Project Accountant

ROLE

The Cost Accountant will support project accounting tasks, including project setup and maintenance, client billings, collections, accounts payable, and management reports, in accordance with the company's policies and procedures and applicable laws.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors project financial health by reviewing WIP, revenue, backlog, budget variances, profitability, and billable expenses
• Leads project health reviews with Project Managers and Senior Leaders, providing insights on project financial performance and areas requiring attention
• Manages project setup and maintenance, including budgets, fee flows, phases, and financial information in the accounting system
• Reviews project contracts to ensure financial details, accounting requirements, and client requirements are accurately reflected
• Oversees client billing and accounts receivable, including preparing invoices, monitoring aging, managing cash flow projections, and coordinating collection efforts
• Partners with Project Managers and Senior Leaders on collections and, where necessary, supports stop-work and third-party collection processes to minimize company exposure
• Manages accounts payable activities, including consultant and vendor invoices, payment processing, coding, approvals, and Pay-When-Paid tracking
• Supports revenue recognition and reporting, ensuring revenue is captured accurately across projects and phases
• Conducts periodic project reviews and internal spot audits, analyzing project costs against budgets and contract terms
• Prepares management reports and ad hoc analysis to support informed business and project decisions
• Drives process improvements by identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, controls, reporting, and financial processes
• Provides global Project Accounting coverage and supports special projects as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

• Project accounting experience, preferably within a professional services firm, architecture, engineering, design, consulting, or similar project-based environment
• Direct experience managing the financial aspects of projects throughout the project lifecycle, from project setup through close-out
• Practical experience with WIP, revenue recognition, project billing, collections, budgeting, project costs, and project profitability
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and accounting systems
• Experience with BST, Deltek, or a comparable ERP system would be an advantage
• Experience partnering with Project Managers and Senior Leaders on project financial performance
• Strong knowledge of general ledger, accounts receivable, and accounts payable
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to work with Project Managers, Senior Leaders, and other stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach
• The ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take ownership of responsibilities
• A high level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential information
• Management of accounting without direct project accounting responsibility