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Government Accounting Technical Manager

Woodward · Niles, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about the toughest DCAA or DCMA audit finding you dealt with. How did you resolve it?

What they are checking: Whether they have handled real audit disputes and can defend positions with evidence.

Tell me about a time you had to tell leadership that a cost practice was not compliant.

What they are checking: Whether they will deliver unwelcome compliance news clearly and propose a fix.

How do you develop analysts on your team into experts in government accounting?

What they are checking: Whether they build depth in a specialized area where knowledge often sits with one person.

What would you do

The business wants to change how it allocates engineering costs. What CAS questions does that raise?

What they are checking: Whether they recognize cost accounting practice changes and the cost impact process that follows.

A contracting officer questions a large cost on a cost-type contract. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they gather support quickly and respond professionally while protecting the company's position.

About the work

How would you assess whether Woodward's government accounting practices are compliant with CAS and FAR Part 31?

What they are checking: Whether they can review a full government accounting system and identify real compliance gaps.

Walk me through how you'd prepare and maintain a CAS Disclosure Statement.

What they are checking: Whether they understand what goes into the disclosure statement and how practice changes trigger revisions.

How do you think about DFARS business system requirements for accounting systems?

What they are checking: Whether they know the business systems rules and the withholding risk if an accounting system is found deficient.

How would you train program and finance teams on government accounting rules without overwhelming them?

What they are checking: Whether they can turn dense regulations into practical guidance for non-specialists.

How do you handle commercial item determinations and the accounting differences they create?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how commercial and government work can coexist under different accounting rules.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Woodward.

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future. Woodward supports our members’ wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Estimated annual base pay: $ 105,000 (minimum) – $136,000 (midpoint) – $168,000 (maximum) All Levels are eligible for the benefits below: • All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity. • 401(k) match (4.5%) • Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%) • Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members • 12 paid holidays • Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire • Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave • Paid parental leave • Adoption Assistance • Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits • Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life • Member referral bonus • Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending • Voluntary benefits, including: • Home / Auto Insurance discounts • Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave Key Responsibilities: • Financial System Management: Overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of financial systems and processes related to government contracts and grants. • Technical Accounting: Providing technical accounting guidance and support to ensure compliance with government accounting standards and regulations. • Financial Reporting: Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of financial reports related to government contracts and grants. • Audit Support: Leading and coordinating audits and other compliance activities related to government contracts and grants, including providing documentation and responding to auditor inquiries. • Project Management: Managing projects related to government accounting and financial reporting, including developing project plans, timelines, and budgets. Key Skills: • Government Accounting: Expertise in government accounting principles, practices, and regulations, including knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). • Financial System Management: Ability to oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of financial systems and processes related to government contracts and grants. • Technical Accounting: Ability to provide technical accounting guidance and support to ensure compliance with government accounting standards and regulations. • Financial Reporting: Knowledge of financial reporting requirements related to government contracts and grants, including the ability to ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial reports. • Audit Support: Ability to lead and coordinate audits and other compliance activities related to government contracts and grants, including providing documentation and responding to auditor inquiries. • Project Management: Ability to manage projects related to government accounting and financial reporting, including developing project plans, timelines, and budgets. • Technical Skills: Proficiency in financial software, Excel, and other analytical tools, as well as knowledge of government accounting systems and databases. Knowledge of GAAP accounting requirements. • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders. • Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail and accuracy, including the ability to identify errors and discrepancies in financial data. • Leadership: Ability to lead and mentor accounting staff, as well as work collaboratively with other members of the accounting team and cross-functional departments within the organization. Other Qualifications: • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting (strongly preferred) or Finance This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).   All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee). Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.

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