Senior Project Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Summary

Our design firm client is seeking a Senior Project Accountant to join their growing team. Based out of Philadelphia and working across their Philadelphia, PA, Raleigh, NC, and Austin, TX offices, this role is a key financial partner to the firm's project managers, operations leaders, and co-Managing Partners. The Senior Project Accountant works closely with the Billing Specialist and outsourced accounting consultants to manage the financial performance of a portfolio of projects, ensuring accurate billing, cost tracking, and reporting in support of project delivery and firm profitability.

We are seeking candidates who bring deep expertise in project-based accounting, thrive in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment, and have the communication skills to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders. Experience with AEC-focused ERP platforms such as Deltek Vantagepoint is a strong advantage. Candidates should be comfortable managing competing priorities and adapting to the dynamic nature of a project-driven firm.

The ideal candidate will have 5 or more years of project accounting experience within the AEC or professional services industry and the ability to manage the full project accounting lifecycle with minimal oversight.

About the role
What this position will focus on:
Managing the full project accounting lifecycle, including project setup, budget tracking, cost monitoring, invoicing oversight, and close-out, in close collaboration with project managers and the Billing Specialist.

Leading financial reporting, revenue recognition, and period-close activities to maintain the financial health and compliance of the firm.

Supporting firm leadership, collaboration across departments, and additional operational duties as needed.

Critical parts of the job

• Overseeing and supporting the Billing Specialist for monthly project invoicing and collections of outstanding invoices.
• Monitoring project budgets and expenditures, identifying variances and working with project managers to address cost overruns or scope changes.
• Processing and tracking subconsultant invoices, purchase orders, and expense reports associated with assigned projects.
• Overseeing vendor payment processing and performing all accounts payable functions, including reviewing, coding, and processing payments for all non-project expenses.
• Tracking service contracts for outside vendors and performing monthly reconciliation of the corporate credit card statement.
• Processing payroll accurately and on time, including setup of new employee accounts in finance and HR systems, benefit deductions (401(k), medical, dental, disability, etc.), and serving as primary point of contact for pay-related questions.
• Providing annual payroll census data to the firm's 401(k) vendor.
• Preparing regular project financial reports including earned value analysis, revenue recognition schedules, and profitability summaries for project managers and leadership.
• Ensuring accurate revenue recognition in compliance with firm accounting policies and applicable standards (e.g., percentage-of-completion method).
• Assisting with month-end and year-end close activities, including preparation of journal entries and reconciliations.
• Compiling and reporting end-of-year financial data in coordination with co-Managing Partners and the firm's external tax accountant.
• Maintaining organized, audit-ready project financial records and documentation.
• Managing the Billing Specialist as a direct report, including daily coordination, quality oversight, mentoring, One-on-Ones, and facilitating semi-annual performance reviews.
• Coordinating with the Office Manager and co-Managing Partners on compliance and annual renewals of business and professional licensing across multiple states.
• Supporting Business Development during project pursuit, close-out, and post-award handoff for accurate project setup and contract review.
• Other ad-hoc duties as assigned.

Skills, Education & Abilities

The Must-Haves

• Collaborative and service-oriented approach to working with project teams across the firm.
• Proactive problem-solver who identifies financial risks early and escalates or resolves them promptly.
• Adaptability to manage shifting priorities in a dynamic, project-driven work environment.
• High level of integrity and professionalism in handling sensitive financial information

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5–7 years of progressive project accounting experience, preferably in an architecture, engineering, or professional services firm
• Strong understanding of project-based accounting, including percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, cost-to-complete analysis, and AEC contract billing structures
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously with accuracy, attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable information for non-financial stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite

The Nice to Haves

• 5 or more years of AEC industry accounting experience with full project lifecycle ownership
• Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint or similar AEC-focused project accounting/ERP software
• CPA or CPA Candidate
• Experience supporting payroll, AP/AR, and month-end/year-end close in a multi-office environment
• Familiarity with subconsultant invoice processing, Standard Form billing structures, or AEC contract compliance

About our client
An award-winning architecture and design firm supporting clients across the US and internationally, they value and cultivate long-term partnerships with organizations across a wide range of industries and institutional settings. Their collaborative approach draws on the diverse expertise of the team and encourages connections across disciplines and sectors.

They bring together different perspectives and ideas to develop more thoughtful, innovative solutions than any individual could create alone. This shared approach to problem-solving is central to how they work and how innovation takes shape.

 

Converge HR Solutions and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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