Sr. Government Project Accountant

Senior Government Project Accountant

Do you want to build an impactful career to change the world for the better? Geosyntec has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Government Project Accountant in one of our offices such as Blue Bell, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Asheville, NC, Atlanta, GA, Boca Raton, FL, Chattanooga, TN, Greenville, SC, Richmond, VA, or our Baton Rouge, LA office. This position performs specialized accounting and contract administration for complex government projects, including project setup, client billing, revenue and cost analysis, financial reporting, and compliance with company policy, government cost accounting principles, and contractual requirements. The role partners closely with Project Managers, Project Directors, clients, subcontractors, and internal accounting teams to support accurate, timely financial administration and reporting.

Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.

We invest in our people. Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too. We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Contract Administration

• Perform contract administration for government projects of high complexity and advise Project Managers on contract financial matters and client negotiation factors.
• Interpret contract terms and establish accurate project and contract information in the accounting database in accordance with company policy, government cost accounting principles, and contractual obligations.
• Generate and review pre-billing reports for accuracy, including budget rates, markups, cost-recovery limitations, expense documentation requirements, and other contract-specific provisions.
• Coordinate Project Manager review of draft invoices; correlate, reference, and attach required supporting documentation; and prepare complete draft and final invoice packages, including revenue recognition support.
• Assess project revenue and cost calculations and record approved accounting adjustments resulting from Project Manager review comments.
• Perform cost analysis and distribute selected project management reports to Project Managers, managers, and Principals.
• Adjust annual overhead fluctuations for governmental or Cost Plus Fixed Fee projects, as applicable.
• Establish work breakdown structures, track actual hours, develop cost estimates, and prepare estimates at completion.
• Communicate with Project Managers and Project Directors regarding contract documents, change orders, contract modifications, approvals, additional services, and billing requirements.
• Research unbilled issues to optimize billing opportunities and support weekly and monthly budget and effort analysis for client reporting.

Project and Financial Analysis

• Prepare proposal and project setups; follow up on client and subcontractor contracts; perform preliminary employee expense report reviews; and complete related administration.
• Prepare subcontractor bid and quote requests for Project Manager action and approval; maintain subcontractor files; and track invoices to support timely processing and payment.
• Monitor budgets with the Project Manager, prepare change orders, and track purchases through purchase orders and subcontracts for budget compliance and payment processing.
• Compile and distribute project financial data, including percent complete calculations and weekly or monthly reports; identify variances and elevate them to the Project Manager.
• Prepare detailed schedule and cost tracking to support timely senior review and client deliverables.
• Collect, prepare, and perform initial analysis of cost and schedule variances, performance trends, labor hours and labor cost versus budget, actual cost versus funding limitations, and project earned value.
• Track actual and potential scope changes and participate in change control management at the Project Manager's discretion.
• Serve as liaison among departments, offices, subcontractors, agencies, staff, clients, and client accounts payable personnel to resolve project and invoicing issues and minimize payment delays.
• Participate in client meetings as requested and assist Project Managers by interpreting contractual requirements, Federal Acquisition Regulation provisions, and client-specific procurement regulations.
• Prepare project-specific health and safety plans and additional client reports when required.

Government Accounting Support

• Ensure compliance with DCAA requirements and applicable federal and state laws.
• Assist with Representations and Certifications and track small-business utilization as directed by the Project Manager.
• Participate in General Services Administration audits and assist with tracking quarterly payments when needed.
• Maintain prime contracts for government clients, as necessary, and perform related work as directed by the Director of Federal Programs.

Accounting Management and Leadership

• Manage personnel supporting branch accounting functions for government and commercial clients, including recruiting, hiring, workflow assignment, mentoring, training, and timely performance evaluation.
• Monitor compliance with policies and procedures and address identified deficiencies.
• Manage daily and monthly departmental processes, including revenue, invoicing, unbilled balances, monthly reporting, routine maintenance, and related services.
• Lead departmental special projects and provide weekly and monthly reporting using Excel, SQL queries, and other software.
• Perform other related work as required.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• This position requires a high school diploma and a minimum of nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in project or contract administration for a professional services firm, an associate degree and seven (7) years of experience, or a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance and five (5) years of government accounting experience coordinating and administering invoicing for a professional services firm, preferably in an engineering environment. (required)
• Knowledge of job costing, contract file administration, project revenue recognition, government program billing and collections, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation. (required)
• Experience with SF 1034 and SF 1035 forms and overhead price adjustments for cost-type projects. (required)
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex instructions, contracts, subcontract agreements, project documents, scopes of work, correspondence, and memoranda; and to prepare complex business communications. (required)
• Ability to present information effectively to senior office leadership, Project Managers, and other internal clients and to maintain cooperative professional relationships. (required)
• Ability to calculate rates, ratios, and percentages and to prepare and interpret graphs and tables. (required)
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and proficiency in Excel. (required)
• Prior experience with BST or a similar accounting and project management system. (preferred)
• Valid U.S. driver's license and a satisfactory driving record for company business, as required. (required)

Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.