Project Accountant

PROJECT ACCOUNTANT

At Salas O’Brien, we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success, with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long term means all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem-solving. It also means each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

JOB SUMMARY

The Project Accountant is a key position on our Finance team, responsible for leading financial administration and fiscal management aspects of various projects. Working closely with Project Managers, Engineers, and Executives, the Project Accountant ensures financial compliance, tracks project expenditures, manages invoicing, and oversees accounts receivable/payable. The ideal candidate has strong accounting knowledge, excellent communication skills, is able to positively interact with key members of the project team and the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review project setups for all new projects and understand existing active projects.
• Monitor and communicate potential financial risks, including cash position concerns and unapproved change orders.
• Work closely with project managers, engineers and executives to monitor project performance.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition, cost allocation, and percent-complete updates.
• Assist with month-end close processes, review project performance reports and assist accounting managers with Work in Progress and Billed in Advance, for accurate revenue recognition
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, internal controls, and reporting standards.
• Review subcontractor agreements, purchase orders, and invoice approvals.
• Communicate potential risk with low performing projects
• Mentor and develop project accountants
• Forecasting project performance/revenue
• Assist with Account receivable reconciliation when needed
• Assist with project close out process within vantage
• In additional to project accounting, this roll will assist with other accounting functions such as accounts payable and/or receivable, assist with month-end financial accounting close as needed, partner with the finance manager on process improvement and automation, and assist with ad hoc projects as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a business related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of accounting experience, preferably in the AEC industry or other project-based environment.
• Highly computer literate – especially with an ERP system (Deltek a plus) and Microsoft Excel.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact with various stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience with cost analysis, billing rate audits, and financial forecasting.
• Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and attention to detail.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Regularly required to sit, use hands, reach with arms, and communicate effectively.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and lift/move up to 25 pounds.
• Work environment is generally moderate in noise level, with occasional exposure to mechanical parts or airborne particles.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Compensation & Benefits:  

The expected base salary range for this position is $65,000 to $85,000 and eligible for a performance bonus. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location. 

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including: 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 

• 401(k) with company match 

• Paid time off and company holidays 

• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources 

• Professional development support 

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here. 

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement 

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law. 

Third-Party Agency Notice 
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees. 

Qualifications Education Required Bachelors or better. Experience Required Minimum of 2 years of accounting experience, preferably in the AEC industry or other project-based environment Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.