Project Accountant I

About the role

The Project Accountant oversees projects within the Milhouse Engineering profit center(s) assigned to them. This role is responsible for end-to-end project life-cycle management in concert with the assigned project manager and profit center leadership (Group Leader). The Project Accountant completes project accounting activities, project planning, governance, monitoring, controlling, and administrative support from project initiation through closeout. This role may work with all positions within the assigned profit center(s) and requires hands-on knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within accounting and project management professions.

Responsibilities

• Complete project setup as documented and/or directed by existing SOPs.
• Prepare invoices for all assigned projects on a monthly, interim, and milestone basis.
• Enter all financial, contract, and project-related paperwork into the assigned project folder and upload/post in the company's ERP systems.
• Ensure timely and accurate job cost tracking in the project folder and ERP system, including Milhouse, client, and subcontractor change orders, invoices, budgets, cost transfer files, subcontractor pay requirements, and accounts payable invoices.
• Monitor and collect aged receivables.
• Support project managers with project cost/schedule monitoring and updates, including planned vs. actuals, percent completes, proactive cost control improvements, weekly employee hours charged to projects, and sub-consultant invoices.
• Set up and maintain project contract values, contract terms, labor overhead rates, and labor multipliers.
• Understand the project’s cost structure and bring issues to management for assistance.
• Provide project status information to appropriate staff.
• Participate in, host, and coach project managers on project kick-off and closeout meetings, performance reviews, and risk resolution.
• Document lessons learned and share them with the team.
• Manage processes for projects with special requirements such as certified payroll, special reporting, and project duration-based reporting.
• Respond to client and internal inquiries regarding project setup, invoicing, expense reports, ERP system reporting, and other project-related items.
• Process project-related accounts payable and respond to vendor inquiries.
• Maintain vendor and billing files.
• Assist with data collection and implementation of accounting methods, budget tracking, earned value analysis, status reports, and cost projections.
• Provide guidance and specialized assistance to Project Managers for new project setup and suggest revenue-maximizing improvements during planning.
• Facilitate cost and resource management, project planning updates, staffing levels, and forecasting.
• Review contracts and change orders to reduce risk and understand project scope, escalating internal approvals as needed.
• Ensure data entry is recorded within 1-2 business days with high data integrity for decision-making.
• Ensure project documents are retained and managed per the Project Document Controls & Retention Policy.
• Uphold compliance with the Project Management Manual and suggest areas for improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong multi-tasking, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and changing priorities in a cooperative team environment, including cross-training with co-workers.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and manage various project accounting and project management data and documents.
• Ability to work independently with moderate supervision.
• Knowledge of Deltek Vantagepoint software is a plus.
• Understanding of different Project Delivery Contract Types (Lump Sum/Fixed Fee, Time & Material/Cost Plus Fixed Fee).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a business-related field.
• 3+ years of experience in project accounting, preferably in the Engineering or Consulting industries.
• Experience preparing and reviewing project invoices.
• Experience managing a project work plan from Kickoff to Closeout.
• Experience working with public and private entities in the Engineering or Consulting industries.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage (deductible may be covered 100% through Garner Health).
• Company-sponsored Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability.
• Voluntary Coverages (additional well-being options).
• Discounted Gym Membership.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan.
• Professional Development Incentives, including bonuses for earning a P.E. License.
• Milhouse University (cross-functional training with PDH credits for professional engineering licenses).
• Employee Education & Development Program (tuition assistance and learning opportunities).
• Generous PTO + Paid Holidays.
• Paid Parental Leave (including a year of diaper coverage).
• Extracurricular Sports Teams (summer Volleyball and Softball).
• Employee Recognition Program.
• Employee Referral Bonus.
• Transit Benefits Program.
• Charitable Events and Activities through Milhouse Charities.

Pay

$54,900 - $64,200 a year. The actual base pay depends on factors such as education, experience, and skills. The range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.