Project Finance Manager

Aston Carter•Kansas City, MO

7d•$70 - $80•Onsite

About The Position

We are partnering with a highly respected, large organization in the Kansas City area to hire a Project Finance Manager for a 7-month contract assignment, with strong potential for extension or eventual full-time conversion. This opportunity is open due to an internal promotion, making it an excellent way to get your foot in the door with a stable and well-regarded company. The role is fully onsite and offers exposure to a dynamic, project-driven environment. The Project Finance Manager will be responsible for leading financial reporting and analysis across key projects, with a strong emphasis on revenue recognition and overall financial performance. This individual will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to provide insights, support forecasting and budgeting efforts, and help drive informed decision-making. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in public accounting and/or corporate finance and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, project-based setting. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance and 10+ years of relevant experience. A CPA designation is highly preferred, along with experience in construction, engineering, or similar industries. Strong expertise in financial reporting, analysis, and revenue recognition is required, and experience with Power BI or similar data visualization tools is a plus. The Operational Finance Manager leads a high-performing finance team within a global organization, serving as a key liaison between accounting and operations. This role provides project-level financial support to engineering and construction project teams, partners closely with leadership at multiple levels, and contributes to department-wide and company-wide initiatives. The Operational Finance Manager uses strong technical and analytical skills to evaluate complex financial challenges, ensure accurate financial reporting and revenue recognition, and drive strategic value across the business.

Requirements

10+ years of accounting experience, including responsibility for financial reporting, analysis, and reconciliations.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field.
Proven experience in a finance manager or similar leadership role with direct people management responsibilities.
Strong financial analysis skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
Hands-on experience with project finance, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
Demonstrated expertise in accounting principles, including revenue recognition and construction or project-based accounting standards.
Proficiency in month-end close processes, including reconciliations and preparation of financial reports.
Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for financial modeling, analysis, and reporting.
Strong proficiency with Power BI or similar business intelligence tools for data visualization and performance reporting.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
Proven ability to partner effectively with cross-functional teams, including project managers, field superintendents, and project controls.
Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop team members in a dynamic environment.

Nice To Haves

Construction industry experience is highly preferred, particularly in engineering and construction project environments.
CPA certification or progress toward CPA is advantageous and demonstrates strong technical accounting knowledge.
Experience supporting or leading external and client audit processes.
Background in delivering training or workshops on financial systems, accounting standards, or reporting tools.
Experience working within a large, global organization and exposure to multiple leadership levels, including executive leadership.
Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to develop trust and credibility across departments and levels.
Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements and contribute to department-wide and company-wide initiatives.

Responsibilities

Lead, empower, and motivate a high-performing finance team in a fast-paced environment, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Analyze financial statements and key performance indicators at the company, division, location, and project levels, and provide meaningful insight and recommendations to leadership.
Review projects and interpret financial implications, ensuring appropriate application of revenue recognition policies and engineering and construction accounting standards.
Evaluate financial risk on the largest and most complex projects and communicate findings and mitigation strategies to relevant stakeholders.
Partner with engineering and construction project teams to support project financials, including budgeting, forecasting, cost tracking, and variance analysis.
Lead instructional and informational training sessions for project teams on topics such as accounting standards, system enhancements, reporting capabilities, corporate initiatives, and best practices.
Guide and mentor team members through recruiting, onboarding, professional development, career pathing, and retention efforts.
Ensure quality, efficient, and cost-effective utilization of team members, optimizing workload distribution and resource allocation.
Manage team staffing needs, including hiring decisions, promotions, and succession planning.
Provide timely and accurate financial reporting and analysis to executive leadership to support strategic decision-making.
Advise internal stakeholders on technical and financial matters, including complex accounting issues and financial requests.
Serve as a point of escalation for team members on financial inquiries, issues, and concerns, providing clear guidance and resolution.
Contribute recommendations on the strategic direction, objectives, and process improvements for the operational finance team.
Promote and support diversity initiatives within the team and broader organization.
Facilitate external audits and client audits by preparing required documentation, coordinating with auditors, and addressing audit inquiries.
Perform month-end close activities, including reconciliations, financial review, and reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance with internal policies and standards.
Complete all other duties as assigned by the finance leadership team in support of business objectives.