Assistant Financial Accountant Jobs in Reston, VA

Expert Accountant (CPA) Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Expert Accountant to provide high-level financial management, accounting, and strategic advisory support within a federal government environment. The ideal candidate is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with extensive experience in federal accounting, financial reporting, audit support, and financial systems. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of financial operations while supporting mission-critical programs. Minimum Qualifications
Experience
• Minimum of 11 years of progressive professional accounting experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial management, accounting, auditing, fiscal control, and federal financial operations. Education
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting or a related field meeting the educational requirements for CPA licensure. Certification
• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. Key Responsibilities
• Provide strategic financial guidance and support to senior leadership on complex financial and programmatic initiatives.
• Prepare executive-level briefings and supporting documentation for Sponsor leadership, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Congress, and other external stakeholders.
• Advise leadership on the design, implementation, and management of financial operations, reporting requirements, internal controls, and financial data security.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of financial data and reporting.
• Develop, implement, and maintain internal controls that minimize financial risk and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
• Support Office of Inspector General (OIG) audits and contribute to the achievement of auditable financial statements.
• Analyze financial data from multiple systems and develop reports, recommendations, and presentations for executive leadership.
• Review financial transactions, accrue expenses, and support the preparation of accurate financial statements.
• Assist in developing and implementing accounting policies, procedures, and financial management best practices.
• Record and maintain accounting data within Sponsor-specific financial systems while ensuring data integrity.
• Ensure compliance with federal accounting standards, policies, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Prepare financial statements supporting Sponsor organizations and Working Capital Fund (WCF) business activities.
• Prepare complex tax returns, reconciliations, and tax documentation supporting federal tax programs.
• Participate in Directorate, corporate finance committees, working groups, and governance boards as directed.
• Support senior management with financial planning, analysis, and strategic decision-making.
• Contribute to financial systems modernization initiatives, business process improvements, and system implementation efforts.
• Provide functional expertise during financial systems development, testing, reporting, and deployment.
• Facilitate communication between financial stakeholders, customers, and technical development teams.
• Develop accounting policies, performance metrics, and financial management processes to improve organizational effectiveness.
• Assist in developing financial forecasts and pricing models for Working Capital Fund products and services.
• Analyze Working Capital Fund financial performance and evaluate financial statements submitted by participating organizations.
• Maintain professional expertise through continuing education, industry training, seminars, workshops, and professional publications. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Expert knowledge of quality assurance practices to ensure financial data accuracy, integrity, and timeliness.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB) standards, and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) guidance.
• Extensive knowledge of federal appropriations law and federal financial management regulations.
• Strong understanding of federal funding, accounting, acquisition, and financial management processes.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex financial regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate financial data and develop actionable recommendations.
• Experience resolving highly complex financial issues while advising senior leadership.
• Ability to communicate technical financial information effectively to executive leadership, customers, and non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience preparing and delivering executive-level presentations and financial briefings.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships across organizations.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience supporting federal government financial management organizations.
• Experience with Working Capital Fund financial operations.
• Experience supporting financial system modernization or implementation efforts.
• Experience supporting federal audits, financial statement preparation, and internal control programs.
• Familiarity with Sponsor-specific financial systems and databases is highly desirable. Work Environment
This position supports a federal government customer and requires the ability to work collaboratively with senior executives, financial managers, auditors, and cross-functional stakeholders while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and financial stewardship.