Fort Belvoir, Va. –
While auditors are a majority of DCAA’s workforce, there are many crucial teams and roles outside the audit scope working behind the scenes. These teams provide the essential support, innovation, and coordination needed to keep DCAA running smoothly and to help fulfill the mission.
Sherwin Thompson is one of two accountants dedicated to Reimbursable Operations, part of a five-member accounting team within Chief Financial Accounting (CFA). Today, the CFA is taking the spotlight and Sherwin is sharing how the team works and the crucial role they play in DCAA’s success.
The CFA is organized under the Human Capital and Resource management (HCRM) directorate and plays a central role in safeguarding the agency’s financial integrity, ensuring all resources are managed with precision, transparency and accountability. Sherwin explains, “As the steward of the agency’s financial framework, the CFA oversees core accounting operations including reimbursable revenue management, procurement obligations, payment processing, and reconciliation of the Fund Balance with Treasury.” Emphasizing the importance of this work, “CFA’s ultimate role is ensuring the agency can and will deliver on its mission with sound financial stewardship and long-term fiscal resilience.”
In addition to having a degree in Accounting or Finance, there are other skills and traits necessary to thrive on the CFA beyond the degree requirements. Aligning with DCAA priorities, the team requires attention to detail and a commitment to ethical standards as a non-negotiable trait. Members of the team must take ownership of their responsibilities and uphold trust. The team requires strong working knowledge of accounting principles, budgeting processes, and financial operations in a dynamic environment. The dynamic work environment requires an eagerness to grow, ask questions, and stay current with financial policies and systems to thrive on the team. As a small and tightly knit unit, success is found from collaboration and a willingness to contribute, openly communicate, and support each other on the team.
When it comes to work on the team, Sherwin reflects on his positive experience:
“I genuinely enjoy my role here. I’ve been on this team for 18 months and a lot of my fulfillment comes from the meaningful interactions I have with both our external clients and internal teams. I enjoy collaborating with the other teams within DCAA and find these cross-team partnerships and collaborations incredibly rewarding. Every day brings new opportunities to learn, and I truly value the knowledge I gain through these experiences.
What makes it even more special is the positive energy I see across the HCRM Directorate, happy faces and shared moments of success remind me why I love what I do. I’m especially grateful for the strong working relationships I’ve built with colleagues across the organization. There’s a real sense of trust and support here. Most of all, knowing that we have knowledgeable, trustworthy and reliable leaders who listen and care.
The Financial Management Branch of HCRM is guided by our priorities, lines of effort, and desired end state that align our mission to DCAA, the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Comptroller and ultimately the Secretary of Defense priorities. These priorities truly reflect the goals each of us brings to work every day.”