Project Accounting Manager

Willdan Group, Inc. (WLDN - Nasdaq) is one of the nation's preeminent providers of energy management services to utilities, local governments, and private enterprises. We seek a highly skilled and detail-oriented Project Accounting Manager to join our team. Reporting to the Director of Project Accounting, this critical role ensures financial accuracy, compliance with accounting standards, and operational efficiency. The Project Accounting Manager will oversee project financials, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive success through robust accounting practices. The ideal candidate has extensive construction accounting experience, exceptional analytical skills, and expertise in project-based financial systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage financial accounting, reporting and analysis, ensuring compliance with GAAP and corporate policies
• Oversee the preparation of timely and accurate financial statements and reports, highlighting trends and variances
• Monitor project financial performance, including revenue recognition and expense tracking, ensuring alignment with budgets and contracts
• Ensure accurate project setups and tracking of costs and revenues in compliance with ASC 606 and contract terms
• Perform month-end accounting functions, including accruals, reconciliations, and variance analysis
• Provide actionable financial insights to senior management and project stakeholders
• Support regional Operating Managers in monitoring financial results and regional financial forecasting/budgeting efforts
• Partner with Project Controls, Project Management, and Procurement to develop integrated project forecasts, including cash flow projections, procurement commitments, schedule driven financial impacts, and executive reporting to support operational planning and portfolio management
• Develop and maintain project risk and opportunity matrices for major projects, quantifying financial and schedule impacts, tracking mitigation plans, contingency utilization, and supporting proactive decision making to maximize project performance and profitability
• Plan, delegate, and review work to ensure quality, timeliness, and adherence to company calendar and policies
• Develop and track KPIs for team performance and financial health
• Partner with Operating Unit Managers, senior management, and external stakeholders to optimize financial performance and compliance
• Collaborate with external auditors, clients, and vendors to address financial and operational requirements
• Identify and implement enhancements to financial workflows, leveraging automation and technology for efficiency
• Assist with system upgrades, testing new modules and functionality to align with operational needs
• Proactively identify financial risks in projects and recommend mitigation strategies
• Ensure adherence to internal controls, SOX compliance and audit readiness
• Manage ad-hoc financial analyses and special initiatives as directed by senior leadership

• Oversee the operations and performance of the division’s project accounting team, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of financial services and compliance with policies and procedures
• Interview, hire, train, mentor, motivate, and evaluate project accounting staff, providing feedback, recognition, and coaching
• Plan, assign, delegate, and review work, ensuring quality, accuracy, and timeliness
• Reward, discipline, and address complaints and issues of project accounting staff, following company policies and procedures
• Manage and coordinate outsourced functions and vendors necessary for the success of the division

Job Requirements / Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
• CPA or CMA certification preferred
• 10 plus years of experience in project accounting experience within the construction engineering space
• Experience with fixed price percent complete accounting is a requisite
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex financial data and make sound recommendations
•  Experience supporting project controls through cost forecasting, cash flow planning, procurement coordination, and schedule driven financial forecasting is preferred
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities, with the ability to collaborate effectively with other members of the management team
• Proficiency in financial software and systems, with the ability to leverage technology to improve financial operations
• Periodic weekend or evening work expected
• Travel to out-of-state offices and project sites is required

EEO Non-Discrimination and ADA Reasonable Accommodation Statement
Willdan is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religious creed, color, age marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, religion, military service or veteran status, disability, medical condition, childbirth and related medical conditions, genetic testing, reproductive status or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Willdan does not discriminate on the basis of physical or mental disability where the essential functions of the job can be reasonably accommodated. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us.

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