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Government Contracting Accounting Jobs in Reston, VA

Junior Staff Accountant

Vienna, VA · On-site

$55K - $68K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career accounting professional looking to develop their skills within a growing government contracting organization. The Junior Staff Accountant will ...

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Government Contracting Accounting information

See Reston, VA salary details

$45.8K

$99.5K

$143.6K

How much do government contracting accounting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for government contracting accounting in Reston, VA is $99,519.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,100.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is government contracting accounting?

Government contracting accounting refers to the specialized field of accounting that manages and oversees the financial processes related to contracts with government agencies. This includes ensuring compliance with federal regulations, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), accurate billing, cost tracking, and audit preparedness. Professionals in this area play a crucial role in helping organizations meet government requirements, avoid penalties, and maintain eligibility for future contracts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in government contracting accounting?

To excel in Government Contracting Accounting, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, federal acquisition regulations (FAR), and compliance requirements, often supported by a degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with accounting software like Deltek Costpoint, Unanet, or SAP, as well as certifications such as CPA or CGFM, is highly valuable. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help professionals navigate complex regulations and deadlines. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and successful contract execution in a highly regulated environment.

What are some common challenges faced by accountants working in government contracting environments?

Accountants in government contracting often navigate complex regulations, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), which can require meticulous recordkeeping and reporting. Managing compliance while meeting tight deadlines and coordinating with various departments—including project management and procurement—can be demanding. Additionally, adapting to frequent changes in contract requirements and audits from federal agencies are typical challenges. However, these experiences help accountants develop specialized skills highly valued in the industry.

What is the difference between Government Contracting Accounting vs Government Bookkeeper?

AspectGovernment Contracting AccountingGovernment Bookkeeper
CredentialsAccounting certifications (e.g., CPA, CGMA), government contracting trainingBasic bookkeeping or accounting certifications, often less specialized
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, contractors, project-based settingsSmall businesses, government offices, administrative settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in government contracting firms, federal agencies, defense contractorsUsed in small government-related businesses, non-profits, administrative roles
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding specialized accounting for government contractsBasic bookkeeping tasks in government-related environments

Government Contracting Accounting involves specialized knowledge of federal regulations, cost principles, and contract compliance, often requiring advanced certifications. In contrast, a Government Bookkeeper handles routine financial record-keeping, focusing on data entry and basic financial reports. While both roles support government-related financial activities, Government Contracting Accounting is more complex and compliance-driven.

What job categories do people searching Government Contracting Accounting jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Government Contracting Accounting jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Government Contracting Accounting jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Government Contracting Accounting job openings:

Infographic showing various Government Contracting Accounting job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,519 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Outsourced Accounting Associate - Government Contracting

Aprio

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$68K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Aprio rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 23 rated bookkeepers and accountants


Job description

Work with a Top 20 CPA and advisory firm that Accounts for Anything.  Aprio has 40 U.S. office locations, as well as international office locations and more than 3,200 team members that speak 60+ languages across the globe.  By bringing together proven expertise, deep understanding, and strategic foresight for fast-growing industries, Aprio ensures clients are prepared for wherever life or business may take them. Discover a top-rated culture, vast growth opportunities and your next big career move with Aprio.

Join Aprio's Aerospace, Defense, and Government team and you will help clients maximize their opportunities. Aprio is a progressive, fast-growing firm looking for an Associate to join their dynamic team.

Aprio is a forwardthinking advisory and accounting firm that helps organizations grow, scale, and succeed. Within our Aerospace, Defense & Government (ADG) practice, we partner with government contractors to deliver accurate, compliant, and reliable accounting support that helps clients focus on their mission.

As an Outsourced Accounting Associate, you'll support government contracting clients while learning from experienced accountants, former business owners, and industry specialists. This is a great opportunity to build a strong foundation in government contract accounting while gaining exposure to multiple clients and industries.

What You'll Do

As a member of Aprio's ADG Outsourced Accounting team, you'll support daytoday accounting operations for government contracting clients, working closely with senior team members and managers.

Responsibilities include:

  • Assist with accounts payable processing, from invoice entry through check runs
  • Support accounts receivable, including customer invoicing and payment tracking
  • Record daily cash activity and deposits
  • Prepare monthly bank and account reconciliations
  • Assist with payroll processing, payroll journal entries, and vacation balance updates
  • Support general ledger maintenance and reconciliations
  • Assist with monthend close activities
  • Help prepare financial reports and schedules as needed
  • Maintain organized vendor files, accounting records, and supporting documentation
  • Prepare and update recurring spreadsheets and tracking reports
  • Research accounting questions and assist with responding to client inquiries
  • Support timely, accurate deliverables and a positive client experience
What We're Looking For
  • 1-3 years of accounting experience (public accounting, outsourced accounting, or industry experience preferred)
  • Experience working for or with government contractors is a plus but not required
  • Exposure to Unanet, Costpoint, and/or QuickBooks strongly preferred
  • Foundational understanding of GAAP and general ledger accounting
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines
  • Clear, professional communication and customer service skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word
  • Eagerness to learn, ask questions, and grow in a clientfacing environment
Why Aprio
  • Handson experience supporting real government contracting clients
  • Coaching and mentorship from experienced accounting professionals
  • Exposure to multiple clients, systems, and accounting scenarios
  • A collaborative, supportive culture that values learning and development

We're looking for a motivated earlycareer professional who takes pride in accuracy, organization, and providing excellent service - and who's excited to grow their accounting career at Aprio.

$68,000 - $78,000 a year
The salary range for this opportunity is stated above. As such, an actual salary may fall closer to one or the other end of the range, and in certain circumstances, may wind up being outside of the listed salary range. 
The application window is anticipated to close on October 13th and may be extended as needed.

Why work for Aprio:
Whether you are just starting out, looking to advance into management or searching for your next leadership role, Aprio offers an opportunity to grow with a future-focused, innovative firm.
 
 
Perks/Benefits we offer for full-time team members:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance on the first day of employment
- Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Account
- 401k with Profit Sharing
- 9+ holidays and discretionary time off structure
- Parental Leave - coverage for both primary and secondary caregivers
- Tuition Assistance Program and CPA support program with cash incentive upon completion
- Discretionary incentive compensation based on firm, group and individual performance
- Incentive compensation related to origination of new client sales
- Top rated wellness program
- Flexible working environment including remote and hybrid options
 
 
What's in it for you:
- Working with an industry leader: Be part of a high-growth firm that is passionate for what's next.
- An awesome culture: Thirty-one fundamental behaviors guide our culture every day ensuring we always deliver an exceptional team-member and client experience.  We call it the Aprio Way.  This shared mindset creates lasting relationships between team members and with clients.
- A great team: Work with a high-energy, passionate, caring and ambitious team of professionals in a collaborative culture.
- Entrepreneurship: Have the freedom to innovate and bring your ideas to help us grow to become the CPA firm of choice nationally.
- Growth opportunities: Grow professionally in an environment that fosters continuous learning and advancement.
- Competitive compensation: You will be rewarded with competitive compensation, industry-leading benefits and a flexible work environment to enjoy work/life balance.
 
 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Aprio is an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; national origin; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity and/or expression; age; disability; genetic information, citizenship status; military service obligations or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
 
Aprio, LLP and Aprio Advisory Group, LLC, operate in an alternative business structure, with Aprio Advisory Group, LLC providing non-attest tax and consulting services, and Aprio, LLP providing CPA firm services.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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