Accountant / Bookkeeper

Location: New Haven, Connecticut Employment Type: Full time About the Role Pickard Chilton, a 50-person architecture studio recognized internationally for design excellence, is seeking an organized and meticulous Accountant / Bookkeeper to support the firm's day-to-day financial operations. This role combines core bookkeeping with client billing coordination and accounts payable/receivable management, making it well suited to someone who enjoys variety and wants broad exposure to how finance works within a design-driven professional services firm. This is an excellent opportunity for an entry to mid-level accounting professional to build hands-on experience with project-based billing, vendor and client account management, and firm-wide financial recordkeeping all within a collaborative, close-knit studio environment. Essential Job Functions: Bookkeeping & General Accounting Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including data entry, journal entries, and general ledger support. Perform monthly bank and credit card reconciliations. Assist with month-end and year-end close processes. Maintain organized, audit-ready documentation and files for all financial transactions. Billing Coordination Prepare and issue client invoices in accordance with contract terms, fee structures, and AIA billing formats as applicable. Track project budgets billed and unbilled work in progress, and outstanding invoices in coordination with project managers and principals. Monitor contract terms, fee schedules, and consultant billing to ensure accurate and timely invoicing. Accounts Payable / Accounts Receivable: Process vendor invoices, verify accuracy, obtain approvals, and schedule payments. Manage incoming client payments, apply cash receipts, and maintain accurate receivable records. Communicate with vendors and clients to resolve payment inquiries and discrepancies. Maintain vendor and client account records, ensuring current and accurate information. Assist with cash flow tracking related to payables and receivables. Administrative & Cross-Functional Support Serve as a point of contact for finance-related questions from staff, project managers, and outside vendors/clients. Support the Controller and firm leadership with ad hoc financial requests, reporting, and special projects. Help maintain consistent financial processes and documentation across the studio. Contribute to a well-organized office environment as part of a small, collaborative administrative team. Required Education and Experience: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent relevant experience). 14 years of experience in bookkeeping, accounting, billing, or AP/AR, ideally within a professional services, architecture, engineering, or project-based environment. Working knowledge of general accounting principles and financial recordkeeping. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel; experience with accounting or ERP software strongly preferred. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with staff, clients, and vendors. Preferred Qualifications Experience with Deltek Vision/Vantagepoint, BQE Core/ArchiOffice, or similar project-based accounting software. Familiarity with AIA billing formats and construction industry billing practices. Prior experience in an architecture, engineering, or design firm. Experience supporting month-end close processes and basic financial reporting. Accurate, timely client billing and consistent follow-up on receivables. Reliable, well-organized bookkeeping and financial recordkeeping that supports firm-wide reporting. Strong working relationships with project managers, principals, vendors, and clients. Proactive identification and resolution of billing or account discrepancies. A collaborative, dependable presence within the studio's administrative team. Work Environment This position is based in Pickard Chilton's New Haven, Connecticut studio, working in person through the direction of the studios Manager of Finance and alongside the studio admin and project teams. Why Pickard Chilton? Pickard Chilton designs innovative buildings and transformative environments that deliver value and inspire community. As an internationally recognized architecture studio, the firm is known for designing high-performance, thoughtfully crafted environments for forward-thinking and sophisticated clients. Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and growth within a close-knit studio setting. Studio Culture: A collaborative, design-driven environment that values craft, precision, and teamwork. Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plan with company contribution, paid time off, and other benefits. To Apply: Please submit your resume with one reference by Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Applications submitted without a resume will not be considered. Pickard Chilton