Accounting Project Specialist

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking an Accounting Project Specialist to support the financial and operational success of engineering projects across our organization. In this highly visible role, you will partner with Finance, Project Delivery, and Corporate Accounting teams to manage project setup, customer invoicing, contract administration, expense tracking, accounts receivable, and month-end accounting activities. Your work will help ensure projects are accurately managed from both a financial and operational perspective.

The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and eager to learn. Whether you're reviewing contracts, coordinating with project teams, preparing invoices, or supporting financial reporting activities, you'll play an important role in maintaining accurate records and helping the business operate efficiently. This position offers excellent exposure to project accounting and finance operations within a growing engineering services organization.

This role is onsite in Cincinnati, OH 

Due to the nature of this work, all candidates must be U.S. Citizens.

What You'll Be Doing

• Partner with engineering, project management, and finance teams to prepare and issue accurate customer invoices every month.
• Support project accounting activities, including revenue recognition, unbilled and unearned revenue tracking, and month-end close processes.
• Monitor accounts receivable and follow up with customers regarding outstanding payments.
• Review and process vendor invoices and expenses to ensure costs align with contracts, agreements, and project budgets.
• Create and maintain projects within the ERP system, ensuring accurate project setup, contract documentation, and financial records.
• Serve as a key liaison between Finance and Delivery teams, helping ensure project financial information remains accurate and up to date.
• Prepare and record monthly accruals and expense provisions to support timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Coordinate with corporate accounting, tax, and external accounting partners to support reporting and compliance requirements.
• Assist with financial analysis, reconciliations, and special projects as needed.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability across accounting and project administration functions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 0–2 years of experience in accounting, finance, project accounting, billing, or a related business function.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling financial information.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with project accounting, invoicing, accounts receivable, or month-end close activities.
• Experience using ERP systems such as Unanet or similar financial/project management software.
• Familiarity with revenue recognition concepts, including unbilled and unearned revenue.
• Experience supporting government contracts or working within a government contracting environment.
• Internship experience in accounting, finance, bookkeeping, or project administration.
• Knowledge of accrual accounting and expense provisioning processes.

The QDSS Advantage:  

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You’ll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future. 

What You’ll Find Here 

• Work That Matters – Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact. 
• Growth That’s Supported – Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement. 
• A Culture That Works – A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued. 

Benefits Include 

• Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace. 

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

Pay Ranges

$52,000 - $57,000 USD

At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don’t just build technology — we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart — not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we’re not just leading the industry — we’re revolutionizing it.

Quest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, 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 or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.