The Project Accounting Manager oversees all financial aspects of project-based work, ensuring accurate cost tracking, revenue recognition, forecasting, and compliance with company policies and accounting standards. This role partners closely with project managers, operations, and leadership to drive financial transparency, profitability, and risk management across the project lifecycle.
ResponsibilitiesProject Financial Management
Lead project accounting activities including cost accumulation, revenue recognition, billing, and margin analysis.
Ensure project financials are accurate, complete, and reported timely throughout the project life cycle.
Monitor project budgets, forecasts, and actuals; identify variances and recommend corrective actions.
Revenue Recognition & Compliance
Ensure proper treatment of contract types (fixed-price, time & materials, cost-plus, milestone-based).
Maintain compliance with internal controls, company policies, and external audit requirements.
Reporting & Analysis
Prepare and review project financial reports for management.
Provide financial insights to project and executive leadership to support decision-making.
Support monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes related to project accounting.
Billing & Cash Flow
Oversee project billing processes, including invoice accuracy, timing, and contract compliance.
Partner with AR teams to resolve billing disputes and improve cash collection.
Monitor unbilled revenue, retainage, and project-related receivables.
Leadership & Collaboration
Manage and develop project accounting staff; set goals, provide coaching, and conduct performance reviews.
Serve as a financial partner to project managers and operations teams.
Participate in contract reviews, change order assessments, and risk evaluations.
Process Improvement
Drive improvements in project accounting systems, processes, and controls.
Standardize best practices to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
Success Factors
Accurate and timely project financial reporting.
Strong partnership with project and operations teams.
Improved forecast accuracy and margin performance.
Effective leadership and development of the project accounting team.
Excel Functions for a Construction Project Accounting Manager
SUMIFS
COUNTIFS
SUBTOTAL
XLOOKUP
IF/IFS
ROUND
LEFT / MID / RIGHT
TRIM / CLEAN
CONCAT / TEXTJOIN
PIVOT TABLES/ PIVOTBY
INDEX + MATCH
Ability to create invoicing templates and summarize reports for Executive review
Highschool Diploma/ GED Equivalent
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or if you have related field experience.
5+ years of accounting/finance experience with significant project or contract accounting exposure.
Prior supervisory or managerial experience required. #LI-CC1
Skills Required
- Highschool Diploma or GED
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance or equivalent related experience
- 5+ years accounting/finance experience with significant project or contract accounting exposure
- Prior supervisory or managerial experience
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (SUMIFS, XLOOKUP, PivotTables, INDEX+MATCH, TEXTJOIN, etc.) and ability to create invoicing templates and executive reports
- Knowledge of revenue recognition, contract types (fixed-price, time & materials, cost-plus, milestone-based), and project billing practices
- Experience maintaining internal controls and supporting external audits
What We Do
Zachry Nuclear Engineering, Inc. provides comprehensive engineering, design, and project management services for the nuclear industry. The company supports the modification of existing nuclear power plants and the development of new facilities, including small modular reactors. With over 50 years of experience, it offers expertise in electrical, mechanical, structural, and controls engineering, as well as turnkey construction and maintenance services.
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