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General Accountant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Maintain general ledger accuracy and ensure proper documentation of transactions. * Perform bank ... Ensure compliance with company policies and accounting standards. * Utilize Sage Intacct to process ...

Senior Accountant

Washington, DC · On-site

$84K - $105K/yr

Requirements Job Overview The General Accounting Office (GAO) in the University's Office of the CFO (OCFO) is responsible for the integrity of the University's financial records and systems and for ...

Senior Accountant

Washington, DC · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

The General Accounting Office (GAO) in the University's Office of the CFO (OCFO) is responsible for the integrity of the University's financial records and systems and for assuring that the ...

Under the general direction of the Accounting Manager, the Accountant will be responsible for a variety of high-level accounting activities for the organization. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Accounting & Financial Operations * Assist with monthly financial close activities. * Review and audit timesheets, project data, financial transactions, and supporting documentation for ...

General Accounting & Financial Operations * Assist with monthly financial close activities. * Review and audit timesheets, project data, financial transactions, and supporting documentation for ...

The General Ledger Accountant will assist with financial reporting, support external audits, monitor compliance with accounting policies and GAAP, and contribute to maintaining strong internal ...

Senior Accountant

Leesburg, VA

$78K - $98K/yr

This role will manage complex accounting activities, including general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, month-end close, financial reporting, and audit support while maintaining accurate and ...

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General Accountant information

See Washington salary details

$34.5K

$69.4K

$95.7K

How much do general accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for general accountant in Washington is $69,422.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a general accountant?

A general accountant performs a wide range of accounting duties, from preparing financial statements and budgets to reconciling tax documents and analyzing trends and obligations. As a general accountant, you’re in charge of financial reporting and tax management for a company or individual client, so understanding the operations of their particular business is crucial for meeting their financial goals. In this job, you typically do not specialize in one area. General accountants usually have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA), although the minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree. The qualifications for this career also require you to become certified, stay educated regarding new tax regulations, and exhibit strong mathematical and analytical skills.

What does a general accountant do?

A General Accountant is responsible for managing and recording an organization’s financial transactions, ensuring that all financial data is accurate and up to date. Their duties typically include preparing financial statements, reconciling accounts, processing invoices, and assisting with audits. General Accountants help organizations comply with financial regulations and provide valuable insights for decision-making by maintaining thorough and organized records. They may also be involved in budgeting, tax preparation, and financial analysis depending on the size and structure of the company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a general accountant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a General Accountant, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor's in accounting or finance. Familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Excel, is typically required, and certifications like CPA are advantageous. Attention to detail, integrity, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help accountants excel in managing financial data and deadlines. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate financial records, compliance with regulations, and effective support for business decision-making.

What are some typical challenges a general accountant might face during month-end close, and how can they be managed?

During month-end close, General Accountants often encounter tight deadlines, high volumes of transactions to reconcile, and the need to coordinate information from various departments. Managing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, clear communication with colleagues, and attention to detail to ensure accuracy. Proactively preparing schedules, maintaining up-to-date documentation, and using accounting software efficiently can help streamline the process and minimize errors.

What is the difference between General Accountant vs Bookkeeper?

AspectGeneral AccountantBookkeeper
CredentialsTypically holds a bachelor's degree in accounting or financeOften has a high school diploma; some may have bookkeeping certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks in accounting departments, handling complex financial tasksWorks in small offices or businesses, recording daily transactions
ResponsibilitiesPrepares financial statements, manages accounts, ensures complianceRecords daily financial transactions, maintains ledgers
Industry UsageCommon in corporate, government, and large organizationsCommon in small businesses and sole proprietorships

The main difference between a General Accountant and a Bookkeeper lies in their responsibilities and required credentials. General Accountants handle more complex financial tasks, prepare reports, and often have formal education, while Bookkeepers focus on recording daily transactions. Both roles are essential for maintaining accurate financial records, but they differ in scope and expertise.

More about General Accountant jobs

What are popular job titles related to General Accountant jobs in WA?

For General Accountant jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various General Accountant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,422 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

General Accountant - Federal Government

Maxtena Inc

Germantown, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

As a General Accountant (Federal Government) you will be responsible for the execution of accounting assignments and functions related to government (sub)contracts. You will possess a strong accounting background with a solid foundation of experience, knowledge, and understanding of principles, practices, and procedures related to all aspects of governmental accounting and financial analysis, including accounting & budgeting. As a Mid-level position, this role is also expected to provide guidance on accounting and finance topics, and promotion of company policies and best practices. The General Accountant is a key member of the finance team and works directly with the company's Chief Executive Officer, and our clients, to help meet the project's financial goals and objectives.

The position is onsite and based in Germantown, MD.

YOUR WORK AT MAXTENA WILL INCLUDE:

  • Prepare, review, analyze, and submit a variety of complex and/or special reports, reconciliations, work papers, schedules, tables, and/or statements to and from internal departments and the Federal Government.
  • Provide support to other internal departments by resolving financially related problems and reviewing internal controls.
  • Supports accounting operations including preparing or assisting with monthly invoices/bills, reviewing and preparing other journal entries for Government division/project based.
  • Track project-specific expenses, and prepare analyses and financial projections to produce monthly financial reports.
  • Able to maintain project-specific vendor communication. Prepare project related Purchase Orders.
  • Verify the accuracy of vendor invoices.
  • Bookkeeping - Accounts Payable and Receivable (Government division)
  • Supervise and assist in preparing Federal Government project budgets and budget revisions; analyze actual financial performance compared to budget.
  • Prepares various reports (e.g., project and operating budgets) of a moderately complex nature using spreadsheets.
  • Maintain project-specific documentation and database.
  • Evaluate existing accounting procedures and make recommendations for improvements and compliance.
  • Ability to analyze data, create reports and/or presentations, and communicate results internally and to the management team.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:


  • Must be a U.S. citizen with an ability to obtain a US government security clearance if required by contract.

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field. A combination of relevant education and relevant experience is accepted.

  • Minimum of 4 years of experience in Accounting or Finance, performing above-referenced tasks and duties including progressive experience in billing and accounting operations for government (sub) contracts.

  • Will work closely with our engineering & finance team in partnership and strategic approach.

  • Detail-oriented, self-motivated and focused individual to solve accounting and financial problems without needing specific directions.

  • Familiarity with accounting software (QuickBooks preferably).

  • Strong knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc)

  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:


  • Familiarity with US government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) a plus.

  • Familiarity with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) for classified information matters.

PERKS OF WORKING AT MAXTENA:


  • A dynamic, innovative, and productive workplace

  • Continuous career growth opportunities

  • Competitive compensation package

  • Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance

  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Paid Parental Leave

  • 401K match

  • Flextime

  • Fun & games events

  • Coffee, sweets, & much more...

Maxtena is an Equal Opportunity Employer.