Project Accountant I

Description
A Project Accountant will help monitor the progress of projects by tracking, reporting, and analyzing the financial elements of the projects, investigate variances, review expenses and consultants, and ensure that project billings are issued to customers and payments are collected. This person will be an integral part of our Accounting team to help ensure consistent billing and reliable financial reporting for a number of Principals and Project Managers.
General responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Review contract documents and understand the terms regarding the project type, the scope of work and the billing terms.
• Effectively communicate with assigned Principals-in-Charge (PIC), Project Managers (PM) and Associate Project Managers (APM), regarding contract documents, change orders and other contract modifications, approvals and any additional services related to billing.
• Set up new projects and open/close phases per PICs/PMs/APMs instructions.
• Set-up/maintenance of new clients and contacts as needed, including special billing instructions.
• Work in conjunction with the PIC/PM/APM, on a monthly basis, to establish, update and maintain Visual Planning information, the company's project management software (resources, budgeting, etc.)
  
  • Establish the phases and schedules from the information provided on the project number request form.
  • Assist with the discipline budgets and projections, if the information is provided by the PIC/PM/APM.
  
  

Prepare draft invoices of phased fixed fee and hourly contracts, using the monthly projections in Visual Planning, for the PICs/PMs/APMs and make transfers of billable hours and expenses, as needed. Ensure accuracy of billing rates, according to contract requirements, and coordinate with PIC/PM/APM to make appropriate changes necessary. Research any unbilled issues to optimize the billing possibilities for the billing period. Prepare final invoice package containing all billable projects, including all applicable backup for approval by the Billing Supervisor. Email final invoice package and/or upload invoice to applicable client networks. Maintain the billing folders for projects with all appropriate documents, including notarized lien waivers, expenses, consultant invoices and monthly invoices, in accordance with standard procedures. Maintain the contract documents provided by the PICs/PMs/APMs in project folders and accounting system. Review consultant invoices in the accounting system for accuracy and ensure that the consultant contract is attached in the accounting system. Review project expenses in the accounting system for accuracy. Prepare any credit memos or client cutbacks, when applicable. Work with the cash receipts team member to reconcile variances that occur between cash received and invoice total. Contact clients with any outstanding AR over 60 days to ensure they've received the invoice, update any comments that are received in the accounting software and handle any collection issues that may arise. Prepare and distribute AR reports to the PICs/PMs/APMs for monthly progress review. Perform project close outs in the accounting software and reach out to PIC/PM/APM if needed. Provide year end support of auditor requirements, which may include research and reconcilement. Provide Work-in -Progress (WIP) report tracking and maintenance. Prepare any ad hoc reports as needed and additional assignments, as directed by the Billing Supervisor.
Education, Technology, and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree or some college courses in accounting or business preferred, but not required.
• A Project Accountant should typically have a minimum of 3 years of experience in billing and receivables.
• Prior experience working with a Government Contractor is preferred, but not required.
• Prior experience in an Architectural and Engineering firm is desirable.
• A Project Accountant should be proficient and able to effectively utilize current company software programs that include:
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and OneDrive
  • Bluebeam
  • Adobe Acrobat
  
  

Experience in the use of the following is desirable:

• Deltek Vision to include Electronic Invoicing and Payable Approval System
• Visual Planning
• Newforma Project Center

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Ability to work well with others under deadline situations and respond to changes in priorities.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, set priorities and see projects through to completion.
• Possess excellent written communication skills in order to prepare effective and concise documents.
• Possess strong verbal communication skills in order to be comfortable communicating with all levels of management, employees, clients and/or vendors in a professional manner.
• Possess strong attention to detail and desire to produce quality work.

Workplace Flexibility
We have selected two as common days in the office to nurture collaboration and innovation and to support learning and growth through engagement with colleagues. We are asking everyone to be present on Mondays and Thursdays, with a required third day that will provide additional flexibility and be set established between you and your supervisor (with consideration given to your project team members and clients). Our hope is that this schedule will offer the work-life balance that is desired by all, while providing consistent opportunities for face-to-face collaboration and mentorship.
Physical Requirements
Work is sedentary and often performed in an office setting. Work area is lighted, heated, and ventilated. This position may require extended periods of standing, sitting, as well as some repetitive movements, bending and lifting of minimal weight. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Together we discover, inspire, and shape ideas that transform our world. We design for a greater purpose. Our culture results from a collective effort to innovate and inspire, to support and challenge, to impact and transform. Great ideas are the result of collaboration between individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and passions. Our process advances communities through discovery and design. We believe ideas have the power to change the world.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)