We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You’ll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There’s no one like you and that’s why there’s nowhere like RSM.
The Principal, Consulting role involves leveraging regulatory technical expertise and financial services industry experience to advise clients and develop innovative solutions. This position requires managing multidisciplinary teams, building third-party relationships, and driving business growth through strategic initiatives. Candidates should have extensive professional experience, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record in delivering high-quality managed services.
As a managing consulting Partner/Managing Director in RSM’s growing Management Consulting Government Contracting Advisory Practice, you will have the opportunity to draw from your experience and knowledge while continuing to maximize your leadership skills and practice through a high degree of client exposure, people development and mentorship opportunities, with a diverse and inclusive culture. The fast-paced and dynamic environment in which we operate will provide you with daily challenges and exciting opportunities.
In the Management Consulting Government Contracting Advisory Practice, our RSM professionals weave their extensive government contracting experience through each business function to develop compliance solutions and protect business value. With our approach to strategic compliance, we dive deep on the technical regulatory compliance issues that challenge government contractors while helping to strengthen internal controls and create process efficiencies that meet the demands of the business. We help organizations navigate through complex federal compliance issues with confidence while implementing practical business solutions.
Contributions to Firm Culture
Model the core RSM values of respect, integrity, teamwork, excellence and stewardship in all interactions with clients and team members
Lead and contribute to practice and firm-wide initiatives related to recruiting, talent development, technical methodology, engagement economics, and industry leadership
Build and lead teams by example, creating an atmosphere of trust, encouraging improvement and innovation, and provide mentoring
Support RSM’s goals around diversity and inclusion by nurturing an environment that understands individuality, promotes authenticity, and values varied perspective in arriving at solutions
Client Experience
Draw upon your demonstrated Government Contracting technical knowledge and advisory skills to become a trusted advisor to our clients; incorporating emerging regulatory and global issues, risks, trends and concepts into client service
Increase the firm’s relevance by understanding the client’s culture and strategy and incorporating this understanding into service delivery
Maintain responsibility for C-suite, board-level and key client/center of influence relationships
Complete review of all project deliverables
Maintain overall responsibility for engagement economics including adjustments to account strategy or structure to improve financial performance
Perform engagement level review of work performed to ensure overall quality and consistency with engagement objectives and requirements
Lead account communication strategy and ensure adherence to the reporting protocol defined for each client
Handle more complicated relationship concerns and demonstrate sound judgment in escalating or seeking additional counsel
Talent Experience
Manage, motivate, and mentor teams to optimize and expand capabilities by cultivating an environment of trust, innovation, diverse perspective, and challenge
Recruit, develop, and inspire future leaders of the firm through mentorship that focuses on understanding the potential and aspirations of the workforce and aligning opportunities accordingly
Designate appropriate assignments and leverage your experience and expertise to help colleagues realize their full potential and support long-term career aspirations
Maintain willingness to give and receive candid feedback in both written and verbal form. Commit to self-development in response to constructive feedback received
Business Development
Build and develop new connections as well as leverage your existing network and personal brand in the marketplace to drive growth for the firm
Participate in relevant Government Contracting associations and events to develop and/or maintain service line focus and relationships
Contribute to Government Contracting thought leadership and present at relevant internal and external industry events
Proactively utilize your network, knowledge about our firm, client/prospect, and industries to deepen existing relationships or form new ones
Communicate effectively with prospects, assess needs, and develop clear and accurate project parameters including scoping descriptions, delivery plans, and budgets
Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively with business developers, marketing, communications, and various other internal firm partners to drive pursuits
Position Qualifications
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, accounting, cost accounting or related discipline
A minimum of 10-15 years of Government Contracting experience working as specialist within industry or supporting within a professional services firm
Systems thinking – ability to creatively think end-to-end with consideration for cause-and-effect about impact to our client’s business and operations
Tactical intelligence – Quickly grasps organizational dynamics, has an ability to mitigate resistance and hustles to do more for our clients
Agility – Can lead dynamic and changing teams of cross-consulting professionals, and executes effectively in a manner that is visible to our clients
Adaptability – May be trained in several disciplines, and able to move fluidly between roles (e.g., analyst, strategist, operator, and change agent)
Wisdom - Actions and advice blends experience, services and process knowledge, delivering coaching, mentoring and change management by default
Strong Technical business acumen – Extensive experience as government contract consultant professional and leader, providing strategic compliance support to organizations that receive contracts, agreements and/or grant awards from federal government agencies. A known first-choice advisor helping clients and businesses solve their most challenging cost accounting, pricing, and regulatory compliance related matters throughout the contract or award life cycle.
