Compensation: $70K-$90K
LGI carefully considers various factors when determining salary, including but not limited to education and training, professional experience, knowledge, skills and competencies, licensure and certifications, contract-specific affordability, and organizational requirements. New employees are not usually hired at the top of the estimated salary range and salary decisions depend on the circumstances and factors for each case. Salary is only one aspect of LGI's generous total compensation package.

Lafayette Group provides equal employment opportunities to all persons and prohibits employment decisions based on race, religion, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or sexual orientation. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.