Project Accountant II

Milhouse Engineering and Construction•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Project Accountant II serves as a senior-level resource within Milhouse Engineering profit center(s), overseeing the full financial and administrative life cycle of complex projects. Operating with greater autonomy, this role partners closely with Project Managers, Group Leaders, and Finance leadership to ensure the successful planning, monitoring, and execution of project financials from initiation through closeout. The Project Accountant II provides advanced project accounting support, mentors junior staff, leads project governance processes, and proactively identifies risks and opportunities that impact project profitability and compliance. This role requires strong expertise in project accounting, contract management, and financial analysis, as well as the ability to influence decision-making, streamline processes, and contribute to continuous improvement across the project finance function.

Requirements

Bachelor degree or higher in a business-related field
5+ years of progressive experience in project accounting, preferably within the Engineering, architecture or consulting industries.
Demonstrated experience leading financial planning and management of large-scale or complex projects.
Prior experience with Chicago-area public agency invoicing is strongly preferred, including agencies such as CDOT, CCDOTH, IDOT, ISTHA, and other local or state government agencies.
Prior experience mentoring or coaching junior accounting staff preferred.
Proven ability to partner with leadership to drive profitability and mitigate project risk.
Advanced project accounting knowledge, with strong financial analysis and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead financial aspects of complex projects across multiple stakeholders.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel – advanced level preferred) and ERP systems; Deltek Vision/Deltek Vantagepoint experience strongly preferred.
Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
Strong organizational and time-management skills; proven ability to handle competing priorities and deadlines.
Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with Project Managers, Group Leaders, and clients.
In-depth understanding of different Project Delivery Contract Types (Lump Sum/Fixed Fee, Time & Material, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, etc.).

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with Chicago-area public agency invoicing is strongly preferred, including agencies such as CDOT, CCDOTH, IDOT, ISTHA, and other local or state government agencies.
Prior experience mentoring or coaching junior accounting staff preferred.
Deltek Vision/Deltek Vantagepoint experience strongly preferred.
Advanced level Excel proficiency preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead project setup and financial structuring for assigned projects, ensuring compliance with company SOPs, client requirements, and contract terms.
Prepare invoices for all assigned projects on a monthly, interim, and milestone basis.
Review and approve invoices prepared by junior accountants; ensure billing accuracy for monthly, interim, and milestone invoicing cycles.
Act as primary liaison between finance, project teams, and leadership for project financial matters, providing clear insights and recommendations.
Monitor and analyze project costs, budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics (planned vs. actuals, percent complete, earned value analysis).
Anticipate project financial risks and opportunities, proactively advise Project Managers on corrective actions, and escalate critical issues to leadership.
Partner with Project Managers and Group Leaders on project staffing forecasts, resource planning, and overhead allocation.
Lead project kick-off and closeout financial reviews, ensuring financial data integrity, risk mitigation, and knowledge transfer of lessons learned.
Ensure timely collection of aged receivables; coordinate with clients and internal leadership to resolve disputes or payment delays.
Review contracts, amendments, and change orders in collaboration with legal and project leadership to assess financial impact and mitigate risk.
Serve as a mentor and coach to junior Project Accountants; provide training, support, and feedback to enhance team capability.
Oversee and streamline processes for specialized projects with unique reporting requirements (e.g., certified payroll, public agency compliance).
Ensure timely and accurate data entry in ERP systems; maintain the highest standards of financial accuracy and project document retention.
Contribute to continuous improvement by recommending updates to the Project Management Manual, accounting policies, and ERP workflows.
Prepare and deliver financial reports and presentations to profit center leadership, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities to improve profitability.
Perform advanced project analysis to support executive decision-making, including scenario planning, revenue recognition strategies, and cost optimization.

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.