Part-time Entry-Level Project Accountant
The Part-time Entry-Level Project Accountant supports financial operations for federal programs and internal projects, focusing on budget tracking, compliance with federal regulations, audit preparation, and invoice management. This role provides critical financial data to project managers and ensures adherence to government accounting standards, offering a valuable opportunity for emerging professionals to gain experience in federal financial management within a hybrid work environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Government contracting & federal services organization.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Company overview
Confidential Client delivers technology-enabled services to federal agencies to improve mission outcomes, efficiency, and compliance. The team values transparency, collaboration, and professional growth — a strong opportunity for early-career accounting professionals who want exposure to government contracting accounting and audit-ready financial processes.
What You’ll Do
This part-time, entry-level Project Accountant role supports federal programs and internal projects. Typical responsibilities include:
- Track project budgets, actuals, and forecasts.
- Assist with state tax compliance and review travel reports.
- Ensure costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable per FAR and CAS.
- Maintain compliance with agency-specific guidelines (e.g., DCAA, DFARS).
- Support audits and maintain audit-ready documentation.
- Prepare and submit invoices per contract type (T&M, CPFF, FFP, etc.).
- Reconcile billed vs. actual costs and labor with timesheets.
- Interface with government payment systems (e.g., WAWF).
- Support indirect rate calculations and variance analysis.
- Set up new projects in accounting systems per contract terms and ensure proper closeout.
- Generate internal financial reports and external reports for government agencies.
- Provide project managers with timely financial data to support decisions.
Qualifications
You may be a great fit if you have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
- At least 1 year of relevant experience (including internships, academic projects, or part-time work).
- Solid understanding of accounting principles and financial management in complex organizations.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel; SharePoint experience preferred.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Clear verbal and written communication and the ability to work collaboratively.
Nice to Have
- Experience with QuickBooks Desktop.
- Prior familiarity with federal agencies, government contracting, or audit requirements.
Schedule, Location & Opportunity
- Location: On-site primarily in Woodbridge, VA with one day per week at the Springfield, VA office.
- Employment type: Part-time, contract.
- This is an excellent role for a recent graduate or emerging professional. After an initial period (approximately three months), high performers may be considered for transition to full-time, based on business needs.
Compensation & Benefits
- Estimated annual pay (per source): $41,905 (pro-rated for part-time schedule).
- Benefits available to employees working regularly at least 20 hours/week may include health, life, disability, retirement, paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Specific eligibility and offerings are determined by the employer and employment status.
Legal & Hiring Notes
- Confidential Client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
- Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities; please request accommodations during the recruitment process.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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