Project Accountant II

What you will do:

• Lead project setup and financial structuring for assigned projects, ensuring compliance with company SOPs, client requirements, and contract terms.
• Prepare invoices for all assigned projects on a monthly, interim, and milestone basis.
• Review and approve invoices prepared by junior accountants; ensure billing accuracy for monthly, interim, and milestone invoicing cycles.
• Act as primary liaison between finance, project teams, and leadership for project financial matters, providing clear insights and recommendations.
• Monitor and analyze project costs, budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics (planned vs. actuals, percent complete, earned value analysis).
• Anticipate project financial risks and opportunities, proactively advise Project Managers on corrective actions, and escalate critical issues to leadership.
• Partner with Project Managers and Group Leaders on project staffing forecasts, resource planning, and overhead allocation.
• Lead project kick-off and closeout financial reviews, ensuring financial data integrity, risk mitigation, and knowledge transfer of lessons learned.
• Ensure timely collection of aged receivables; coordinate with clients and internal leadership to resolve disputes or payment delays.
• Review contracts, amendments, and change orders in collaboration with legal and project leadership to assess financial impact and mitigate risk.
• Serve as a mentor and coach to junior Project Accountants; provide training, support, and feedback to enhance team capability.
• Oversee and streamline processes for specialized projects with unique reporting requirements (e.g., certified payroll, public agency compliance).
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry in ERP systems; maintain the highest standards of financial accuracy and project document retention.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by recommending updates to the Project Management Manual, accounting policies, and ERP workflows.
• Prepare and deliver financial reports and presentations to profit center leadership, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities to improve profitability.
• Perform advanced project analysis to support executive decision-making, including scenario planning, revenue recognition strategies, and cost optimization. 

Who you are:

• Bachelor degree or higher in a business-related field
• 5+ years of progressive experience in project accounting, preferably within the Engineering, architecture or consulting industries.
• Demonstrated experience leading financial planning and management of large-scale or complex projects.
• Prior experience with Chicago-area public agency invoicing is strongly preferred, including agencies such as CDOT, CCDOTH, IDOT, ISTHA, and other local or state government agencies.
• Prior experience mentoring or coaching junior accounting staff preferred.
• Proven ability to partner with leadership to drive profitability and mitigate project risk. 
• Advanced project accounting knowledge, with strong financial analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead financial aspects of complex projects across multiple stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel – advanced level preferred) and ERP systems; Deltek Vision/Deltek Vantagepoint experience strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; proven ability to handle competing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with Project Managers, Group Leaders, and clients.
• In-depth understanding of different Project Delivery Contract Types (Lump Sum/Fixed Fee, Time & Material, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, etc.).

At Milhouse, we’re more than just a place to work — we’re a place to grow, thrive, and be celebrated. Here’s how we invest in you:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage – Reach out to learn how your deductible could be covered 100% through Garner Health! 
• Company Sponsored Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability – We’ve got your back when life takes unexpected turns. 
• Voluntary Coverages – Take control of your well-being with added coverage options. 
• Discounted Gym Membership – Stay active with wellness options that support your fitness goals. 
• Competitive Base Salary – Earn what you're worth in a performance-driven culture. 
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Build your future with confidence. 
• Professional Development Incentives – Get rewarded for growing your skills — including bonuses for earning your P.E. License. 
• Milhouse University (Cross-Functional Training) – Expand your expertise with internal training built to elevate your career and receive PDH credits for applicable training towards professional engineering licenses, etc.. 
• Employee Education & Development Program – Tuition assistance and learning opportunities to keep you moving forward. 
• Generous PTO + Paid Holidays – Rest, recharge, and enjoy the moments that matter most. 
• Paid Parental Leave – Bond with your new arrival — and yes, we’ll even cover a year of diapers! 
• Extracurricular Sports Teams – Join our summer Volleyball and Softball squads for fun off the clock. 
• Employee Recognition Program – Be celebrated for the impact you make. 
• Employee Referral Bonus – Bring great people on board and get paid for it. 
• Transit Benefits Program – Save on your daily commute. 
• Charitable Events and Activities offered through non-profit affiliate – Milhouse Charities.