As we approach the end of the year, it is time to shift our focus on closing the fiscal year and preparing the upcoming fiscal year. Closing the fiscal year in Deltek Costpoint involves a series of steps to ensure accurate reporting, compliance, and a smooth transition into the new fiscal period. In this blog, we'll provide a guide on the steps for closing the fiscal year in Deltek Costpoint, focusing on both the General Ledger and Project aspects.
Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Deltek Costpoint
Most contractors that have contracts/subcontracts subject to full CAS coverage will eventually want to make a change to a cost accounting practice because there is a “better” allocation method or a change is required to remain in compliance with CAS.
Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Government Regulations, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)
If this were only a simple question. The most straightforward answer is that it is a good idea for any company to have policies and procedures. If that company is going to do business with the US Government those policies and procedures are going to have to be expanded as each contract may present additional requirements. To help you understand the complex level of requirements we will address the major business systems and other key areas.
Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DFARS Business Systems, Human Resources, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Regulations, Government Property Management, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Material Management & Accounting System (MMAS), Estimating System Compliance
FAR 31.205-20 provides that interest is unallowable on Federal Government contracts, no matter how it is calculated or presented in your financial books and records. This means you cannot propose, bill, or claim your interest expense.
Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, DCAA Audit Support, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
One key feature that makes Deltek Costpoint the top solution for government contractors is its ability to manage the segregation of direct and indirect costs, especially through its Project Account Groups. In this blog, we'll discuss Project Account Groups in Costpoint, what they are, their importance, and how to use them to segregate costs properly.
Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, DCAA Audit Support, Deltek Costpoint
Any company receiving a government contract for the first time will have lots of questions and changes to their operations as a result of that contract. The question is, will the accounting structure and approach to the company’s accounting practices have to change?
If you are awarded a fixed priced contract or a commercial FAR part 12 contract with the Federal Government with payment on delivery, you should not need to make any changes to your accounting practices based on US Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP). However, even a fixed priced contract or a commercial (FAR part 12) contract can become complex and require specific accounting be applied should the Government make changes to that contract after award, which they often do, during performance, or terminate the contract for the Government’s convenience.
Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Government Regulations
The accounting function for a government contractor can be a tedious job at times. Be sure to utilize QuickBooks Online Workflows to its full potential to help simplify the process.
Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Small Business Compliance, Quickbooks
Many things can hamper the successful implementation of a new accounting and ERP system. Although our team specializes in Deltek Costpoint implementations, we believe the following six mistakes can create significant pitfalls for the implementation of any system.
Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, DFARS Business Systems, Deltek Costpoint
Being a government contractor, whether you’re a novice or a veteran, comes with its own unique set of challenges. One of the most significant is the constant need to optimize indirect rates. These rates can be the deciding factor between securing new contracts and expanding your business or remaining static and missing out on opportunities. As your business grows and evolves, your indirect rates should follow suit. Regularly evaluating your rates to ensure they align with your company’s strategic plan and maximize the recovery of your allowable costs is crucial to building a thriving company.
Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DCAA Audit Support
In government contracting, three critical sets of guidelines govern the recognition of expenses for financial reporting and cost accounting practices: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) govern financial reporting, and Federal contracts require Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) part 31 and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). While both frameworks are focused on assigning expenses to the appropriate accounting period, they have distinct roles and implications for government contractors. This article explores the key differences between CAS and GAAP, focusing on their significance and application in government contracting.
Topics: Compliant Accounting Infrastructure, Government Regulations, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)