Blog

Subscribe to our Blog

DCAA Approved Accounting Systems

We get a lot of visitors to this web site from the search term "DCAA Approved Accounting System." So I thought this would be a good opportunity to clarify exactly what constitutes a DCAA Approved Accounting System.

The answer is "nothing" since it doesn't exist. DCAA does not approve accounting systems and never has. When DCAA audits your company, they are auditing policies, procedures, and the implementation of the accounting software you are using. SYMPAQ has the built in audit trails and reports that a DCAA auditor will be examining, so accounting system acceptance as implemented is much more likely. However, even if you have SYMPAQ properly implemented, but have poorly documented accounting policies and procedures and lack internal controls surrounding your accounting system, you can potentially fail your audit. If you have good timekeeping policies, but are using QuickBooks for accounting, you might just fail your audit since it lacks the native feature set required to meet the audit criteria.

A DCAA audit is a three-legged stool. Software is only one of the legs, and arguably, the easiest one to get right. You should be very skeptical of any vendor or consultant that says a particular software package will ensure approval by DCAA. The DCAA does not work like that.

8 Steps to Take When Dealing with the DCAA

Recent Blogs

February, 07 2025

Strong Headwinds Ahead for Federal Government Contractors in 2025

Government Contractor Accounting Software SYMPAQ Benefits Business Tips Headwinds

Poised to bid on contracts with the Federal Government? you will likely encounter challenges with procurement regulations and bureaucracy. Read the Blog

January, 10 2025

End of Year Tax Form Filing Has Never Been Easier!

tax 2024

As we learned last year when the paper filing threshold dropped from 250 for each tax form to 10 tax forms in aggregate (i.e., 1099-NEC plus 1099-Misc plus W2), one should no longer be contemplating t[...] Read the Blog

December, 04 2024

Another Year, Another End-of-Year Update

2024

One thing we've learned over the years as a software publisher is that unless you are planning on sunsetting a legacy application, you are never "done" with development. Read the Blog