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Government Accounting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director, Government Accounting Company: Aerospace and Defense Compensation: $240,000 - $280,000, bonus, RSUs Location: San Diego, CA (Remote) Overview: Our client, a global aerospace and defense ...

Director, Government Accounting Company: Aerospace and Defense Compensation: $240,000 - $280,000, bonus, RSUs Location: San Diego, CA (Remote) Overview: Our client, a global aerospace and defense ...

Summary The Senior Government Accounting Manager is a key member of the Corporate team within GE Aerospace Corporate. This position is the subject matter expert responsible for Corporate government ...

Accounting/Finance Manager V

Poway, CA · On-site

$140K - $257K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a Director of Government Accounting and Compliance to join our Accounting and Finance team in Poway, CA. GA-ASI is seeking a strategic and hands-on Director of ...

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Oversee accounting operations, including fund accounting, general ledger maintenance, and financial ... Prepare required government financial reports (e.g., SEFA, CAFR/ACFR components, or ...

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Government Accounting information

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How much do government accounting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for government accounting in the United States is $22.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Government Accountant, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, government regulations, and financial reporting, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with government accounting software, such as SAP or Oracle, and certifications like CPA or CGFM are highly valued. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong analytical and communication skills set top professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure accurate financial management, compliance with regulations, and transparency in public sector operations.

What is the difference between Government Accounting vs Public Accountant?

AspectGovernment AccountingPublic Accountant
CredentialsCPA often preferred, government-specific certificationsCPA required, with additional certifications optional
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, public sectorAccounting firms, client offices, various industries
Employer & IndustryFederal, state, local government agenciesPrivate firms, corporations, non-profits
Work FocusPublic funds, compliance, government regulationsFinancial audits, tax services, consulting

While both roles require CPA credentials and involve accounting skills, Government Accounting primarily focuses on managing public funds and ensuring compliance within government agencies. Public Accountants serve clients across various industries, providing audits, tax, and consulting services. The key difference lies in their work environment and the nature of their responsibilities, with Government Accounting centered on public sector financial management.

What is government accounting?

Government accounting is the process of recording, analyzing, and reporting financial transactions related to government entities, such as federal, state, or local agencies. Unlike private sector accounting, government accounting focuses on stewardship of public funds, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with laws and regulations. Its primary purpose is to provide accurate financial information to legislators, government officials, and the public, enabling effective decision-making and oversight. Government accountants may handle budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting specific to governmental standards.

What are some common challenges faced in a government accounting role, and how can they be managed?

Government accountants often navigate complex regulatory frameworks and face strict compliance requirements, which can be challenging due to frequent changes in laws and policies. Managing multiple funding sources and adhering to specific budgetary constraints also requires strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Staying updated on government accounting standards (such as GASB) and maintaining clear communication with other departments can help address these challenges effectively. Regular training and collaboration with colleagues are key strategies for success in this environment.

What Are the Qualifications to Get a Job in Government Accounting?

The primary qualifications for a government accounting job are a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and seven or more years of government accounting experience. Many government accountants start in a role that is not as focused on government work to gain experience before transferring to this position. Adherence to government regulations is critical for most companies that offer this job, so employers strongly prefer applicants who have extensive experience. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a government accounting job requires communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to travel as needed. Industry certifications (such as Certified Public Accountant) are preferred but not always required.

What cities are hiring for Government Accounting jobs? Cities with the most Government Accounting job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Accounting jobs? The most popular types of Government Accounting jobs are:
What states have the most Government Accounting jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Accounting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Government Accounting job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,928 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
Director, Government Accounting

Director, Government Accounting

Vaco LLC

La Jolla, CA • Remote

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Title: Director, Government Accounting Company: Aerospace and Defense Compensation: $240,000 - $280,000, bonus, RSUs Location: San Diego, CA (Remote) Overview: Our client, a global aerospace and defense organization, is seeking a Director of Government Accounting to lead its corporate government accounting function. This role serves as the primary liaison with government auditors and partners closely with executive leadership to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements while supporting continued growth in government contracting. Summary: The Director of Government Accounting will oversee all aspects of regulatory compliance related to government contracts.

This leader will manage a team of accountants, direct financial close and reporting processes, and ensure adherence to Cost Accounting Standards, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and U.S. GAAP. The position plays a critical role in managing audit relationships and guiding strategic decision making tied to government cost structures and submissions.

Key Responsibilities: • Lead and develop the Government Accounting team, including oversight of close processes and review of deliverables • Ensure full compliance with CAS, FAR, and GAAP across all government programs • Serve as primary point of contact for government agencies and auditors including the Defense Contract Audit Agency and Defense Contract Management Agency • Oversee preparation and timely submission of required filings including Forward Pricing Rate Proposals, Incurred Cost Submissions, and Disclosure Statements • Direct audit response efforts and coordinate remediation plans when needed • Advise executive leadership on cost structure, regulatory matters, and accounting implications of government contracts • Establish and monitor performance metrics to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement Qualifications • 15+ years of total experience with at least 10+ years in government accounting • Minimum 5+ years of supervisory experience leading accounting teams • Active CPA required • Deep expertise in Cost Accounting Standards, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and U.S. GAAP • Proven experience negotiating complex FAR and CAS matters with government agencies • Strong executive presence with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels, including government representatives • Ability to manage competing priorities and consistently meet deadlines • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint • ERP experience required, with preference for SAP and SAP S/4HANA • Prior Big 4 or public accounting experience preferred • U.S. Citizenship required Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity.

You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.

Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.

Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.

Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.


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About Vaco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Vaco delivers critical talent solutions to companies in the areas of consulting, project resources, executive search, direct hire and strategic staffing with expertise in numerous areas including accounting and finance, technology and operations. Vaco's family of brands includes Pivot Point Consulting, a best in KLAS health care IT solutions provider; Focus Search Partners, a retained executive search practice; and MorganFranklin Consulting, Vaco's methodology-driven global consulting platform. Since its founding in 2002, Vaco has grown to serve more than 12,000 clients across the globe with more 9,800 employees. Vaco has been named to Inc. magazine's list of the fastest-growing private companies for the past 15 years and was named to Forbes' 2018-2021 lists of America's Best Recruiting Firms.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Brentwood, TN, US

Year founded

2002

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