Project Accountant

Costa Mesa, CA | Full-Time | Onsite

Are you the person who naturally brings order, accountability, and efficiency to project-based businesses?

We are a highly respected professional AEC firm seeking a Project Accountant to oversee the financial and operational flow of projects from contract setup through billing, collections, reporting, and closeout.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys improving processes, partnering with project managers, and ensuring projects move smoothly from start to finish. You'll have a direct impact on cash flow, project profitability, operational efficiency, and client satisfaction.

What You'll Do

Project Accounting & Billing

• Manage project setup, billing structures, and financial controls within the firm's ERP system.
• Generate and review pre-bill reports, WIP analysis, and labor utilization data.
• Coordinate invoice reviews with project managers and issue accurate client invoices.
• Support project profitability reporting and financial performance tracking.

Accounts Receivable & Collections

• Monitor aging reports and proactively manage collections.
• Communicate professionally with client accounting departments regarding outstanding balances.
• Help improve cash flow through disciplined follow-up and payment tracking.

Contracts & Project Administration

• Assist with contract setup, fee schedules, project phases, and change order administration.
• Maintain accurate project records and ensure operational consistency across projects.
• Support proposal-to-project transitions and project closeout activities.

Accounts Payable & Operations

• Coordinate invoice approvals and vendor payment workflows.
• Review consultant and vendor expenses for proper coding and project allocation.
• Assist with office operations and administrative support as needed.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reporting, billing processes, and project controls.
• Develop practical systems and accountability measures that improve efficiency across the organization.

What We're Looking For

• Experience in project accounting, project controls, finance, or operations within a professional services, engineering, architecture, consulting, or project-based environment.
• Strong understanding of project billing, WIP reporting, contract administration, and project financial management.
• Experience with Deltek Ajera, Vantagepoint, Vision, or a comparable project accounting ERP system.
• Comfortable communicating with project managers, executives, clients, and accounting teams.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Process-oriented mindset with a desire to improve systems and operational efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience supporting engineering, architecture, construction, consulting, or other project-driven organizations.
• Knowledge of utilization reporting, labor forecasting, project profitability, and financial performance metrics.

Why This Opportunity?

• Highly visible role with direct impact on business operations and financial performance.
• Opportunity to partner closely with leadership and project teams.
• Stable, established organization with a strong reputation and long-term client relationships.
• Collaborative, team-oriented culture where your contributions will be recognized and valued.
• Ability to drive meaningful process improvements and operational excellence.

Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.

If you enjoy creating structure, improving processes, and helping project teams operate at their best, we'd love to hear from you.