Senior Project Accountant I

About the role

True Environmental and its partner firms have united to establish the nation's premier environmental and engineering services consulting firm. This organization offers an extensive range of services, including environmental remediation, urban planning, engineering coastal and marine structures, developing sustainable energy sources, and pioneering resource extraction methods. With over 700 professionals across more than 20 offices in the U.S. and Canada, the Senior Project Accountant plays a key role in supporting the financial performance of engineering, environmental, and professional services projects.

The Senior Project Accountant manages the project accounting lifecycle from setup through closeout, partnering closely with Project Managers and Operations to interpret contract requirements, maintain accurate project financials, deliver timely billing and revenue recognition, and support collection efforts. This role serves as a trusted financial resource, proactively identifying and resolving complex accounting and billing issues while providing clear, reliable financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Project Financial Management
  • Manage a portfolio of projects from setup through closeout, maintaining accurate project records and financial information throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Review contract terms and billing requirements, and administer Time & Materials, Lump Sum, Cost Plus, Unit Price, and Not-to-Exceed contracts.
  • Prepare accurate, timely client invoices and revenue recognition adjustments; coordinate approvals, revisions, and supporting documentation with Project Managers.
  • Monitor project costs, revenue, accounts receivable, consultant expenses, and subcontractor costs; investigate variances and support collection efforts.
  • Provide clear, reliable financial reporting, help Project Managers address emerging issues, and support month-end and year-end close activities for assigned projects.
• Contract Administration & Compliance
  • Process contract amendments and change orders, monitor funding limits, and maintain complete project and contract documentation.
  • Ensure project accounting activities comply with company policies, client requirements, and applicable public agency, grant-funded, municipal, county, state, and federal contract terms.
  • Maintain audit-ready supporting documentation and assist with internal and external audits.
• Business Partnership & Process Improvement
  • Serve as a trusted, solutions-oriented financial partner to Project Managers and Operations, proactively resolving complex issues while maintaining high standards for accuracy, timeliness, and contract compliance.
  • Mentor and train Project Accountants and provide guidance on project accounting procedures and complex transactions.
  • Improve project accounting processes, workflows, and reporting.

Requirements

• Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• Experience
  • 8+ years of progressive project accounting experience within the engineering, environmental, architecture, or construction industries.
  • Experience managing the financial lifecycle of projects, including project setup, contract review, billing, revenue recognition, collections, and project closeout.
  • Experience administering municipal, county, state, and other public sector contracts, including compliance with contract terms, grant funding requirements, and agency-specific billing requirements.
  • Experience with various contract types including Time & Materials, Lump Sum, Cost Plus, Unit Price, and Not-to-Exceed contracts.
  • Experience partnering with Project Managers and operational leadership.
• Skills
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, formulas, and data analysis.
  • Strong understanding of project accounting principles and revenue recognition.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships with Project Managers and internal stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting projects funded by municipal, county, state, or federal agencies.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement requirements, prevailing wage regulations, grant-funded projects, and government contract compliance.
• Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint, Deltek Vision, or a similar ERP system.