Project Accounting Consultant - Government Contracts - Hybrid in La Crosse, Wisconsin

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We are seeking an experienced Project Accounting Consultant with deep expertise in government contracting to provide short-term and strategic support for project setup, cost tracking, compliance, and reporting. This role will work closely with program management, finance, and compliance teams to ensure project financials align with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) requirements.

The consultant will play a key role in optimizing project accounting processes, ensuring audit readiness, and providing accurate, timely financial reporting to internal and external stakeholders.

If you are located in La Crosse, WI, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Project Setup & Maintenance
  • Establish compliant project structures in the ERP system, ensuring correct contract types, billing terms, and cost structures
  • Collaborate with contracts, program management, and procurement to ensure accurate project coding and cost allocation
  • Project Cost Tracking & Reporting
  • Monitor labor, materials, subcontract, and indirect cost charges to projects for accuracy and compliance
  • Support project managers with cost performance metrics, burn rates, and forecast updates
• Billing & Revenue Recognition
  • Ensure invoices are prepared in compliance with contract terms and government regulations
  • Reconcile unbilled receivables, deferred revenue, and billed-to-date amounts
  • Apply appropriate revenue recognition methods based on contract type (CPFF, T&M, FFP)
• Compliance & Audit Support
  • Ensure all project accounting processes adhere to FAR, DFARS, and CAS requirements
  • Support DCAA/DCMA audits, providing required documentation and explanations
  • Review cost allowability, allocability, and reasonableness in accordance with federal cost principles
• Process Improvement & Advisory
  • Identify gaps and recommend enhancements to project accounting workflows and controls
  • Provide training and guidance to finance and project teams on compliance and project cost management best practices
  • Assist with ERP optimization for project accounting and government reporting

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of project accounting experience
• Solid knowledge of FAR, DFARS, CAS, and DCAA requirements
• Proficiency with government contractor ERP systems (e.g., Deltek Costpoint)
• Proven ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA, CMA, or CGFM certification
• 5+ years of project accounting experience in a government contracting environment
• Experience in multiple contract types (CP, T&M, FFP)
• Consulting experience in project accounting or government contracting finance

Core Competencies

• Regulatory Compliance - Ability to apply FAR/CAS requirements to daily accounting functions
• Analytical Skills - Skilled in financial analysis, EACs, and variance analysis
• Attention to Detail - High accuracy in coding, reporting, and reconciliations
• Collaboration - Works effectively with program, contracts, and procurement teams
• Problem-Solving - Identifies accounting issues quickly and implements practical solutions

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to l