Finance Manager - Project Accounting

About the role

JacobsWyper Architects (JWA), a full-service design firm serving a variety of market sectors, is seeking a Finance Manager to join their growing team. Based in Philadelphia and working across JWA's Philadelphia, PA, Raleigh, NC, and Austin, TX offices, this role is a key financial partner to the firm's project managers, operations leaders, and co-Managing Partners. The Finance Manager works closely with the Billing Specialist and outsourced accounting consultants to manage the financial performance of a portfolio of projects, ensuring accurate billing, cost tracking, and financial reporting supporting the company’s project delivery and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full project accounting lifecycle, including project setup, budget tracking, cost monitoring, invoicing oversight, and close-out, in close collaboration with project managers and the Billing Specialist (~75%).
• Monitor project budgets and expenditures, identifying variances and working with project managers to address cost overruns or scope changes.
• Process and track subconsultant invoices, purchase orders, and expense reports associated with assigned projects.
• Support the Billing Specialist with monthly project invoicing and collections of outstanding invoices.
• Process payroll accurately and on time, including setup of new employee accounts in finance and HR systems, benefit deductions (401(k), medical, dental, disability, etc.), and serving as primary point of contact for pay-related questions.
• Implement vendor payment processing and perform all accounts payable functions, including reviewing, coding, and processing payments for all non-project expenses.
• Track service contracts for outside vendors and perform monthly reconciliation of the corporate credit card statement.
• Provide annual payroll census data to the firm's 401(k) vendor.
• Lead financial reporting, revenue recognition, and period-close activities to maintain the financial health and compliance of the firm (~15%).
• Prepare regular project financial reports including earned value analysis, revenue recognition schedules, and profitability summaries for project managers, partners, and leadership.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition in compliance with firm accounting policies and applicable standards (e.g., percentage-of-completion method).
• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities, including preparation of journal entries and reconciliations.
• Compile and report end-of-year financial data in coordination with co-Managing Partners and the firm's external tax accountant.
• Maintain organized, audit-ready project financial records and documentation.
• Support firm leadership, collaboration across departments, and additional operational duties as needed (~10%).
• Coordinate with the Office Manager and co-Managing Partners on compliance and annual renewals of business and professional licensing across multiple states.
• Support Business Development during project pursuit, close-out, and post-award handoff for accurate project setup and contract review.
• Perform other ad-hoc duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
• 7 or more years of progressive project accounting experience, preferably in an architecture, engineering, or professional services firm.
• Strong understanding of project-based accounting, including percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, cost-to-complete analysis, and Architectural, Engineering, & Construction (AEC) contract billing structures.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously with accuracy, attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable information for non-financial stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong aptitude for operating in a digital workflow, leveraging software and technology across all processes.
• Collaborative and service-oriented approach to working with project teams across the firm.
• Proactive problem-solver who identifies financial risks early and escalates or resolves them promptly.
• Adaptability to manage shifting priorities in a dynamic, project-driven work environment.
• High level of integrity and professionalism in handling sensitive financial information.

Preferred qualifications

• 5 or more years of AEC industry accounting experience with full project lifecycle ownership.
• Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint or similar AEC-focused project accounting/ERP software.
• Familiarity with subconsultant invoice processing, Standard Form billing structures, or AEC contract compliance.
• Experience supporting payroll, AP/AR, and month-end/year-end close in a multi-office environment.
• CPA or CPA Candidate.