Project Accountant I

About the role

The posting lists Chicago, Illinois. Complete project setup as documented and/or directed by existing SOPs. Prepare invoices for all assigned projects on a monthly, interim, and milestone basis. Enter all financial, contract, and project related paperwork into the assigned project folder and upload/posting in the company's ERP systems. Ensure timely and accurate job cost in the project folder and the project record in the company's ERP system, including Milhouse, client and sub change orders, invoices and invoicing related documents, project budgets, project cost transfer files, subcontractor pay requirements, and accounts payable invoices posting.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Complete project setup as documented and/or directed by existing SOPs.
• Prepare invoices for all assigned projects on a monthly, interim, and milestone basis.
• Enter all financial, contract, and project related paperwork into the assigned project folder and upload/posting in the company's ERP systems.
• Ensure timely and accurate job cost in the project folder and the project record in the company's ERP system, including Milhouse, client and sub change orders, invoices and invoicing related documents, project budgets, project cost transfer files, subcontractor pay requirements, and accounts payable invoices posting.
• You will Monitor and collect aged receivables.
• Support project managers with project cost/schedule monitoring and updates, including monitoring of planned vs actuals, percent completes, provide suggestions for proactive cost control improvements, monitor employee hours charged to projects weekly, and monitor sub-consultant invoices and postings cost to the project.
• Setup and maintenance of project contract values, contract terms, labor overhead rates, and labor multipliers.
• Understand the project's cost structure and the information processed; bring project issues to their manager or director level for assistance and further evaluation.
• You will Provide information to appropriate staff regarding project status.
• Participate in, and at times host and coach project managers on project kick-off and closeouts, project performance review meetings with Project Managers, Section Managers, and Group Leaders of the assigned profit center.
• Support the resolution of realized risks and document lessons learned to be shared.
• Manage processes for projects with special requirements such as certified payroll, special reporting, and project duration-based reporting.
• Timely respond to client and internal staff inquiries regarding project setup, project plan development, project invoicing, expense reports, ERP system reporting, and other project related qualitative and quantitative items.
• You will Process project related accounts payable.
• You will Respond to vendor inquiries.
• You will Maintain vendor and billing files.
• You will Filing, copying and other related duties as assigned.
• Must be able to handle multiple projects and changing priorities while working in a cooperative team environment, which includes cross-training with co-workers.
• Assist with data collection and implementation of accounting methods, budget tracking, earned value analysis, status reports, and cost projections; provide guidance, direction, and specialized assistance to Project Manager for setup of new projects and suggest improvements for capitalizing on revenue during the planning phase.
• Facilitate cost and resource management, project planning updates, project staffing levels, and forecasting.
• Review all documents that lead to the client's notice to proceed with a new project or request of change order; may include reviewing contracts with in-house legal to reduce Milhouse's risk and to understand project scope; escalate internal approvals as appropriate.
• Ensure data entry is recorded in a timely manner (1-2 business days) and data integrity is of utmost quality for decision making.
• Ensure project documents are retained and managed per the Project Document Controls & Retention Policy.
• Stewards of the Project Management Manual through compliance and offer areas for improvement.
• You will Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong multi-tasking, organizational and analytical skills to define problems, collect data, evaluate facts, draw valid conclusions and be detail-oriented.
• Must be able to handle multiple projects and changing priorities while working in a cooperative team environment, which includes cross-training with co-workers.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• You need Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• You need Ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner.
• You need Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and manage various project accounting and project management data and documents.
• You need Ability to work independently with moderate supervision.
• You need Knowledge in Deltek Vantagepoint software is a plus.
• Able to work effectively in a team environment as well as with limited supervision.
• Understanding of different Project Delivery Contract Types (Lump Sum/Fixed Fee (LS and FF), Time & Material/Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF)).
• You need Bachelor degree or higher in a business-related field.
• + years of experience in project accounting required, in the Engineering or Consulting industries preferred.
• Experience demonstrating the ability to prepare and review project invoices.
• Experience demonstrating working a project work plan from Kickoff to Closeout.
• Experience working with public and private entities in the Engineering or Consulting industries.