Junior Project Accountant

SOM • Chicago, IL

17d • $53,000 - $65,000

About The Position

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things. Success at SOM Means Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm. Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge. Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work. Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm. Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential. Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work. Position Responsibilities Responsible for maintaining accounting for projects. Interact with Project Managers to ensure project accounting is up to date and accurate. Provide and discuss detailed accounting reports with PMs on a monthly basis. Coordinate invoicing and supporting documentation requirements for all open projects. Provide training and assistance, as needed, to Billing Coordinators. Support Project Accountants to ensure project documentation is accurate and complete. Prepare expensive invoices (potentially in a client specified form). Review expense documentation to ensure charges are appropriate and accurate. Research questionable charges by contacting consultants, vendors and colleagues. Update project expenses to transfer incorrectly charged items. Input consulting invoices into Vision and mail out client invoices. Special billing projects as requested. Communicate and coordinate inter-office Project requirements with other SOM offices.

Requirements

• Degree in Accounting/Business Administration or comparable experience
• 3 years+ Project or Job Costing experience
• Experience within the Architecture, Engineering or Construction industries
• Hands-on, especially in terms of billing, project accounting and contract review
• Ability to prioritize, organize work flows and juggling conflicting demands
• Exceptional communication skills (written and oral)
• Ability to interface with project managers, clients and architects
• Experience with Microsoft Office including but not limited to Microsoft Excel

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Vision accounting software is a plus

Responsibilities

• Maintaining accounting for projects
• Interact with Project Managers to ensure project accounting is up to date and accurate
• Provide and discuss detailed accounting reports with PMs on a monthly basis
• Coordinate invoicing and supporting documentation requirements for all open projects
• Provide training and assistance, as needed, to Billing Coordinators
• Support Project Accountants to ensure project documentation is accurate and complete
• Prepare expensive invoices (potentially in a client specified form)
• Review expense documentation to ensure charges are appropriate and accurate
• Research questionable charges by contacting consultants, vendors and colleagues
• Update project expenses to transfer incorrectly charged items
• Input consulting invoices into Vision and mail out client invoices
• Special billing projects as requested
• Communicate and coordinate inter-office Project requirements with other SOM offices

Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance
• Savings: 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs
• Work/Life Balance: Inquire about our approach to flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees