Project Accountant

General Job Description:

The Project Accountant plays a pivotal role in overseeing the project billing & collection process, as well as reviewing costs and gross profit on each project.  This role interacts heavily with internal project managers and project engineers, and the client/general contractor/construction manager/owner.  The project accountant is a key member of the construction team, contributing significantly to the financial success of each project.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Project Accountant performs a variety of accounting functions in an accounting department to include the following:

• Effectively communicate with Project Team regarding contract documents, change orders and other contract modifications, approvals, and any additional services-related to billing.
• Prepare monthly invoice package containing draft and final invoices for projects, particularly cost plus billings including all applicable expense backup.
• Send final invoices and waivers to the customer & follow up on client approval / payment.
• Assess and pursue opportunities for maximization of client billing; communicate with the Project Team, as to your observations and actions taken.
• Collaborate with Project Team to maximize monthly billing amounts.
• Maintain the billing folders for all projects, with all the appropriate documents, including pay applications, waivers, certified payroll reports, vendor invoices, etc. in accordance with standard procedures.
• Generate and analyze ad hoc receivables reports and job profitability reports.
• Assist with the development and implementation of project cost controls.
• Manage/prepare subcontract waivers process.
• Manage certified payroll process on jobs where required.
• Recommend, assist with development and implement agreed process improvements to the billing cost control and billing processes.
• Prepare special project analyses for the Project Team and others.
• Participate in monthly and quarterly project review meetings with CFO, Controller, VP of Construction Operations, and Project Leaders.
• Assist with monthly Cash Flow projections

REQUIRED SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE:

• Bachelor’s Degree or some college courses in accounting or business preferred.
• Experience with AIA billings in a construction environment preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of standard contract, subcontract and purchase order terms, and how they are affected by and/or applied to the project cost control process.
• Thorough knowledge of Construction Accounting terms, processes and procedures.
• Ability to work well with others under deadline situations and respond to changes in priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and strong organizational skills.
• Strong accounting audit skills including data analysis, critical thinking and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, set priorities and see projects through to completion.
• Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel and Outlook.