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Government Contracts Accountant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VP, Government Contracts

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$195K - $308K/yr

Experience managing program financials and cost-accounting standards, including familiarity with ... Government (DoD) contracts, as well as international contracting. * Regulatory Expertise: Master ...

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Government Contracts Accountant information

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$33.5K

$67.9K

$100K

How much do government contracts accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for government contracts accountant in the United States is $67,919.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $75,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Government Contracts Accountant do?

A Government Contracts Accountant manages the financial aspects of government contracts, ensuring compliance with federal regulations like FAR and CAS. They handle budgeting, cost analysis, reporting, and audits to maintain contract integrity. Their role includes tracking allowable costs, preparing financial statements, and working closely with auditors and government agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Government Contracts Accountant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government Contracts Accountant, you need a thorough understanding of accounting principles, federal acquisition regulations (FAR), and experience working with government contracts, typically backed by a relevant degree and sometimes a CPA certification. Familiarity with contract management systems, ERP software (like Deltek Costpoint), and government compliance tools is common in the role. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this position. These skills are crucial to ensure compliance, manage complex contract requirements, and maintain accurate financial records in a highly regulated environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Government Contracts Accountant?

Government Contracts Accountants often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulatory requirements, ensuring strict compliance with government standards, and managing tight reporting deadlines. They must interpret and apply evolving federal acquisition regulations while juggling multiple projects and audits. This role requires frequent collaboration with project managers, auditors, and other finance professionals to maintain accuracy and transparency in contract accounting. Staying organized and up-to-date on changes in government policies helps professionals in this role succeed and minimize risks to their organization.

More about Government Contracts Accountant jobs
What cities are hiring for Government Contracts Accountant jobs? Cities with the most Government Contracts Accountant job openings:
What states have the most Government Contracts Accountant jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Contracts Accountant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Government Contracts Accountant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Government Contracts Accountant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Government Contracts Accountant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,919 per year, or $32.7 per hour.
Government Contracts Manager

Government Contracts Manager

Howmet Aerospace

Torrance, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Howmet Aerospace rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 160 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 71 rated aerospace companies


Job description

The Government Contracts Manager will work collaboratively with other business functions (such as sales, procurement and human resources) to assist the Company in achieving its business objectives while complying with the laws and regulations applicable to doing business with the US Government.

We are looking for a strong leader to be responsible for establishing, updating and communicating Company policies and regulatory developments relating to (i) government and non-governmental contract issues and compliance. This person will be the primary resource to Account and Sales managers regarding (i) interpretation of such policies and developments as they relate to business and compliance issues; (ii) negotiation of government and commercial agreements.

The successful candidate will report to the Director, Global Trade Compliance, for the HFS business unit. 

Key responsibilities for the position in the area specifically include: 

  • Review all proposed federal contracts and subcontracts to ensure compliance with all terms including working with the sales team and if applicable the procurement team to ensure inclusion of only the applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses and if applicable the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and other applicable government agency requirements and regulations.
  • Resource for the contracts managers and sales personnel (negotiation teams) in the negotiation and management of agreements and purchase orders with customers including government rated orders.
  • Advise on and manage yearly FAR/DFARS certifications, questionnaires, and requests for information.
  • Prepare and conduct training on various government contracting topics .
  • Develop process, procedures and trainings aligned with Company’s Government Contract Policy, and government requirements.
  • Develop compliance processes for government projects and contracts including independently administer and monitor various types of contracts, i.e. time and material (T&M); firm fixed price (FFP); indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ); and other transactions as necessary.
  • Ensure procurement properly flows down required FAR/DFARS clauses to subcontractors.
  • Assist the business with preparation of Commercial Item assertions and response to Request for Proposals on the supply of Non-Commercial Items.
  • Monitor updates to FAR/DFARS obligations and escalate any new compliance requirements within the Sector to ensure compliance including monitor legislative and regulatory developments that may affect Sector’s operations or opportunities.
  • Ensure company knowledge of, and compliance with, rated order obligations and ensure compliance with contractual flow down of government contract clauses by Sector’s customers and suppliers.
  • Ensuring systems is in place for Sector compliance with CAS/FAR/DFAR, where necessary. 

  • Bachelor’s degree from a 4 year university
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in contract management
  • Minimum 2 years of experience working with FAR and DFARS regulations in a government contracting environment
  • Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant’s ability to lawfully obtain access to such items. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • BS in Business Administration, Law, or related field. A LLM or a JD is preferred
  • In-depth knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other applicable federal procurement regulations.
  • Strong contract drafting, negotiation, and administration skills.
  • Ability to interpret complex legal and contractual language and provide clear guidance to internal stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong attention to detail, with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proven experience negotiating and administering government contracts, including fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, and time-and-materials contracts.
  • Experience working with government defense contracts or Department of Defense (DoD) contracts.
  • Knowledge of contract management software and tools (e.g., IFS).
  • Solid understanding of the U.S. Governments Costs Accounting standards (CAS)
  • Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) or similar certification is preferred.
  • FAR/DFARS training or certification is strongly preferred. 

Additional Requirements

  • Must be able to work on site in Torrance, California. This role is Hybrid with remote work available 1-2 days per week.

Benefits/Salary:

  • The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package available day one of hire, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. Howmet Aerospace curates a strong working environment through opportunities for career progression, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location. The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $140,000


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About Howmet Aerospace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company's sales for 2021 approximated $5 billion. The Company's primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With nearly 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company's differentiated technologies promote more fuel efficiency for aircraft and commercial transportation. Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1888