Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Federal Compliance Officer

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a master of the regulatory landscape, with a passion for navigating the complexities of federal compliance? This role requires a highly skilled Federal Compliance Officer to join our team and serve as the cornerstone of our corporate integrity and government contracting success.

In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing our comprehensive federal compliance program. You will act as the primary subject matter expert, guiding the organization through the intricate web of regulations like the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), DFARS, and other agency-specific requirements. Your proactive approach will protect the company from legal and financial risks, ensure ethical conduct, and solidify our position as a trusted government partner. This is a strategic position that requires a blend of deep legal knowledge, business acumen, and exceptional communication skills to translate complex rules into practical, actionable business processes.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Compliance Analyst or Specialist
Government Contracts Administrator
Paralegal (with a focus on government or regulatory law)
Internal Auditor

Advancement To:

Director of Compliance
Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)
Vice President of Legal & Regulatory Affairs
Senior Counsel, Government Contracts

Lateral Moves:

Risk Manager
Government Relations Manager
Contracts Director
Ethics Officer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, implement, and continuously improve a robust corporate compliance program to ensure full adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Serve as the subject matter expert on the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other government agency supplements.
Proactively monitor, interpret, and analyze new and changing federal regulations and legislation to determine their impact on company operations and strategic objectives.
Conduct comprehensive internal audits, risk assessments, and compliance reviews to identify potential vulnerabilities and areas of non-compliance.
Lead the design and implementation of corrective action plans to mitigate identified risks and remedy compliance gaps, tracking them through to resolution.
Act as the primary liaison for external government audits and inquiries, including those from the DCAA, DCMA, and agency Inspectors General, coordinating responses and managing relationships.
Investigate and manage internal reports of potential compliance violations or unethical conduct through the company's hotline or other reporting mechanisms, ensuring thorough and confidential handling.
Develop and deliver engaging and effective compliance training programs for employees and management on topics such as government contracting, ethics, and standards of conduct.
Oversee all aspects of government contract compliance, from proposal review and submission to contract performance, modification, and closeout procedures.
Review and approve business proposals, marketing materials, and external communications to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal solicitation and advertising regulations.
Prepare, certify, and submit all mandatory compliance reports and disclosures to federal agencies, including representations and certifications in SAM.gov.
Advise senior leadership and the Board of Directors on compliance matters, emerging risks, and the overall status and effectiveness of the compliance program.
Manage the company's ethics program, promoting a culture of integrity and accountability throughout the organization.
Oversee compliance with specific government contracting requirements, such as the Service Contract Act (SCA), Davis-Bacon Act, and small business subcontracting plans.
Manage and maintain the company's GSA Schedule contracts, including the submission of modifications, compliance with pricing policies, and payment of the Industrial Funding Fee (IFF).
Direct the company's export control compliance program, ensuring adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
Conduct thorough due diligence on potential subcontractors, teaming partners, and vendors to assess their compliance posture and mitigate third-party risk.
Ensure the ongoing integrity and compliance of key business systems, such as accounting, purchasing, and estimating, as required for government contract approval.
Maintain a centralized repository of all compliance-related documentation, policies, procedures, and records for audit and reference purposes.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Legal, Finance, Human Resources, and Business Development, to embed compliance considerations into all business processes.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to compliance metrics and trends.
Contribute to the organization's data governance strategy and roadmap, particularly for sensitive government information.
Collaborate with business units to translate compliance needs and regulatory changes into actionable business requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies for projects involving compliance system implementations or enhancements.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep Expertise in Federal Regulations: Comprehensive knowledge of FAR, DFARS, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and other agency-specific regulations.
Government Contract Management: Proven experience managing the full lifecycle of federal contracts, including GSA Schedules.
Risk Assessment & Auditing: Ability to design and execute internal audits, gap analyses, and risk assessments effectively.
Export Control Knowledge: Proficiency with export compliance regulations, including ITAR and EAR.
Policy Development: Skill in drafting, implementing, and maintaining clear and effective compliance policies and procedures.
Investigative Procedures: Experience conducting formal internal investigations into compliance and ethics matters.
Business Systems Compliance: Familiarity with the requirements for government-approved business systems (e.g., Accounting, Estimating, Purchasing).

Soft Skills

Unquestionable Integrity: A strong ethical compass and commitment to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct.
Analytical & Critical Thinking: Superior ability to analyze complex regulations, identify key issues, and develop practical solutions.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts to diverse audiences, from engineers to senior executives.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough, with a focus on accuracy in all aspects of work.
Influence and Persuasion: Ability to build consensus and influence behavior without direct authority to foster a culture of compliance.
Discretion and Confidentiality: Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple initiatives, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Master of Business Administration (MBA) or other relevant Master's Degree
Compliance-related certifications (e.g., CCEP, CCEP-G)

Relevant Fields of Study:

Law / Pre-Law
Business Administration
Public Policy or Administration
Finance or Accounting

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

7-12 years of progressive experience in a federal compliance, government contracts, or legal role.

Preferred:

Direct experience within the aerospace, defense, technology, or professional services industry serving federal clients.
Prior hands-on experience interacting with and responding to government auditors from agencies like DCAA and DCMA.
In-house counsel or dedicated compliance department experience is highly desirable.