Also called: DCAA Auditor
Audits the costs defense companies charge the government, checking that billions of taxpayer dollars are billed honestly.
DCAA auditors visit contractor offices to review timesheets, overhead rates and price proposals. They test whether costs follow federal rules and write reports that help contracting officers negotiate. Findings of overbilling can save the government millions.
Federal GS-7 to GS-13 civilian pay, 2026 estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's degree with at least 24 hours of accounting (federal requirement).
Ways in: 4-year college, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Accounting, Finance.
Growing about average. Federal civilian defense jobs track the defense budget; steady hiring with retirements (approx.).
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Analytics automates sampling and testing; judgment and negotiation support stay human.
Classes: Accounting, AP Statistics, Business math.
Official data: O*NET occupation 13-2011.
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