Optimal Solutions & Technologies (OST, Inc.) is focused on excellence. We specialize in providing Management Consulting, Information Technology, and Research Development and Engineering services.
The fundamental distinction of the OST team is its business knowledge in both the public and private sectors. We serve the aerospace & transportation, association & nonprofit, defense, education, energy, financial, healthcare, and technology & telecommunications industries. OST is successful because we listen to our clients, we learn from our clients, and we know our clients.
Finance Manager
Position Overview
OST, a leading government contractor and systems integrator, seeks a Finance Manager who takes an active role in financial operations, budgeting and forecasting, and financial reporting, while supporting government contract accounting and financial compliance activities. This role combines daily execution with team coordination to support regulatory compliance, financial integrity, and efficient cost management in the federal contracting market.
The Finance Manager reports to the Vice President of Finance and Accounting and takes an active role in budgeting, cost controls, financial reporting, and audit support. The role ensures compliance with FAR, DFARS, CAS, GAAP, and DCAA requirements. The ideal candidate combines government contracting finance and accounting expertise with program financial management, indirect rate development, and financial forecasting skills to support OST’s federal and state government contracts. The candidate must also be able to use technology and tools to improve processes.
Key Responsibilities
Government Contract Accounting & Financial Reporting
- Perform program financial management for government contracts.
- Ensure accurate tracking of direct and indirect costs across multiple contracts.
- Lead monthly management reporting, including comparisons of actual results with budget, KPIs, commentary, and recommendations.
- Work with the Accounting Manager to complete the monthly close and deliver timely, reconciled profit and loss (P&L), balance sheet, and cash flow statements.
- Lead the preparation of Incurred Cost Submissions (ICS), develop indirect rates, and coordinate supporting schedules and responses for DCAA audits and financial compliance reporting.
- Support the development, negotiation, and monitoring of indirect rates for government contracts.
Budgeting, Forecasting, Pricing and Business Partnership
- Prepare annual budgets, plans covering multiple years, and forecasts; develop cost projections, analyze variances, and track financial performance metrics.
- Perform financial analysis to support corporate strategy and operational efficiency.
- Work with program managers and operational leaders to assess contract profitability, revenue, margins, staffing costs, resource requirements, and emerging performance risks.
- Prepare financial analyses and provide practical insights for business development, pricing strategies, resource planning, and operational decisions.
- Prepare and support cost volumes, basis of estimates (BOEs), price to win analysis, and market and salary benchmarking.
Team Leadership and Continuous Improvement
- Contribute directly to daily finance work while coordinating, coaching, and developing finance personnel. Establish clear responsibilities and deadlines, and maintain accountability for assigned work.
- Promote compliance, collaboration, efficiency, automation, and continuous improvement through direct involvement in the work and team support.
- Identify and implement practical improvements to finance processes to strengthen accuracy, visibility, efficiency, and control effectiveness.
- Use Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and other financial systems in daily work; support ERP and financial reporting enhancements.
- Use reporting tools such as Power BI to build and maintain dashboards that improve performance visibility and support timely decisions.
- Apply appropriate AI and automation tools, such as Microsoft Copilot and Power Automate, to streamline reporting, with review for accuracy and compliance.
- Provide the Vice President of Finance and Accounting and senior management with timely financial analysis, operational risk updates, and recommended actions.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
- 8+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience, with at least 3 years of leadership experience involving direct execution of finance or accounting work within a government contracting environment.
- Meaningful government contracting experience, including direct and indirect costs, financial reporting, and applicable compliance requirements.
- Working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, CAS, GAAP and DCAA requirements, and federal contract compliance reporting.
- Practical proficiency with a government contracting accounting or ERP platform, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Deltek Costpoint, Unanet, JAMIS, or an equivalent system; ability to use reporting and automation tools to improve daily finance workflows.
- Proficiency in budgeting, financial forecasting, indirect rate development, variance analysis, and contract financial performance.
- Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and team leadership skills; ability to complete detailed work independently, solve practical problems, and partner with colleagues in finance and other functions.
Preferred Qualifications
- CPA, CMA, CGFM, MBA, or another relevant advanced qualification.
- Background as a Finance Manager or a comparable finance and accounting role involving direct execution of the work within a government contractor.
- Experience supporting pricing and cost proposals, multiple contract types, and federal and state government customers.
- Practical experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and supporting process automation, ERP enhancements, and financial reporting improvements.
- Practical experience using Microsoft Copilot, Power Automate, and Power BI to automate routine work, improve reporting, and modernize finance operations.
This is a full-time position paying a base salary, and full benefits, and has possible bonus potential based on merit and performance. To be considered for this position, please apply online with a resume.
OST is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.