Project Accountant

About the role

Project Accountant is responsible for providing support to the Project Team and Division Management by maintaining accurate financial records for projects based on Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, best practices and company policies, as well as assisting with forecasting, cost to complete, revenue and cash flow projections, and reviewing, identifying and communicating project/financial risk to the Project Manager.

Responsibilities

• Effectively communicate with Project Managers (PM), Project Team members and Senior Management.
• Review contract documents, change orders and other contract modifications and communicate risks, opportunities and contingencies.
• Complete order entry validation and secondary commercial review to ensure accurate order entry and capture financial risk elements.
• Prepare revenue and cash flow projections based on project timing and milestone billings; evaluate progress against projections.
• Monitor project performance against budgeted cost and hours; alert projection managers when variances are spotted.
• Prepare and distribute customer invoices; follow up with the customer to ensure invoices are complete and received by the correct approver.
• Conduct collection follow‑up to ensure timely cash flow and work with Cash Application to resolve payment discrepancies.
• Assist with forecast cost updates, including evaluation of shortages and progress updates from operations; maintain accuracy in estimated cost to complete.
• Prepare special project analysis for Senior Management and PMs; prepare periodic Project Management metrics.
• Capture and communicate potential discrepancies between operational activities and pricing tool assumptions, providing feedback to estimating.
• Support project close‑out activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting (required).
• 2–5 years relevant experience in a project environment (required).
• Knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interface and coordinate activities with company executives, employees and customers.
• Knowledge of project planning, fiscal planning, and contract management (preferred).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of MS Office Suite.
• Experience with Adobe Pro, Primavera, Microsoft Projects, and Oracle (preferred).

Working Conditions

The employee typically performs duties in a normal office environment, with some work in a manufacturing environment and exposure to factory elements. Additional work may be performed in the field with exposure to construction sites or active customer facilities. Powell Industries promotes safe working conditions, provides special equipment to protect against specific hazards, and emphasizes accident prevention and safety practices.

Physical Requirements

Regularly required to use hands to touch, hold, handle, or feel. Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 65 pounds. Must maintain body equilibrium and agility to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, ascending or descending stairs. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

About Us

With a 75+‑year history, Powell values its employees as the heart of its success. As a manufacturer, Powell recruits experienced and knowledgeable applicants to ensure products are engineered, fabricated, and assembled to customer specifications. The culture is founded on a “can‑do” attitude, offering opportunities for advancement and promotion while maintaining work‑life balance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance for employee and family.
• 401(k) savings plan.
• Annual bonus potential.
• Generous paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Company‑sponsored wellness programs.
• Collaborative work environment.