1

Government Accountant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Government Accounting Analyst

Tysons, VA · On-site

$60K - $79K/yr

Accounting professional with experience supporting billing, corporate accounting, and government ... Experience with account reconciliations, month-end close, and financial reporting processes. * CPA ...

Staff Accountant

Mclean, VA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Your expertise in government accounting regulations, compliance, and reporting will ensure accurate financial data, maintain contract compliance, and support our organization's financial success. The ...

Grant Accountant

Nottingham, MD · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated individual, with grant and/or government accounting knowledge, who can act as a liaison between grant program managers and the internal support center. Key ...

Grant Accountant

Nottingham, MD · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated individual, with grant and/or government accounting knowledge, who can act as a liaison between grant program managers and the internal support center. Key ...

Grant Accountant

Nottingham, MD · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated individual, with grant and/or government accounting knowledge, who can act as a liaison between grant program managers and the internal support center. Key ...

Staff Accountant

Mountain View, CA

$65K - $86K/yr

Hoxton Circle has partnered with a local client that needs some a solid part-time temporary Accountant with good government accounting skills to hit the ground running. The job will come with medical ...

Certification as a Certified Government Finance Manager (CGFM) by the Association of Government Accountants; Certification as a Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) by the Government Finance ...

Showing results 41-60

Government Accountant information

See salary details

$34.5K

$65.8K

$98K

How much do government accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for government accountant in the United States is $65,812.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a government accountant do?

A Government Accountant manages and oversees the financial records and activities of government agencies and organizations. Their responsibilities include preparing financial statements, ensuring compliance with government regulations, auditing public funds, and analyzing budgets. They help ensure that public resources are used efficiently and transparently, often working closely with auditors and policy makers. Government Accountants play a key role in maintaining public trust by promoting accountability and fiscal responsibility within government operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government accountant?

To thrive as a Government Accountant, you need a solid understanding of governmental accounting principles, public finance, and regulations, typically supported by a degree in accounting or finance and, often, CPA or CGFM certification. Familiarity with government-specific accounting software, ERP systems, and auditing tools is essential. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong analytical and communication skills help you navigate complex regulations and collaborate with public stakeholders. These competencies ensure accurate financial reporting, compliance, and transparency in managing public funds.

What are some common challenges government accountants face when working with public sector budgets?

Government accountants often navigate the complexities of managing and reconciling budgets with strict regulatory requirements and frequent changes in funding allocations. A key challenge is ensuring compliance with governmental accounting standards while balancing transparency and efficiency in reporting. Additionally, government accountants must coordinate with multiple departments and stakeholders, which requires strong communication and organizational skills. Staying current with evolving laws and audit procedures is also essential to success in this role.

What is the difference between Government Accountant vs Public Accountant?

AspectGovernment AccountantPublic Accountant
CredentialsBachelor's degree in accounting or related field; CPA often preferredBachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related; CPA highly valued
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, public sector organizationsAccounting firms, consulting agencies, or independent practice
Employer & IndustryFederal, state, or local governmentPrivate firms, corporations, or individual clients
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve accounting skills and certifications like the CPA, Government Accountants primarily work within government agencies managing public funds and ensuring compliance with regulations. Public Accountants serve clients in private firms or independently, focusing on audits, tax preparation, and consulting. The key difference lies in their work environment and employer type, though both require similar credentials and often overlap in skills and responsibilities.

More about Government Accountant jobs

What cities are hiring for Government Accountant jobs?

Cities with the most Government Accountant job openings:

What states have the most Government Accountant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Government Accountant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Government Accountant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,812 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Senior Government Contract Accountant

TerraPower LLC.

