Blog
Insights on DCAA compliance, government contracting, and QuickBooks best practices.
May 31, 2026
The Real Cost of Delaying DCAA Compliance: A Financial Breakdown
The 2% you may already be losing, withholdings for deficiencies, questioned costs, contracts never won, the remediation tax — prevention vs. remediation math.
May 28, 2026
Setting Up Your Accounting System for Your First Cost-Type Government Contract
A seven-step guide to setting up a DCAA-ready accounting system before your first cost-type contract — chart of accounts, timekeeping, labor distribution, and policies.
May 25, 2026
What Happens When a DCAA Audit Finds Deficiencies? A Realistic Guide
Types of DCAA findings, the financial impact (questioned costs, withholdings, lost contracts), and the recovery path. Prevention vs. remediation, with realistic numbers.
May 22, 2026
Labor Distribution for Government Contractors: How It Works and Why It Matters
Labor distribution converts approved timesheet hours into contract charges and journal entries. Here's the mechanics — rates, rounding, reconciliation — and why it matters.
May 19, 2026
5 DCAA Compliance Mistakes That Small Contractors Keep Making
The same DCAA compliance mistakes appear in CPA practices repeatedly. Five preventable issues — and how to fix each one before they become audit findings.
May 16, 2026
What to Expect During a DCAA Floor Check (and How to Be Ready)
DCAA floor checks are unannounced. Here's what auditors actually do, the questions they ask employees, the most common failures, and how to stay continuously ready.
May 14, 2026
The Complete Guide to DCAA-Compliant Accounting Systems for Government Contractors
Everything government contractors need to know about DCAA compliance requirements and the SF-1408 preaward survey — what auditors check, what systems qualify, and how to prepare.
May 13, 2026
DCAA Timekeeping Requirements: What Auditors Actually Check and How to Pass
DCAA timekeeping is the most audited area for government contractors. Learn the exact requirements, what floor check auditors look for, and how to build a compliant system.
May 10, 2026
Choosing Between Unanet and QuickBooks-Based Solutions for Your First GovCon Contract
Unanet vs. QuickBooks-based compliance tools: where each shines, the real decision factors for small government contractors, and a common progression path.
May 7, 2026
DCAA Compliance Software Compared: Enterprise ERPs vs. Lightweight Tools for Small GovCons
Comparing Deltek and Unanet against lightweight QBO-based compliance tools — cost, implementation time, and when each makes sense for small government contractors.
May 4, 2026
QuickBooks Online for Government Contractors: Can You Stay DCAA Compliant Without an ERP?
Can government contractors use QuickBooks Online and still pass a DCAA audit? Yes — but not without addressing specific gaps. This guide covers what QBO handles, where it falls short, and your options for closing the gap.
May 1, 2026
Direct vs. Indirect Costs in Government Contracting: A Practical Guide
A practical guide to understanding and classifying direct and indirect costs for government contracts. Includes pool structures, allocation methods, and common mistakes.
April 28, 2026
What Is the SF-1408? A Plain-English Guide for Government Contractors
The SF-1408 is the gatekeeper for cost-type government contracts. Here's what it is, when you need it, and what your accounting system must demonstrate.
April 23, 2026
How a State Department Program, a CPA With 20 Years of GovCon Experience, and a Tech Founder From Buenos Aires Built WiseCost
The story of how a U.S. Department of State fellowship paired a tech founder from Buenos Aires with a veteran CPA in Arlington — and how that partnership became WiseCost.
April 9, 2026
The Right Chart of Accounts for GovCon in QuickBooks Online
A step-by-step guide to structuring your QuickBooks Online chart of accounts for DCAA compliance. Built for small and mid-size Government Contractors.