Project Accountant

About the role

The Project Accountant at Lerch Bates serves as a trusted financial partner supporting consulting projects from setup through closeout. This role involves maintaining accurate project financial records, timely and compliant billing, monitoring work in progress, and contributing to strong project performance and healthy cash flow.

Responsibilities

• Create, modify, and maintain project records within the accounting system (Deltek Vantagepoint).
• Review contracts, proposals, purchase orders, and Notices to Proceed to ensure projects are set up accurately.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and financial records.
• Aid in project closeout, including final invoicing, collections support, and financial reconciliation.
• 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.
• 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, revise as needed.
• Identify potential billing issues and proactively collaborate with project teams to resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure compliance with company accounting policies, contract requirements, and internal controls.
• Support monthly close activities and respond timely to audit documentation requests.
• Absorb and support team members by providing cross-coverage, maintaining the project accounting mailbox, and supporting departmental priorities as needed.
• Collaborate with location leadership to enhance process, 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 that enhance operational efficiency, reporting, and the overall 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 wavers.
• Prior experience with project billing.
• Advanced computer proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook; working knowledge of financial accounting systems.
• Understanding of GAAP, accounting principles, practices, and standards.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to quality, organization, meticulous attention to detail and consistency in work product.
• Advanced organizational and critical thinking skills.
• Effective written/oral communication skills.
• Flexible, responsive, and confident multi-tasker who works independently, manages multiple deadlines, and accommodates shifting priorities.
• Ability to collaborate with multiple teams, individuals, to achieve shared outcomes.

Qualifications

• 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 wavers.
• Prior experience with project billing.
• Advanced computer proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook; working knowledge of financial accounting systems.
• Understanding of GAAP, accounting principles, practices, and standards.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to quality, organization, meticulous attention to detail and consistency in work product.
• Advanced organizational and critical thinking skills.
• Effective written/oral communication skills.
• Flexible, responsive, and confident multi-tasker who works independently, manages multiple deadlines, and accommodates shifting priorities.
• Ability to collaborate with multiple teams, individuals, to achieve shared outcomes.

Skills

• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, problem-solving abilities, confidentiality, and effective collaboration with colleagues, clients, and external partners.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• 100% Employee-Owned ESOP (company-funded retirement benefit)
• 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

Pay

Competitive compensation

Schedule

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 depending on business needs.