Project Accountant & Payroll Specialist

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Posted Sep 29, 2026

Remote · California Full Time
$66.7K – $100.1K/yr

Overview

This role involves project accounting and payroll administration in a remote position based in California. Reporting to the Controller, you will support accurate, timely, and complete financial information to help inform decision-making across client work and internal operations.

Salary range: $66,712–$100,068 (full-time, commensurate with experience).

Responsibilities

Client Billing and Project Accounting

  • Prepare accurate, timely monthly invoices for professional services contracts, including government contracts with specific billing formats, documentation, and submission requirements
  • Review contract terms, budgets, and billing instructions; maintain project and contract information in QuickBooks Online and BQE Core
  • Coordinate with Project Directors to confirm billable time, expenses, and deliverables; assemble supporting documentation (e.g., labor detail, expense backup, progress reports)
  • Track billing deadlines and move invoices through review, approval, and submission
  • Research and resolve billing discrepancies; monitor accounts receivable and follow up with clients on overdue balances
  • Maintain organized records that support audits and month-end close; recommend improvements to billing processes

Payroll Administration

  • Process biweekly payroll through ADP, reviewing timesheets, deductions, reimbursements, and other changes before each run
  • Maintain employee payroll records in ADP in coordination with Human Resources, including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, and leave
  • Reconcile payroll reports, benefit and retirement deductions, and payroll-related general ledger entries
  • Prepare payroll and labor cost reports; support payroll tax filings, year-end processing, and W-2 review with ADP
  • Respond to employee payroll questions and help strengthen payroll controls and procedures

Financial Reporting, Cash Management, and Expenses

  • Post cash receipts and prepare weekly cash, accounts payable, invoicing, and accounts receivable reports for company Partners
  • Produce recurring and ad hoc reports in BQE Core and provide documentation for project and financial audits
  • Assist with account reconciliations, month-end close, and other accounting tasks as assigned
  • Review, code, and post employee expense reports, reimbursements, and corporate credit card transactions

Equity and Inclusion

  • Demonstrate a commitment to equity and contribute thoughtfully to an inclusive workplace and work with clients and communities

Requirements

  • At least five years of accounting and payroll experience, including project accounting and client billing, preferably in a professional services organization
  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field
  • Government contract billing experience preferred

Technology

  • Proficiency with QuickBooks Online, Microsoft 365 (especially Excel), and Adobe Acrobat
  • Experience with BQE Core or a comparable project accounting system preferred
  • Experience with ADP or another payroll platform
  • Ability to learn new systems quickly

Skills and Competencies

  • Exceptional accuracy, organization, and attention to detail
  • Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet recurring deadlines, and work independently in a remote environment
  • Sound judgment in spotting discrepancies and risks early, raising them promptly, and proposing practical solutions
  • Clear, professional communication and effective collaboration with colleagues, leadership, and clients
  • Discretion in handling confidential employee, payroll, and financial information

Preferred Qualifications

  • Government contract billing experience
  • Experience with BQE Core (or comparable project accounting system)
  • Experience with ADP (or another payroll platform)

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary range: $66,712–$100,068
  • Comprehensive benefits package including:
    • Medical and dental coverage
    • Paid vacation and holidays
    • Retirement benefits
    • Professional development opportunities

Location

  • California — remote
  • Open to California residents
  • Primarily remote with occasional in-person meetings at a company office or another designated California location
  • Most employees work remotely throughout the Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego metropolitan areas

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