Project Accountant I

Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc.•Chicago, IL

2d•$54,900 - $64,200•Onsite

About The Position

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). This role will complete project accounting activities, project planning activities, project governance activities, project monitoring and controlling activities and administrative support. These activities will be completed from project initiation through project closeout. This role may work with all positions within the profit center(s) assigned by the Project Finance and Governance leadership. The Project Accountant needs to have hands-on knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the accounting and project management professions. This role will be under the direct supervision of the Project Accountant leadership.

Requirements

Strong multi-tasking, organizational and analytical skills to define problems, collect data, evaluate facts, draw valid conclusions and detail-oriented.
Must be able to handle multiple projects and changing priorities, while working in a cooperative team environment, which includes cross-training with co-workers.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
Strong written and verbal communication skills required.
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.
Able to work effectively in a team environment as well as with limited supervision.
Understanding of different Project Delivery Contract Types (Lump Sum/Fixed Fee (LS and FF), Time & Material/Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF).
Bachelor degree or higher in a business-related field
3+ years of experience in project accounting required, in the Engineering or Consulting industries preferred
Experience demonstrating the ability to prepare and review project invoices.
Experience demonstrating working a project work plan from Kickoff to Closeout
Experience working with public and private entities in the Engineering or Consulting industries

Nice To Haves

Knowledge in Deltek Vantagepoint software is a plus.

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 / posting in the company's ERP systems.
Ensure timely and accurate job cost in the project folder and the project record in the company's ERP system. This includes Milhouse, client and sub change orders, invoices and invoicing related documents project budgets, project cost transfer files, subcontractor pay requirements, and accounts payable invoices posting.
Monitor and collect aged receivables.
Supporting project managers with project cost/schedule monitoring and updates, which includes monitoring of planned v. actuals, percent completes, provide suggestions for proactive cost control improvements, monitor employee hours charged to projects on a weekly basis and monitor sub-consultant invoices and postings cost to the project
Setup and maintenance of project contract values, contract terms, labor overhead rates, labor multipliers.
Understand the project’s cost structure and the information processed. Bring project issues to their manager, or director level for assistance and further evaluation.
Provide information to appropriate staff regarding project status.
Participate in, and at times, host and coach project managers on project kick-off and closeouts, project performance review meetings with Project Managers, Section Managers, Group Leaders of the assigned profit center.
Support the resolution of realized risks and documents lessons learned to be shared.
Manage processes for projects with special requirements such as certified payroll, special reporting and project duration-based reporting.
Timely respond to client and internal staff inquiries regarding project setup, project plan development, project invoicing, expense reports, ERP system reporting, and other project related qualitative and quantitative items.
Process project related accounts payable.
Respond to vendor inquiries.
Maintain vendor and billing files.
Filing, copying and other related duties as assigned.
Must be able to handle multiple projects and changing priorities, while working in a cooperative team environment, which includes cross-training with co-workers.
Assists with data collection and implementation of accounting methods, budget tracking, earned value analysis, status reports, and cost projections. Responsible for providing guidance, direction, and specialized assistance to Project Manager for the setup of new projects (Planning) and suggest improvements for capitalizing on revenue during the planning phase of a new
Facilitates the cost and resource management, project planning updates, project staffing levels and forecasting.
Review all documents that lead to the client’s notice to proceed with a new project or request of change order. This may include reviewing contracts with in-house legal level to reduce Milhouse’s risk and to understand the project scope. Escalate internal approvals as appropriate.
Ensuring data entry is recorded in a timely manner (1-2 business days), and data integrity is of the upmost quality for decision making.
Ensuring project documents are retained and managed per the Project Document Controls & Retention Policy.
Stewards of the Project Management Manual through compliance and offer areas for improvement.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
Company Sponsored Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability
Voluntary Coverages
Discounted Gym Membership
Competitive Base Salary
401(k) Retirement Plan
Professional Development Incentives
Milhouse University (Cross-Functional Training)
Employee Education & Development Program
Generous PTO + Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Extracurricular Sports Teams
Employee Recognition Program
Employee Referral Bonus
Transit Benefits Program
Charitable Events and Activities offered through non-profit affiliate – Milhouse Charities.