Project Accountant I

The Project Accountant oversees projects within the Milhouse Engineering profit center(s) assigned to them. This role is responsible for end-to-end project life-cycle management in concert with the assigned project manager and profit center leadership (Group Leader). This role will complete project accounting activities, project planning activities, project governance activities, project monitoring and controlling activities and administrative support. These activities will be completed from project initiation through project closeout. This role may work with all positions within the profit center(s) assigned by the Project Finance and Governance leadership. The Project Accountant needs to have hands-on knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the accounting and project management professions. This role will be under the direct supervision of the Project Accountant leadership. What you will 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. This includes 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. Monitor and collect aged receivables. Supporting project managers with project cost/schedule monitoring and updates, which includes monitoring of planned v. actuals, percent completes, provide suggestions for proactive cost control improvements, monitor employee hours charged to projects on a weekly basis and monitor sub-consultant invoices and postings cost to the project Setup and maintenance of project contract values, contract terms, labor overhead rates, 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. 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, Group Leaders of the assigned profit center. Support the resolution of realized risks and documents 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. Process project related accounts payable. Respond to vendor inquiries. Maintain vendor and billing files. 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. Assists with data collection and implementation of accounting methods, budget tracking, earned value analysis, status reports, and cost projections. Responsible for providing guidance, direction, and specialized assistance to Project Manager for the setup of new projects (Planning) and suggest improvements for capitalizing on revenue during the planning phase of a new Facilitates the 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. This may include reviewing contracts with in-house legal level to reduce Milhouse’s risk and to understand the project scope. Escalate internal approvals as appropriate. Ensuring data entry is recorded in a timely manner (1-2 business days), and data integrity is of the upmost quality for decision making. Ensuring 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. Performs other duties as assigned. Who you are: Strong multi-tasking, organizational and analytical skills to define problems, collect data, evaluate facts, draw valid conclusions and 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. Strong written and verbal communication skills required. Ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to interpret and manage various project accounting and project management data and documents. Ability to work independently with moderate supervision. 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). Education and Experience: Bachelor degree or higher in a business-related field 3+ 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 At Milhouse, we’re more than just a place to work — we’re a place to grow, thrive, and be celebrated. Here’s how we invest in you: Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage – Reach out to learn how your deductible could be covered 100% through Garner Health! Company Sponsored Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability – We’ve got your back when life takes unexpected turns. Voluntary Coverages – Take control of your well-being with added coverage options. Discounted Gym Membership – Stay active with wellness options that support your fitness goals. Competitive Base Salary – Earn what you're worth in a performance-driven culture. 401(k) Retirement Plan – Build your future with confidence. Professional Development Incentives – Get rewarded for growing your skills—including bonuses for earning your P.E. License. Milhouse University (Cross-Functional Training) – Expand your expertise with internal training built to elevate your career and receive PDH credits for applicable training towards professional engineering licenses, etc.. Employee Education & Development Program – Tuition assistance and learning opportunities to keep you moving forward. Generous PTO + Paid Holidays – Rest, recharge, and enjoy the moments that matter most. Paid Parental Leave – Bond with your new arrival — and yes, we’ll even cover a year of diapers! Extracurricular Sports Teams – Join our summer Volleyball and Softball squads for fun off the clock. Employee Recognition Program – Be celebrated for the impact you make. Employee Referral Bonus – Bring great people on board and get paid for it. Transit Benefits Program – Save on your daily commute. Charitable Events and Activities offered through non-profit affiliate – Milhouse Charities. $54,900 - $64,200 a year The actual base pay depends upon many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. While we provide a range, we'd love to hear from you if you are in or outside of this range as we are always looking to cater roles to the Talent we find! Milhouse is a pay transparency non-discrimination organization committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We ensure that all employees are compensated fairly and without bias, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, effective January 1, 2025, we include pay scales and benefits in all job postings and ensure that all promotion opportunities are communicated to current employees within 14 days of external postings. Additionally, we participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility and uphold compliance with federal requirements. Here’s a little information on Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc.: Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. was founded in 2001 with the goal of building the best engineering company in the country. It was based on the belief that if we hired great people, fueled their passion while challenging them to excel, and maintained a laser focus on the needs of your clients, success would come- and so it has. We are a unique, Chicago-based firm whose collective passion, vision and expertise has led to phenomenal growth! With more than 500+ talented professionals and offices across the globe, Milhouse offers a dynamic work environment where there is no limit to what you can achieve if you are willing to go after it. Our people are the cornerstone of our organization, and key to our success. Join a remarkably talented team that shares a passion for what they do and a vision for improving communities around the world through innovative engineering and construction. Important Notice to US Applicants Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. is an at-will employer. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr