Associate Consultant, Project Accounting

$57,400 - $94,710/Yr

WSP Global - Newark, NJ

Full-time - Entry Level

Newark, NJ

10,001+ employees

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Associate Project Accountant at WSP USA plays a crucial role in providing professional accounting and financial support to project teams. This position involves managing project costs, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and maintaining project budgets. The Associate Project Accountant will work independently and collaboratively to ensure compliance with accounting practices while supporting the delivery of infrastructure and professional services projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage and analyze the collection, recording, and allocation of project costs and revenue.
• Ensure accurate project profit and loss calculations and budget vs. actual cost assessments.
• Perform lifecycle project accounting from creating project accounts to project close-out and reconciliation.
• Partner with Project Managers to establish and update project budgets as needed.
• Generate and evaluate project financial reports for necessary escalations to Project Managers.
• Authorize access to project accounts and manage expense transfers in compliance with accounting guidelines.
• Maintain quality control standards for project-related financial records using Oracle and spreadsheets.
• Investigate project variances and submit variance reports to management.
• Verify contract and change order characteristics, interpreting contract language and terms.
• Ensure accuracy of draft invoices based on contract requirements and finalize invoice approvals with Project Managers.
• Manage subcontractor coordination and evaluate subconsultant invoice accuracy.
• Identify and record unpaid contract billings and follow up on delinquent accounts receivable.
• Respond to client requests for detailed project expense information and review project-related billings.
• Attend project-related meetings to update the team on project financials and follow up on identified actions.
• Create and submit government reports related to projects.
• Compile information for review by senior consultants prior to audits.
• Stay current with project accounting principles and ethical decision-making regarding company resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business, or a closely-related discipline.
• 1 to 3 years of relevant post-education experience in accounting and project contracts.
• Knowledge of project accounting principles and practices.
• Developing analytical mindset with sound independent judgment.
• Capable interpersonal and communication skills for effective interaction with diverse audiences.
• Self-leadership with attention to detail and ability to prioritize responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in technical writing, office automation, and accounting software, especially MS Excel.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills for data analysis and documentation.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with Oracle accounting software.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Paid sick leave and vacation.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid time off for bereavement, voting, and naturalization proceedings.