Recent successful experience in cultivating new business and related market-facing activities
Exceptional interpersonal skills
Advanced written, verbal and presentation skills, including interaction with members of senior management
Ability to travel to meet client needs
Demonstrated success in high pressure scenarios
Technical Capabilities
Federal acquisition regulation (FAR)
Agency supplements and directives
(e.g., DFARS, HHSAR, AIDAR, DoDGAR, DEAR, AASTHO)
Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)
Uniform Guidance (UG/2 CFR 200)
Committee on Foreign Investment (CFIUS)
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
Internal controls (DFARS business systems)
Service Contract Act (SCA)
Buy America/Buy American Act
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)/export control
Other transaction authority (OTA)
Federal assistance awards (grants/cooperative agreements)
DFARS business systems – particularly Accounting, Estimating, Purchasing
DCAA audit programs and associated internal control requirements
Complex cost allocating structure design and associated cost impacts
Developing Forward Pricing Rates
CASB Disclosure statement preparation
2 CFR 200 and Federal assistance cost accounting/regulatory requirements
GSA schedules and commercial pricing
At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people. We offer flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life’s demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients. Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/working-at-rsm/benefits.
All applicants will receive consideration for employment as RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; color; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender; sexual orientation; HIV Status; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the US uniformed service; US Military/Veteran status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership. RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please call us at 800-274-3978 or send us an email at careers@rsmus.com.
RSM will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records. For those living in California or applying to a position in California, please click here for additional information.
About RSM
RSM is a leading global network of assurance, tax and consulting advisors focused on helping businesses navigate change and realize their full potential. With more than 56,000 professionals across more than 120 countries, RSM combines global reach with a distinctly client-centric approach, taking the time to understand each organization’s unique challenges, ambitions and opportunities.
At the heart of RSM’s model is a simple belief: clients need more than technical expertise. They need advisors who understand their business, anticipate what’s ahead and help them move forward with confidence. This commitment to delivering a personalized experience, grounded in deep industry and business knowledge, is reflected in RSM’s promise to instill confidence in a world of change.
RSM US LLP, a member of the global RSM network, brings this approach to the U.S. middle market. As the fifth-largest accounting firm in the United States, RSM US has grown from its founding in 1926 to more than 21,000 professionals serving clients across 119 locations in the US, Canada, the UK, and Ireland with additional offices across its international footprint.
Together, RSM’s scale, specialized expertise and understanding of the middle market position the firm to help clients address today’s most pressing challenges while building for what comes next.
Military Support
VALOR (Veterans and Allies Leading Outreach) is RSM’s employee network group dedicated to strengthening the recruitment, retention, development and success of veterans, active and reserve military members, military spouses, families and allies. Through connection, advocacy and professional development, VALOR creates a community where military-connected professionals can build meaningful relationships, advance their careers and bring the unique skills and experiences gained through service to RSM and its clients.
VALOR champions the continued growth and success of its members by connecting them to resources, mentorship, networking and leadership opportunities across RSM. Members share career and military-related resources, advocate for one another and provide a strong network of support, including for colleagues continuing to serve when military commitments or deployments take them away from the workplace.
Beyond RSM, VALOR extends its impact into local communities and the broader military-connected ecosystem through regional and national strategic business alliances, events and initiatives. These efforts create opportunities for professional development, leadership growth, networking, business development and community engagement, while helping RSM attract and retain exceptional military-connected talent.
At its core, VALOR is about turning the strengths of military service into lasting impact for our people, our clients and the communities we serve.
Internships and RSM Excellence Academy
At RSM, you’ll be valued as an individual while interning with our firm. We recognize your accomplishments and unique potential, and mentor you as a future leader. By working directly with RSM professionals and leaders, you’ll move quickly along the learning curve to jump-start your career in accounting, consulting, tax, or operations.
Internships include orientation and training where interns will be prepared to work in client service through a combination of formal and informal training. Interns will receive hands-on experience working with a variety of clients, while teaming up with RSM colleagues and leaders. RSM will provide interns with lunch-and-learn workshops, sporting events, and community service projects. Interns will gather with their peers and co-workers to develop both personally and professionally. Interns will be paired with both a navigator and a career advisor to help transition into their new role. The navigator is a peer aligned with you to help with questions. The career advisor ensures your experience meets your expectations and that you’re doing the right things to work toward that job offer.
The RSM Excellence Academy consists of a three-day summer leadership conference with a stipend and the opportunity to participate in an internship with RSM during the following summer. The Excellence Academy is open to all qualified students who are three years from graduation. The Excellence Academy is designed to align with RSM’s strategic pillar of driving an unrivaled, inclusive culture and talent experience. We recognize efforts of inclusivity and intend to develop outstanding business, accounting, and technology students for internships and full-time employment. Participants will have an opportunity to build relationships that will assist them in their educational and career development. We hope that this experience will provide students with an overall understanding of the professional services industry, RSM’s culture, and the advantages of working in the middle market.