Bellevue, WA • On-site, Remote

$83K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

TerraPower is a nuclear technology company based in Bellevue, Washington. At its core, the company is working to raise living standards globally through a more affordable, secure, and environmentally friendly form of nuclear energy along with innovations in medical isotopes to improve human health. In 2006, TerraPower originated with Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries who evaluated the fundamental challenges to raising living standards around the world. They recognized energy access was crucial to the health and economic well-being of communities and decided that the private sector needed to take action and create energy sources that would advance global energy deployment. TerraPower's mission is to be a world leader in new nuclear technologies, while developing innovators and future leaders in the nuclear field. As a result, the company's activities in the fields of nuclear energy and related sciences are yielding significant innovations in the safety and economics of nuclear power, hybrid energy and medical applications - all for significant human health benefits."
TerraPower is seeking to hire highly motivated and forward-thinking professionals who are interested in focusing on advanced nuclear reactor research and development and influencing change within the nuclear power landscape and bringing forward the critical production of medical isotopes. TerraPower is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Government Contract Accountant - Accounts Receivable
The Government Contract Accountant- Accounts Receivable will be responsible for the reviewing billable charges (including AP invoices and travel expenses) in compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) for all contract types. The successful candidate will demonstrate extensive knowledge in GAAP, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and user experience in Oracle and Concur.
Responsibilities
  • Review internal travel expense reports in Concur to ensure compliance with FAR regulations and company travel policies.
  • Review Accounts Payable invoices for accuracy, proper documentation, and compliance with contractual requirements.
  • Review travel expenses submitted by subrecipients to ensure compliance with FAR and applicable travel policies.
  • Ensure proper GL, department, and project/billable coding for all expenses.
  • Extract, review, and compile supporting documentation (e.g., travel receipts, subcontractor invoices, purchase orders, and expense reports) required to support government invoices.
  • Assist in the preparation, validation, and issuance of government invoices in accordance with contract terms and FAR compliance requirements.
  • Identify and flag unallowable costs in accordance with government regulations and contractual terms.
  • Monitor Accounts Receivable aging and ensure collections remain current.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to resolve billing discrepancies and payment issues.
  • Support month-end close activities, including general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, and journal entry preparation/posting.
  • Assist with monthly and quarterly internal and external financial reporting.
  • Contribute to the development and improvement of policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Perform moderately complex accounting analysis, categorize financial data for reporting, and ensure documentation is audit ready.
  • Apply knowledge of government accounting policies and procedures when responding to written and verbal inquiries from stakeholders.
  • Support internal and external audits, including preparation and review of documentation related to allowable and unallowable costs.

Key Qualifications and Skills
  • BS. degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant business experience.
  • Minimum of 5+ years of experience in an accounting or finance environment.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to additional financial and accounting systems (e.g., Concur, Oracle).
  • Experience with Concur is a must; Oracle is preferred.
  • Knowledge of direct and indirect costs, including the identification of allowable and unallowable expenses, particularly related to travel compliance.
  • Working knowledge of government grants and/or government contracts is preferred.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a strong commitment to accuracy.
  • Demonstrate ownership and accountability, with the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
  • Public company experience and familiarity with related accounting processes are strongly preferred.
  • Ability to quickly learn new information, systems, and technologies.
  • Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with operations teams and non-accounting stakeholders while managing complex accounting, project, and organizational codes.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify, analyze, and resolve issues in a timely manner.
  • Proven ability to prioritize tasks, plan work activities, and manage deadlines effectively.
  • Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional, multidisciplinary environment.
  • High level of integrity, trust, and professionalism, with a commitment to open communication, mutual respect, and fostering a collaborative team culture.

Job Functions:
Job Functions are physical actions and/or working conditions associated with the position. These functions may also constitute essential functions for the job which the employee must be able to fulfill, with or without accommodation. Information provided below is to help describe the job so that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the job duties/expectations. An applicant's ability to perform and/or tolerate these actions and conditions will be discussed and workplace accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis following an individualized assessment of the applicant and other considerations, including but not limited to any governing safety standards.
  • Motor Abilities: Sitting for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)
  • Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal, with ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Repetitive work: Prolonged
  • Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work
  • Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hours/day
  • Travel required 0-5%

TerraPower's technology is controlled for export by various agencies of the U.S. Government. TerraPower must evaluate applicants who are foreign nationals (other than asylees, refugees, or lawful permanent residents) in accordance with U.S. Government export control requirements. To facilitate TerraPower's export control reviews, you will be asked as part of the application process to identify whether you are a U.S. Citizen or national, asylee, refugee, or lawful permanent resident of the United States. Government export authorization approval times vary. Based on the business needs for a particular position, TerraPower may not consider a foreign national from a country if it is impracticable to obtain timely Government export approval.
Job details
Salary Range: $117,922 - $176,833
* We typically place offers in the lower to middle portion of the range to maintain internal equity and allow room for growth. Any salary offered within the posted salary band is based on market data and commensurate with the selected individual's qualifications experience. This range is specific to Washington State.
Benefits:
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Salary, eligible to participate in discretionary short-term incentive payments
  • Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits
    • Medical
    • Vision
    • Dental
    • Life and Disability
    • Gender Affirmation Benefits
  • Parental Leave
  • 401k Plan
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
    • 21 days of annually accrued PTO
  • Generous Holiday Schedule
    • 10 paid holidays
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Professional and Educational Support Opportunities

TerraPower Career and Benefits information: https://www.terrapower.com/contact-us/careers/