Director of Government Accounting

Title: Director of Government Contract Accounting

Client: Publicly traded technology company

Compensation: $230K–$275K base + discretionary bonus + RSUs + potential sign-on

Location: Carlsbad, CA (Hybrid) — Also open to candidates in Tempe, AZ;
Denver, CO; or Washington, D.C. (Pacific/Mountain time zone preferred)

Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship required (ability to obtain DoD clearance)

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Director of Government Contract Accounting to lead compliance, cost accounting, and government audit interactions across a complex, multi-entity environment. This is a critical leadership position overseeing a team responsible for CAS, FAR, GAAP compliance; regulatory submissions; and audit responses. The role reports to the VP of Corporate Accounting and partners closely with finance, legal, and government program leaders.

• Lead and develop the Government Accounting team, including two manager-level direct reports and their teams.
• Serve as the primary liaison for DCAA, DCMA, and other government auditors.
• Oversee preparation and submission of key regulatory filings (e.g., Forward Pricing Rate Proposals, Incurred Cost Submissions, Disclosure Statements).
• Ensure full compliance with CAS, FAR, GAAP, and internal controls.
• Support leadership with cost-structure analysis, regulatory interpretation, and government accounting strategy.
• Guide audit responses and implement corrective actions.
• Contribute as a key stakeholder in the organization’s ERP transition from Oracle to SAP S/4
  
  HANA.

• 15+ years of government accounting experience, including 10+ years in Gov Con and 5+ years leading teams
• CPA required
• Deep expertise in CAS, FAR, and GAAP
• Experience negotiating complex accounting issues with government agencies
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills
• Proficiency in Excel and ERP systems (SAP preferred)
• U.S. citizenship

• Big 4 or public accounting background
• Experience with SAP S/4
  
  HANA

• Hybrid schedule:
  Typically 2–3 days in office if located near a client office
• Flexible hours, with availability during core PST business times
• Strong work-life balance culture

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting.

The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer:
Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied.

Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.