GovCon Wednesdays Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes For many government contractors, the decision to upgrade accounting systems is driven by frustration slow closes, audit pain, billing delays, or growing reliance on spreadsheets. By the time the decision feels obvious, risk has already increased. Upgrading too early can waste resources. Upgrading too late can jeopardize awards, compliance, and cash flow. This article explains when a system upgrade makes sense, what triggers the need, and… Read More
Audit Readiness
System Red Flags That Fail Audits: What DCAA Looks for First
GovCon Wednesdays Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes Most government contractors don’t fail audits because of fraud or bad intent. They fail because their accounting systems show control weaknesses that create risk for the government. Auditors are trained to spot these risks quickly. Certain system red flags immediately trigger deeper testing, additional documentation requests, or formal findings even when total costs appear reasonable. Understanding these red flags is one of the most effective… Read More
Labor Distribution Controls: The Backbone of DCAA-Compliant Accounting
GovCon Wednesdays Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes Labor is typically the largest cost element on government contracts and the most scrutinized during audits. Even contractors with strong accounting systems can fail reviews if labor distribution controls are weak, undocumented, or inconsistently applied. In GovCon, labor distribution isn’t just about tracking hours. It’s about proving that labor costs are accurate, allocable, approved, and traceable from time entry all the way to billing. This article… Read More
QBO vs ERP for GovCons: Choosing the Right System for Compliance and Growth
GovCon Wednesdays Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes One of the most common questions government contractors ask is deceptively simple: “Is QuickBooks Online enough, or do we need an ERP?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all and choosing the wrong system at the wrong time can create compliance risk, billing issues, and expensive rework later. This article breaks down QBO vs ERP for GovCons in a practical, compliance-focused way so you can make the… Read More
GovCon Accounting Systems & Controls Series #1: What Makes an Accounting System DCAA-Compliant?
GovCon Wednesdays Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes Winning (and keeping) government contracts requires more than competitive pricing and technical expertise. Your accounting system plays a critical role in whether you can bid on cost-type work, bill the government accurately, and withstand audit scrutiny. One of the most common misconceptions we see is this: “DCAA-approved accounting system” isn’t a formal certification. Instead, the Defense Contract Audit Agency evaluates whether your system meets specific criteria designed… Read More
What Happens After a DCAA Audit? The Post-Audit Roadmap GovCons Should Expect
GovCon Wednesdays Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes The audit may be “over,” but the work often isn’t. After DCAA completes fieldwork, the post-audit phase typically shifts from document production to decision-making and resolution—including contracting officer actions, corrective measures (if needed), and final rate/closeout steps. DCAA’s audit process overview confirms audits conclude with reporting results to support Government contract decisions. This guide explains what happens after the audit, what you should do… Read More