Senior Project Accountant

SQN Associates, LLC•Chicago, IL

1d•$95,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This position supports firm leadership in managing the financial performance of projects, including billing functions, financial reporting and operational analysis. The role works closely with project managers and internal stakeholders to help ensure projects are financially well managed and aligned with firm objectives. This is a hybrid position, with the expectation that initially the individual in the role will spend more time in the office to support training, integrate into the role, collaborate with the team, and become familiar with the company culture.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Minimum of 5 to 7 years of project accounting experience with increasing responsibility in job costing, billing, and financial analysis within the architecture, engineering, or construction (A/E/C) industry.
Strong experience preparing and submitting complex client invoices in accordance with contract terms, including time-and-materials (hourly), lump sum, not-to-exceed, and cost-plus structures.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply contract provisions, subcontracts, and change orders to ensure accurate billing, revenue recognition, and compliance with client requirements.
Strong working knowledge of project-based ERP/accounting systems (e.g., JAMIS Prime or similar); advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel required.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally with project managers, accounting staff, and clients.
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take ownership of project financial outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Experience with government and public agency invoicing (e.g., CTA, IDOT, ISTHA, CDOT) and associated documentation requirements is preferred.
Experience providing guidance or informal mentorship to junior staff or supporting process improvements is a plus.

Responsibilities

Analyze project contracts, cost sheets, and billing provisions to interpret invoicing requirements and confirm alignment with contractual terms, client guidelines and firm policies.
Prepare, generate and submit timely client invoices and supporting billing packages, applying client-specific requirements and contract terms.
Interpret and apply contract billing provisions and advise project managers on allowable billings strategies and contract requirements.
Set up new clients, projects, contracts, subcontracts, and change orders in the accounting system.
Oversee project billing structure and financial setup, including establishing invoicing parameters, cost allocations, and billing guidelines within the accounting system.
Maintain and periodically review project financial documentation and records, including contracts, amendments and change orders.
Review and approve project-related financial transactions, including vendor, subconsultant, and client invoices, verifying proper coding, accuracy and alignment with project budgets and contract terms.
Manage project cost allocations and expense transfers between project accounts to maintain accurate financial reporting and alignment with contract requirements.
Coordinate subconsultant onboarding and billing requirements for prime projects; provide required templates, invoicing standards, and documentation guidelines.
Perform financial analysis of project costs, budgets, and revenue to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improved financial performance.
Lead project variance analysis; provide financial insights and recommendations to project managers and senior leadership.
Develop and present project profitability reports, revenue forecasts, and financial dashboards to support leadership decision‑making.
Provide supervision, mentorship, and technical guidance to team members.
Monitor project budgets, labor utilization, and contract funding levels; collaborate with project managers to proactively address potential budget or billing issues.
Lead the timely and accurate preparation and submission of client invoices
Develop and maintain billing procedures, documentation, and training materials.
Coordinate resolution of issues and maintain clear communication with internal and external stakeholders.
Provide guidance to project managers and accounting staff on billing practices and client requirements.
Facilitate regular billing and financial review meetings with project managers and leadership, supporting timely billing and effective project financial oversight.
Partner with clients' accounting teams to resolve billing issues, track receivables, and support timely collections.
Other duties as required by the project, client, or SQN business needs.

Benefits

Competitive base pay (annual base pay $95,000 to $115,000)
Discretionary annual bonus
Medical, dental, and vision coverage plan options
Company-paid life insurance and short-term/long-term disability
401k plan with an employer safe harbor contribution
Paid time off
Paid company holidays
Paid parental leave
Professional development assistance, licensure, and professional membership reimbursement
Company-sponsored social events
Pre-tax commuter benefit
Health savings accounts with employer contribution
Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
Monthly cell phone reimbursement
Annual wellness reimbursement
Voluntary life and accident insurance
Voluntary critical illness and hospital indemnity insurance
Pet insurance