Project Accountant

The Hill Group - Franklin Park, IL

Full-time

Franklin Park, IL

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Project Accountant plays a crucial role in managing the financial aspects of construction projects, focusing on billing, collections, and cost analysis. This position requires close collaboration with project managers, engineers, and clients to ensure accurate financial reporting and maximize project profitability.

Responsibilities

• Effectively communicate with Project Managers (PMs) and Project Executives (PXs) regarding contract documents, change orders, and billing-related approvals.
• Prepare final invoice packages containing draft and final invoices for all billable projects, including necessary backup for approval by the Controller and/or CFO.
• Send final invoices and waivers to customers and follow up on client approval/payment.
• Assess and pursue opportunities for maximizing client billing, communicating observations and actions to the Controller/CFO.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to maximize monthly billing amounts.
• Maintain billing folders for all projects with appropriate documents, including pay applications, waivers, certified payroll reports, and vendor invoices.
• Generate and distribute ad hoc receivables reports and job profitability reports.
• Set up new projects, transfer employee billable hours/expenses, and close jobs while reviewing open commitments.
• Prepare time and material (T&M) billings with supporting documentation.
• Manage/prepare subcontract waivers process.
• Manage certified payroll process on jobs where required.
• Recommend and implement process improvements to the billing cycle.
• Prepare special project analyses for PXs, PMs, and others.
• Participate in monthly and quarterly project review meetings with CFO, Controller, VP of Construction Operations, and Group Leaders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or some college courses in accounting or business preferred.
• Experience with AIA billings in a construction environment preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of standard contract terms, including hourly, lump sum, and not-to-exceed billing processes preferred.
• Ability to work well under deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, set priorities, and complete projects.
• Employ problem-solving skills and report issues to the Controller.
• Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.