Manager, Project Accounting

Job Description:

Overview: 

The Manager, Project Accounting, is a key member of Pape-Dawson’s senior finance leadership team and a strategic partner to operational and financial leaders across the firm. This role provides vision, direction, and leadership for the company’s project accounting and billing functions, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and financial integrity throughout the full project lifecycle. The successful candidate will lead and develop a high-performing team, drive operational excellence through standardization and process improvement, and deliver actionable insights that enhance profitability, working capital, and overall business performance.

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Responsibilities: 

• Lead the transformation of project accounting from a transactional focus to a comprehensive project financial management function.

• Design, implement and maintain standardized processes, tools, and metrics for project setup, billing, tracking, and performance management.

• Define and enforce policies for revenue recognition, WIP management, and project profitability analysis.

• Oversee accurate project setup, billing, and invoicing to ensure compliance with contracts and company standards.

• Drive continuous improvement in billing workflows, data accuracy, and communication with Project Managers.

• Develop project financial reports, dashboards, and KPIs to monitor profitability, utilization, and cash flow.

• Conduct regular financial reviews with Project Managers and leadership, identifying risks and corrective actions.

• Build and mentor high-performing teams across project accounting and billing, ensuring appropriate staffing, skill alignment, and growth opportunities.

• Champion consistency, transparency, and quality in project reporting and client service

Skills & Competencies

• Financial Leadership: Builds and sustains a high-functioning project accounting program.

• Operational Partnership: Works seamlessly with technical and project teams to ensure shared success.

• Strategic Vision: Implements scalable, future-focused processes and tools.

• Excellence and Integrity: Upholds the company’s values in every aspect of financial management.

• Responsiveness: Acts with urgency to provide timely, accurate insights to project teams.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (CPA or MBA preferred).
• 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including at least 3 years in leadership.
• Proven experience in building or expanding a project accounting function, including developing policies, procedures, and reporting frameworks.
• Deep understanding of project lifecycle financials, revenue recognition, and project controls.
• Experience with ERP systems (Deltek preferred)
• Strong communication, analytical, and leadership skills with a proactive and collaborative mindset.
• Background in AEC, construction, or professional services industries preferred.
• Strong understanding of ASC 606 preferred

EEO Statement:

All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.