The Senior Accounting and Audit SME provides executive-level guidance, expert advisory services, and technical support to accounting, finance, and audit teams within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). This position serves as a trusted resource for interpreting and applying Government regulations, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and agency-specific financial guidelines. The SME will also leverage in-depth expertise in Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) and Managing for Results (MFR) to advise on complex financial management issues, ensure compliance, and support organizational decision-making.

• Provide executive-level guidance and technical expertise to accounting, audit, and financial management teams.
• Serve as the authoritative advisor to accountants, auditors, and financial professionals on accounting principles, audit standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Interpret and apply Government regulations, GAAP, and organization-specific financial guidelines to complex financial issues.
• Offer expert insight on PPBE and MFR processes, ensuring integration into financial planning, execution, and reporting activities.
• Review and advise on accounting policies, procedures, and documentation to strengthen internal controls and audit readiness.
• Support audit preparation and response activities, including the resolution of findings and recommendations.
• Mentor and guide financial management personnel to enhance organizational capability and compliance posture.
• Develop recommendations to improve financial reporting accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Maintain awareness of changes in Federal accounting standards, audit requirements, and relevant regulatory updates.

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related discipline.
• Minimum ten (10) years of executive-level experience in accounting, financial management, and audit advisory roles.
• Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with PPBE and MFR processes in a Federal or large-scale organizational environment.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, Government financial regulations, and internal control frameworks.
• Proven experience advising leadership on complex accounting and audit issues.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Superior communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• CPA, CGFM, CFE, or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience supporting accounting and audit activities in Federal healthcare organizations, preferably within the VHA.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in addressing audit and financial compliance challenges.

Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. ​

We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. ​

Founded: 2012
Employees: 300+ nationwide

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.