Project Accountant

Overview

MSA Professional Services is seeking a detail-oriented Project Accountant to support the financial management of projects across their full lifecycle. This role plays a critical part in ensuring project financial health through accurate invoicing, contract administration, and collaboration with project teams. You will partner closely with Project Managers and internal stakeholders to monitor budgets, manage billing, and maintain compliance with contract terms.

This role is based out of our St Paul office either onsite, remote or hybrid.  

MSA specializes in the sustainable development of communities and is proud to be 100% employee owned. With roots reaching back to 1919, MSA has grown from a rural land survey company into a multidisciplinary network of nearly 550 engineers, architects, planners, funding experts, surveyors, GIS experts, environmental scientists, and more who are committed to making communities better places to live, work, and play. 

Come join the ownership team here! 

Employee Testimonial:

"As an employee-owned company (100% ESOP), working at MSA is not just a job. We're genuine co-owners, and this ESOP setup promotes a culture of collaboration and engagement throughout MSA because we all have a direct financial interest as owners." -Project Engineer - Transportation, Cedar Rapids Office

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

Project & Financial Management

• Create accurate client invoices in alignment with contract terms and billing schedules
• Monitor project budgets, funding, and financial performance
• Process labor and expense adjustments and ensure complete and accurate final billing
• Assist with project setup, including phases, tasks, and tracking structures
• Support project closeout activities including final invoices and financial reporting

Contract & Billing Administration

• Maintain and monitor contract documentation throughout the project lifecycle
• Ensure compliance with company policies and contractual requirements
• Assist with revenue recognition and financial reporting processes
• Support funding management, percent complete tracking, and project reserves

Collaboration & Collections

• Partner with Project Managers, Project Assistants, and Collections team to resolve outstanding accounts receivable
• Support collections efforts and document collection activities
• Provide financial insights and reporting to project teams to support decision-making

Accounting & Operational Support

• Assist with timesheet, expense report, accounts payable, and accounts receivable processing
• Support month-end and year-end close activities and audits
• Perform internal cost recovery and assist with special projects as needed

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Detail-oriented and highly organized with strong follow-through
• Comfortable working in a project-driven environment
• Proactive communicator who collaborates effectively across teams
• Demonstrates strong critical thinking and sound judgment

Qualifications

What You Bring

• Associate degree with 2–3 years of accounting experience, or a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

• Prior experience in the architecture, engineering, or professional services industry is highly desirable.

• Previous billing experience is desired.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general ledger accounting; experience with AEC360 Microsoft Dynamics F&O preferred.

• Familiarity with Earned Value Management principles is a plus.

• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy, handle confidential information, and collaborate across teams.

• This position requires you to have authorization to work in the United States for any employer. We will not provide sponsorship for this position

Why MSA

• 100% employee‑owned firm with 100+ years of community impact
• Collaborative culture with in-house experts for all disciplines across the firm
• Flexible work‑life integration
• Ongoing learning and professional growth opportunities for all positions
• Commitment to fostering a work environment where employees have a strong sense of inclusion and belonging
• Included on the "ENR Top 500 Design Firms" for over 27 straight years

Pay & Benefits*

• Compensation Range: $29 - $47/hr (commensurate with experience)
• Overtime Eligible
• ESOP: Receive MSA stock shares annually, at no cost to the employee
• Medical, dental & vision insurance for you, spouse, domestic partner, and eligible dependents
• 17+ days PTO (potentially higher pending experience) + 8 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave regardless of birth parent
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Short‑term incentive program for annual bonus opportunities 
• Company‑paid life & disability insurance

*Full eligibility requirements for listed benefits will be discussed during the hiring process

MSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. At MSA, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce, and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hr@msa-ps.com

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer