Project Accountant I (51424)

Collins Engineers•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Project Accountant is responsible for overseeing accounting functions and job administration for assigned projects. The role works closely with Project Managers to monitor project progress, investigate variances, ensure customer billings are issued, and help collect payments. It reports to the Project Accounting Manager and Controller. The Project Accountant handles project setup and maintenance, including contract and subcontract review, budget review and revision, project number creation and budget entry, billing guideline development, client billing, and communication of invoice due dates to subcontractors. The position monitors project costs and schedules, supports proactive cost control, reviews employee hours and subcontractor invoices and payments, and participates in monthly project reviews. The role also supports accounts receivable and collections, prepares project invoices, assists with project and contract closeout, month-end reconciliations, and the tracking and posting of in-house direct expenses. Special projects and other duties may be assigned. Relocation is available.

Requirements

Degree in Accounting or Finance, or equivalent experience.
Experience working with Microsoft Office products.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, with reasonable accommodation as applicable.

Nice To Haves

Some experience in Project Accounting or Project Administration in the architecture, engineering, or construction industry is preferred.
Accounts receivable experience is a plus.
Deltek Vantagepoint experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Set up and maintain projects, including reviewing contracts and subcontracts, reviewing and revising cost proposals and budgets, creating project numbers, entering budgets, establishing billing guidelines, billing government and private clients, and providing subcontractors with invoice due dates.
Monitor project costs and schedules, including actual versus financial percent complete, and suggest proactive cost control improvements.
Monitor employee hours charged to projects weekly.
Attend monthly project reviews with Regional Managers and Project Managers.
Monitor subcontractor invoices and payments against contract terms.
Understand compensation and payment clauses, overhead rates, revenue enhancers, basic contract language, and flow-down provisions from prime, design-build, or owner contracts.
Manage accounts receivable, including making regular collection calls to assigned clients.
Prepare invoices for assigned projects on monthly, interim, and milestone bases.
Assist Project Managers with closing projects and contracts after completion and after costs have been billed and collected.
Assist with month-end reconciliations.
Assist in reviewing, tracking, and posting in-house direct expense items.
Perform special projects and other assigned duties.