Government Contract Accounting

Job Description: WestStart-CALSTART is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated self-starter to work on government contract accounting. The candidate is also responsible for the accounting and reporting for all government and private grants and contracts. Coordinate the annual financial and A-133 audit, and perform various sub-recipients' audits throughout the year. Candidate reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

The Organization: WestStart-CALSTART is North America's leading advanced transportation consortium working to accelerate the commercialization of clean, energy efficient transportation technologies and services. The organization serves as a strategic broker on behalf of its more than 120 participating companies and agencies. Founded in 1992, WestStart-CALSTART has developed and managed over $150 million in technology development and industry support programs.

WestStart-CALSTART has been instrumental in building the necessary public-private partnerships to bring promising vehicles, fuels and propulsion systems to the market. The organization currently has major programs to facilitate the commercialization of hybrid trucks and buses, fuel cell and hydrogen buses, and other alternative fuels and advanced transportation technologies. 

Responsibilities: 

The candidate will work with program managers and staff on the preparation and submission of budgets, reviewing proposals for compliance with the government guidelines to ensure consistency with government policies and business practices. Perform sub-recipient pre-award and close out audits. 

Qualifications: The candidate must have a minimum of 3 years of increasingly responsible experience in the government contract accounting, including:

* Government forms and formats for pricing proposals. 
* Direct and indirect cost rate submissions. 
* Cost principles for allowability.
* Cost allocability and reasonableness. 
* The impact of the type of contract on the accounting requirements. 
* Billing the Government for work accomplished. 
* Dealing with government auditors.

The successful candidate must also have extensive knowledge of applicable federal regulations, policies, procedures, circulars and laws applicable to grant and contract activity including OMB Circulars A-122, A-133. Must also be able to interpret and ensure adherence to special terms and conditions of grant awards. Candidate must have thorough knowledge of the cost principles under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), including the working rules and techniques of contract costing and cost recovery. In addition, experience with internal controls and GAAP requirements and concepts, and financial analysis are required. 

Skills:

* Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Job Cost Accounting System (Preferably MAS90), and FRX & Crystal Report experience is a plus.
* Strong interpersonal skills as well as excellent verbal and written communication.
* Strong organizational, problem solving, and customer service skills. 
* Good math skills, attention to detail, and ability to work and check work with a high degree of accuracy.
* Ability to analyze fiscal data, summarize information and present it in a logical format. 
* Ability to work independently, resolve problems, and work with minimum supervision.
* Ability to perform high level financial analysis and customized reporting. 
* Experience in managing commercial office building is helpful. 

Personal Attributes: 

* Critical thinker with ability to identify outside the box/ win-win solutions.
* Tenacity, perseverance, and action orientation.
* Able to command respect of government and industry stakeholders.
* Ability to focus and prioritize. 
* Desire to learn about new subjects. 
* Excellent listening skills and openness to all perspectives. 
* Flexible and adaptable in a changing environment. 

Education: BA or BS degree from an accredited college or university with a major in accounting or finance is required. Additional credential in contract law is preferable.

Compensation and Benefits: The salary is based on experience and qualifications along with a comprehensive benefits package; The open position is based in WestStart-CALSTART's Pasadena, California office. 

How to Apply:

Applicants should email responses and must include a thoughtful cover letter explaining why you should be considered for this position and a resume. A salary history is also requested. Female and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Please put "Government Contract Accounting" in the subject line.