Posts by Jennifer Eubanks
Government Contract Pricing Strategy: How to Price to Win Without Leaving Money on the Table
Summary of Key Points Winning government contracts requires balancing four factors: competitiveness, realistic cost execution, audit supportability, and sustainable profit—rather than simply offering the lowest price. Underpricing to win contracts often leads to performance issues, reduced margins, and damaged past performance ratings; government evaluators actively flag unrealistic pricing through cost realism and price reasonableness reviews.…
Read MoreCash Flow Management for Small Business: Strategies That Actually Work
Summary of Key Points Cash flow problems are caused by timing gaps—not lack of profit—especially during growth when expenses rise faster than incoming payments and businesses must fund operations upfront. Effective cash flow management relies on three core pillars: accelerating receivables (invoice quickly, shorten terms, track aging), controlling payables strategically (align outflows, negotiate terms, prioritize…
Read MoreForward Pricing Rate Agreements: Building Rates That Win Contracts and Survive Audits
Summary of Key Points Forward Pricing Rate Agreements (FPRAs) establish the indirect cost rates contractors use when pricing government contract proposals. These rates typically include fringe benefits, overhead, and general and administrative (G&A) expenses, and are negotiated with contracting officers based on projections supported by historical data and compliant cost accounting practices. Developing an FPRA…
Read MoreFractional CFO Services: Strategic Financial Leadership Without Full-Time Cost
Summary of Key Points Fractional CFO services provide executive-level financial leadership on a part-time basis. Unlike bookkeepers or tax accountants who focus on recordkeeping and compliance, fractional CFOs support strategic decision-making through financial planning, forecasting, cash flow management, profitability analysis, and executive-level reporting. Businesses often engage fractional CFOs during growth or strategic transition points. Common…
Read MoreDCAA Compliant Accounting Systems: What Makes Yours Pass or Fail
Summary of Key Points DCAA evaluates accounting systems using the SF 1408 Pre-Award Accounting System Survey. This review determines whether a contractor’s accounting system can properly accumulate and bill costs on government contracts. Failing any of the six required criteria can result in a qualified or inadequate determination that may prevent contract awards. The six…
Read MoreOutsourced Accounting for Small Business: When DIY Becomes a Strategic Mistake
Summary of Key Points DIY accounting works during the early startup stage when transactions are simple, but it becomes risky as businesses grow, financial complexity increases, and owners lack accurate, timely financial information. Common signs that outsourced accounting is needed include spending more than 10 hours per month on bookkeeping, delayed financial reporting, difficulty understanding…
Read MoreSetting Financial Goals for Government Contractors: A Q1 Planning Guide
Summary of Key Points Financial goals for government contractors must align with contract strategy, focusing on competitive indirect rates, adequate working capital, compliant accounting systems, and sustainable profitability. Revenue goals should be built from realistic pipeline analysis, distinguishing between bookings and recognized revenue while considering contract type mix and margin profiles. Indirect rate targets should…
Read MoreGetting DCAA Audit-Ready in Q1: A Year-End Close Checklist for Government Contractors
Q1 preparation is essential for DCAA audit readiness, particularly for contractors with cost-reimbursement contracts facing a six-month incurred cost submission deadline. Systematic preparation in January through March reduces the risk of questioned costs, delayed audits, and billing suspensions. January focuses on year-end close and compliance validation, including completing reconciliations, calculating and analyzing final indirect rates…
Read MoreLast-Minute Tax Moves Small Business Owners Should Make Before Filing Season
Summary of Key Points Business owners can still reduce 2025 tax liability before filing by maximizing SEP IRA or Solo 401(k) contributions, funding an HSA, organizing deductions, and paying outstanding estimated taxes to minimize penalties. Several major tax strategies required action before December 31, 2025, including Section 179 equipment purchases, establishing new retirement plans, prepaying…
Read MoreIn-House vs. Outsourced Bookkeeping: Which Is Right for Your Business?
Summary of Keypoints Bookkeeping involves more than data entry, including transaction recording, reconciliations, payroll coordination, accounts payable/receivable, organized charts of accounts, tax-ready categorization, financial reporting, and compliance, all of which form the foundation for accurate decision-making. In-house bookkeeping carries significant true costs beyond salary, including payroll taxes, benefits, office space, software, recruitment, training, management time,…
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