Overview
This role is within the Building Science department and involves serving as a Project Accountant who supports the financial success of projects from setup through closeout. The position works closely with Project Managers, Consultants, and Corporate Accounting to maintain accurate project financial records, support timely and compliant billing, monitor work in progress, and contribute to strong project performance and healthy cash flow.
The Project Accountant translates financial data into clear, actionable information to guide business decisions and deliver exceptional service to clients. This role offers the opportunity to build strong cross-functional relationships, identify and resolve challenges, and support a diverse portfolio of consulting projects.
This is a collaborative, fast-paced role requiring a balance of analytical accuracy and relationship building. The ideal candidate delivers timely, high-quality work, brings curiosity and initiative to process improvement, and is motivated by contributing to team success and positive client outcomes.
Responsibilities
Project Setup & Administration
- Create, modify, and maintain project records within the accounting system (Deltek Vantagepoint).
- Review contracts, proposals, purchase orders, and Notices to Proceed to ensure accurate project setup.
- Maintain accurate project documentation and financial records.
- Assist with project closeout, including final invoicing, collections support, and financial reconciliation.
Project Financial Management
- Monitor project budgets, funding, contract values, and overall financial performance.
- Partner with teams to review Work in Progress (WIP), unbilled revenue, and project status.
- Prepare monthly project financial reports and assist leadership with forecasting revenue, backlog, and profitability.
Billing & Revenue Management
- Prepare and process client invoices in accordance with contract terms and client-specific billing requirements.
- Enter and maintain billing terms, contract amendments, and monitor subconsultant charges.
- Review labor, expenses, consultant costs, and project transactions for accuracy prior to billing.
- Submit invoices through client portals and billing systems, revising as needed.
- Identify potential billing issues and proactively collaborate with project teams to resolve discrepancies.
Compliance & Financial Operations
- Ensure compliance with company accounting policies, contract requirements, and internal controls.
- Support monthly close activities and respond timely to audit documentation requests.
Team Support & Continuous Improvement
- Assist team members by providing cross-coverage, maintaining the project accounting mailbox, and supporting departmental priorities.
- Collaborate with location leadership to enhance processes, assist with requests, follow up, and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders.
- Prepare and maintain project and location reporting, providing timely insights and escalating concerns to support informed decision-making.
- Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reporting, and client experience.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a business-related field preferred.
- Minimum of 2 years of progressive experience in accounting, project accounting, construction accounting, or similar project-based industries.
- Experience with ERP/accounting software such as Deltek Vantagepoint, Vision, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, SAP, or similar systems preferred.
- Familiarity with project contracts, AIA billing formats, and lien waivers.
- Prior experience with project billing.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook; working knowledge of financial accounting systems.
- Understanding of GAAP, accounting principles, practices, and standards.
- Commitment to quality, organization, meticulous attention to detail, and consistency in work product.
- Advanced organizational and critical thinking skills.
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple deadlines, and accommodate shifting priorities.
- Ability to collaborate with multiple teams and individuals to achieve shared outcomes.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive compensation
- 100% employee-owned ESOP (company-funded retirement benefit allowing eligible employees to share in long-term company success)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off starting at 17 days annually
- 10 paid holidays
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid parental leave
- Professional development and tuition reimbursement
- Performance-based incentives and bonuses
- Employee assistance and wellness programs
Working Environment
This position is primarily performed in a professional office or remote office environment with regular use of computers and standard office equipment. Occasional travel for meetings, training, conferences, or company events may be required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Physical & Mental Demands
- Prolonged periods of sitting while working at a computer.
- Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing and operating office equipment.
- Regular communication in person, by telephone, and through virtual meeting platforms.
- Occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting or carrying office materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple assignments, maintain attention to detail, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
- Requires sound judgment, professionalism, problem-solving abilities, confidentiality, and effective collaboration.
Additional Information
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug test, including screening for marijuana regardless of state or local laws. A conditional offer of employment will be rescinded if either check is failed. This requirement is mandated by federal regulations applicable to government contracting obligations.
The employer is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.