Senior Project Accountant I

Overview

A leading environmental and engineering services consulting firm is seeking a Senior Project Accountant to support the financial performance of engineering, environmental, and professional services projects. This role manages the project accounting lifecycle from setup through closeout, working closely with Project Managers and Operations to ensure accurate financials, timely billing, revenue recognition, and collections support. The position focuses on project accounting execution without responsibility for forecasting or budgeting.

Responsibilities

Project Financial Management

• Manage a portfolio of projects throughout their lifecycle, maintaining accurate project records and financial information
• Review contract terms and billing requirements; administer various contract types including Time & Materials, Lump Sum, Cost Plus, Unit Price, and Not-to-Exceed
• Prepare accurate and timely client invoices and revenue recognition adjustments; coordinate approvals and revisions with Project Managers
• Monitor project costs, revenue, accounts receivable, consultant expenses, and subcontractor costs; investigate variances and support collection efforts
• Provide clear financial reporting and assist Project Managers with emerging issues and month-end/year-end close activities

Contract Administration & Compliance

• Process contract amendments and change orders; monitor funding limits and maintain complete project and contract documentation
• Ensure compliance with company policies, client requirements, and applicable public agency, grant-funded, municipal, county, state, and federal contract terms
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and assist with internal and external audits

Business Partnership & Process Improvement

• Act as a trusted financial partner to Project Managers and Operations, proactively resolving complex accounting and billing issues
• Mentor and train Project Accountants; provide guidance on project accounting procedures and complex transactions
• Improve project accounting processes, workflows, and reporting

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of progressive project accounting experience in engineering, environmental, architecture, or construction industries
• Experience managing the full financial lifecycle of projects including setup, contract review, billing, revenue recognition, collections, and closeout
• Experience administering municipal, county, state, and other public sector contracts with compliance to contract terms and grant funding requirements
• Familiarity with various contract types: Time & Materials, Lump Sum, Cost Plus, Unit Price, and Not-to-Exceed
• Proven ability to partner effectively with Project Managers and operational leadership

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, formulas, data analysis)
• Strong understanding of project accounting principles and revenue recognition
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to build collaborative relationships with Project Managers and internal stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting projects funded by municipal, county, state, or federal agencies
• Knowledge of public sector procurement requirements, prevailing wage regulations, grant-funded projects, and government contract compliance
• Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint, Deltek Vision, or similar ERP systems

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.