Project Accountant

Department: Building Science

At Lerch Bates, Project Accountants serve as trusted financial partners who support the success of projects from setup through closeout. This role works closely with Project Managers, Consultants, and Corporate Accounting to maintain accurate project financial records, support timely and compliant billing, monitor work in progress, and contribute to strong project performance and healthy cash flow.

As a key member of the project team, the Project Accountant translates financial data into clear, actionable information that help guide business decisions and deliver exceptional service to clients. The position provides an opportunity to build strong cross-functional relationships, identify and resolve challenges, and support a diverse portfolio of consulting projects.

This is a collaborative, fast-paced role for someone who enjoys balancing analytical accuracy with relationship building. The ideal candidate takes pride in delivering timely, high-quality work, brings curiosity and initiative to process improvement, and is motivated by contributing to both team success and positive client outcomes.

Become an Employee-Owner

One of the biggest advantages of working at Lerch Bates is that we are 100% employee-owned through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Unlike many companies that offer only a salary and retirement plan, eligible employees receive company-funded ESOP shares at no cost to them as part of their long-term retirement benefits.

As Lerch Bates grows, employee-owners share in the company's success. For many employees, the ESOP becomes one of the most valuable financial benefits of their career by helping build meaningful long-term wealth in addition to their salary and traditional 401(k).

When you join Lerch Bates, you are not just building better buildings. You also have the opportunity to build your financial future alongside the company's success.

About Lerch Bates:

Lerch Bates (LB) is a global technical consulting firm focused on improving how buildings perform for owners, designers, and the people who use them every day. For more than 75 years we’ve partnered on some of the world’s most complex and high-profile projects. Today we provide Total Building Performance expertise that integrates Building Science and Building Flow into a unified delivery model.

Our work spans design, construction, investigation, repair, rehabilitation, management, and modernization with one consistent goal: helping clients make confident, well-informed decisions in an increasingly complex built environment.

We are 100% employee-owned through our ESOP. That means when the company succeeds, our employee-owners share in that success. It's more than a retirement benefit—it's an ownership mindset backed by the opportunity to build long-term financial value while helping shape the future of the company. 

What You’ll Do:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed in this position. They are not intended to prescribe or restrict the assignments that management may make.

Project Setup & Administration

• Create, modify, and maintain project records within the accounting system (Deltek Vantagepoint).
• Review contracts, proposals, purchase orders, and Notices to Proceed to ensure projects are set up accurately.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and financial records.
• Assist with project closeout, including final invoicing, collections support, and financial reconciliation.

Project Financial Management

• Monitor project budgets, funding, contract values, and overall financial performance.
• Partner with teams to review Work in Progress (WIP), unbilled revenue, and project status.
• Prepare monthly project financial reports and assist leadership with forecasting revenue, backlog, and profitability.

Billing & Revenue Management

• Prepare and process client invoices in accordance with contract terms and client-specific billing requirements.
• Enter and maintain billing terms, contract amendments, and monitor subconsultant charges.
• Review labor, expenses, consultant costs, and project transactions for accuracy prior to billing.
• Submit invoices through client portals and billing systems, revise as needed.
• Identify potential billing issues and proactively collaborate with project teams to resolve discrepancies.

Compliance & Financial Operations

• Ensure compliance with company accounting policies, contract requirements, and internal controls.
• Support monthly close activities and respond timely to audit documentation requests.

Team Support & Continuous Improvement

• Assist team members by providing cross-coverage, maintaining the project accounting mailbox, and supporting departmental priorities as needed.
• Collaborate with location leadership to enhance process, assist with requests, follow up, and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders.
• Prepare and maintain project and location reporting, providing timely insights and escalating concerns to support informed decision-making.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, reporting, and the overall client experience.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a business-related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of progressive experience in accounting, project accounting, construction accounting, or similar project-based industries.
• Experience with ERP/accounting software such as Deltek Vantagepoint, Vision, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, SAP, or similar systems preferred.
• Familiarity with project contracts, AIA billing formats, and lien wavers
• Prior experience with project billing
• Advanced computer proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook; working knowledge of financial accounting systems.
• Understanding of GAAP, accounting principles, practices, and standards.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to quality, organization, meticulous attention to detail and consistency in work product.
• Advanced organizational and critical thinking skills.
• Effective written/oral communication skills.
• Flexible, responsive, and confident multi-tasker who works independently, manages multiple deadlines, and accommodates shifting priorities.
• Ability to collaborate with multiple teams, individuals, to achieve shared outcomes.

Why Work with Lerch Bates?

• Competitive compensation
• 100% Employee-Owned ESOP (company-funded retirement benefit that allows eligible employees to share in the company's long-term success)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (starting at 17 days annually)
• 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid parental leave
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement
• Performance-based incentives and bonuses
• Employee assistance and wellness programs

Core Values

Ownership • Community • Integrity • Respect • Optimism

Working Environment:

This position is primarily performed in a professional office or remote office environment with regular use of computers and standard office equipment. Occasional travel for meetings, training, conferences, or company events may be required depending on business needs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Physical Demands:

This position requires prolonged periods of sitting while working at a computer, along with frequent use of hands and fingers for typing and operating office equipment. Employees regularly communicate in person, by telephone, and through virtual meeting platforms.

Occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting or carrying office materials weighing up to 20 pounds may be required.

Mental Demands:

This position requires strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills. Employees must be able to prioritize multiple assignments, maintain attention to detail, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing business priorities.

The role requires sound judgment, professionalism, problem-solving abilities, confidentiality, and effective collaboration with colleagues, clients, and external partners.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug test. The drug test includes screening for marijuana, regardless of state or local laws permitting its use. A conditional offer of employment will be rescinded if a candidate fails either the background check or the drug test. This requirement is mandated by federal regulations applicable to our government contracting obligations.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.