Entry Level Project Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

Part-Time Entry-Level Project Accountant

Are you looking for a challenge? Looking for an innovative organization and the opportunity to learn and grow professionally? We can help! We are seeking a Part-Time Entry-Level Project Accountant to support our growing team. This role is primarily on-site in Woodbridge, VA with (1) day per week at our Springfield, VA office.

At Terrestris, we leverage technology to create better mission outcomes through better human performance. We form strong client and team relationships through transparency and strive to create an environment where our team can let their excellence shine through. By finding, developing, and incorporating new ideas, we provide memorable services. Rooted in the USMC values of honor, courage, and commitment, Terrestris seeks to deliver extraordinary value to the American people by helping the Government become more efficient and effective.

So, what will the Part-Time Entry-Level Project Accountant at Terrestris do?

As an entry-level project accountant, you will support a variety of federal programs and internal projects. This is an ideal opportunity for a recent graduate or emerging professional looking to gain experience in financial operations within the federal space. After three months, this position has the potential to transition into a full-time role based on performance and business needs.

What does a typical day look like for the Part-Time Entry-Level Project Accountant?

You will:

• Track project budgets, actuals, and forecasts.
• Assist with maintaining state tax compliance and review travel reports.
• Ensure costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable per FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and CAS (Cost Accounting Standards).
• Maintain compliance with agency-specific guidelines (e.g., DCAA, DFARS).
• Support audits and ensure audit-ready documentation.
• Prepare and submit invoices in accordance with the contract (T&M, CPFF, FFP, etc.).
• Reconcile billed vs. actual costs.
• Interface with government payment systems (e.g., Wide Area Workflow (WAWF)).
• Reconcile labor costs with timesheets and labor distribution reports.
• Ensure accuracy of direct and indirect labor allocations.
• Support indirect rate calculations and rate variance analysis.
• Set up new projects in the accounting system according to contract terms.
• Ensure proper closeout of projects—final invoices, audit support, and documentation archiving.
• Generate internal financial reports and external reports for government agencies.
• Provide project managers with real-time financial data to support decision-making.
• Assist in preparing for and responding to DCAA or agency financial audits.
• Maintain detailed records to ensure traceability and compliance.

What qualifications do you look for?

You might be the professional we're looking for if you have:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• A minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience (internships, academic projects, or part-time work) in financial analysis or accounting.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial management within complex organizations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel; experience with SharePoint is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate clearly with internal team(s).

We are extra impressed by folks with:

• Experience with QuickBooks desktop.
• Familiarity with federal agencies.

What kind of benefits does Terrestris Offer?

We offer outstanding benefits including health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category.

Terrestris is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

DILBERT 2018 Scott Adams. Used By permission of ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION. All rights reserved.