Assistant Project Accountant & Office Manager

Description

National Engineering & Architectural Services, Inc. (NEAS), a growing civil engineering services firm headquartered in the North Columbus/Westerville area, is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented and dependable professional to join our corporate office as an Assistant Project Accountant & Office Manager.

This position will support the financial and administrative operations of NEAS and will work closely with company ownership, project managers, Human Resources, and other administrative staff.

The successful candidate will have an opportunity to learn NEAS' project accounting, billing, financial administration, and office management processes from an experienced member of our management team. The position is intended to provide increasing responsibility and a long-term opportunity for advancement as the candidate develops knowledge of NEAS's operations and accounting practices.

The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys working with numbers and details, taking ownership of responsibilities, following through on commitments, and is comfortable working independently while also collaborating with others.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Project Accounting & Financial Administration

• Assist with establishing new projects and clients in NEAS's accounting/project management system.
• Review, verify, code, and process vendor invoices and expenses accurately and timely, including assignment to the appropriate project and activity.
• Work closely with ownership, project managers, Human Resources, and billing personnel to coordinate new projects, purchasing needs, employee time and expenses, and other project-related financial information.
• Review, record, and reconcile company credit card transactions.
• Review and process employee expense reports and other reimbursable expenses.
• Assist with equipment purchases and requests for purchases.
• Prepare and process payments, including check runs and electronic payments.
• Issue and distribute client statements.
• Assist with accounts receivable and follow-up on outstanding balances.
• Prepare journal entries and other accounting-related transactions as directed.
• Assist with financial reconciliations and month-end/year-end accounting activities.
• Maintain accurate and organized financial records.

Compliance, Reporting & Financial Administration

• Assist with maintaining and improving procedures for financial and operational compliance with company policies and applicable requirements.
• Assist with lien waivers, compliance documentation, and other project-related administrative requirements.
• Coordinate annual insurance renewals and audits.
• Assist with annual tax and financial record preparation in coordination with NEAS' outside CPA firm.
• Assist with annual state financial prequalification submissions and related financial documentation.
• Develop an understanding of NEAS' indirect cost accounting and annual Indirect Cost Submission process.
• Maintain organized records and documentation necessary for audits, tax preparation, prequalifications, and other reporting requirements.

Office & Administrative Operations

• Assist with general office administration and operations.
• Maintain vehicle registrations and related listings.
• Assist with vendor management and other office purchasing activities.
• Provide backup support for administrative staff as needed.
• Coordinate with Human Resources and other staff on employee-related administrative requirements.
• Participate in special projects and other responsibilities as assigned.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will be a reliable, organized and detail-oriented professional who is capable of managing multiple responsibilities and deadlines. We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate:

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Good analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong follow-through and accountability.
• Professional demeanor and discretion when handling confidential financial and employee information.
• Ability to communicate effectively with ownership, project managers, employees, vendors, clients, and outside professional advisors.
• Willingness and ability to learn NEAS's systems, procedures, and business practices.

A Long-Term Opportunity

This position is intended to provide the successful candidate with an opportunity to develop a broad understanding of the financial and administrative operations of a growing engineering services firm.

The successful candidate will initially work alongside experienced NEAS personnel and will gradually assume additional responsibilities as knowledge and experience develop. Over time, the position may assume increasing responsibility for project accounting, billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, financial reporting, prequalification support, vendor management, and office operations.

We are looking for someone who wants to learn the business, take on responsibility, and become an important part of the long-term success of NEAS.

Why NEAS?

NEAS is a growing engineering services firm providing surveying, geotechnical engineering, materials testing, and inspection services to engineering and architectural clients throughout Ohio and beyond.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field is preferred, but not required.
• Previous experience in accounting, project accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, or financial administration is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience will be considered.
• Experience with engineering, architecture, construction, surveying, consulting, or another project-based professional services organization is strongly preferred.
• Experience with project-based accounting systems is a plus. 
• Familiarity with Ajera is preferred, but not required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word, and other general office software.
• Familiarity with GAAP, FAR, AASHTO, or other government/project-based accounting requirements is desirable but not required.