Project Accountant

Job Title: Project Accountant 

Business Unit: Norlee Group Financial Department 

Reports To: Controller 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Position Summary: The Project Accountant is responsible for managing the financial aspects of assigned projects, including billing, cost tracking, compliance with contract requirements, and ensuring accurate financial reporting. This role involves close collaboration with Project Managers and other internal teams to ensure that project finances are accurately tracked and reported. The Project Accountant will manage accounts receivable, optimize cash flow, and support the financial performance of projects from initiation to completion. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Management of all Billing/AR Aging related functions for assigned projects.

 • Manage invoices, billing, reporting and compliance for assigned projects. 

• Understand compliance requirements for assigned projects. 

• Process customer billings and pay applications.

 • Understand the relevant contractual terms that are in place for each project in terms of compliance, reporting and billing.

 • Collect and track compliance documents including but not limited to Lien waivers, Notice to Owners (NTOs), Notice of Nonpayment, Insurance Certificates. 

• Generate reports including A/R, Contract Status, and Job Cost. 

• Cash applications 

• Managing collection timelines and cash forecast

 • Other related duties as assigned or needed. 

Competencies

 • Financial Acumen: Demonstrates a strong understanding of financial indicators, effectively using financial data to guide decisions and evaluate project outcomes; Leverages financial analysis to support project strategy, ensuring that all financial activities align with organizational objectives; Monitors project budgets, forecasting, and cost control to ensure financial accuracy and efficiency.

 • Optimizes Work Processes: Continuously identifies and refines processes to ensure that accounting procedures for project finances are efficient, accurate, and streamlined; Implements process improvements for financial workflows, from job set-up to billing and collections; Seeks out opportunities to automate routine tasks, ensuring that the project accounting process is scalable and effective. 

 • Customer Focus: Builds and maintains effective relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring that their financial needs and concerns are addressed promptly; Seeks opportunities to deliver financial solutions that add value to the project and meet the client’s expectations; Communicates clearly with customers regarding invoicing, payment schedules, and financial status updates to ensure smooth financial transactions. 

• Manages Complexity: Handles multiple projects simultaneously, applying critical thinking and problem-solving to navigate complex financial scenarios; Manages diverse sets of financial data, ensuring accuracy and clarity in reporting; Analyzes complex financial information, breaking it down into actionable insights for decision-making. 

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education and/or Experience 

A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. At least 3-5 years of experience in project accounting, construction accounting, or a similar industry is preferred. Strong knowledge of project cost tracking, billing procedures, and contract compliance is essential. Experience with ERP systems, especially Sage 300, is preferred. Familiarity with construction project management software such as Procore or Textura is a plus. 

Language Skills The Project Accountant must be able to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports, contract documents, and accounting systems. Strong communication skills are essential for interacting effectively with Project Managers, clients, and internal teams. The individual should be able to express complex financial information clearly and concisely to non-financial stakeholders. This role also requires a team-oriented approach and the ability to lead project financials while collaborating with other departments to ensure the financial success of projects. Mathematical Skills The Project Accountant must possess strong mathematical skills to accurately track, manage, and reconcile project costs, billings, and accounts receivable. The ability to perform complex financial calculations such as cost allocation, billing adjustments, and retention reconciliations is essential to ensure the accuracy of project financials. 

Computer Skills To perform this job successfully, the Project Accountant must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for financial analysis, reporting, and data management.