Project Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

As a result of our phenomenal growth, MSS Solutions LLC has an opening for a Project Accountant in our Raleigh / Zebulon office. If you are an experienced professional who is looking to grow your career and contribute fresh and innovative ideas to serve our customers, this is an opportunity you should explore!

A career at MSS is not just a job -- it is collaborating with the business's best talent. It's having a part in building a better future. It is making a difference in people's lives.

The success of MSS is a direct reflection of our team's dedication, passion, and hard work. Since 1996, MSS has taken pride in retaining some of the best talents in the industry by promoting a culture of respect, collaboration, and empowerment.

Key Expectations

The successful Project Accountant will be organized, deadline-driven, communicative, and accountable for assigned projects. The primary focus of this role is accurate and timely construction project billing, supported by a working knowledge of work-in-progress reporting (WIP) and basic construction project accounting activities.

Role and Responsibilities

The job duties and responsibilities of this position will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepare and submit AIA and standard billings in accordance with contract requirements.
• Review construction contracts and customer billing instructions to understand billing requirements, deadlines, required forms, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain and utilize construction project Schedule of Values (SOV) when preparing billings based on guidance from the project team.
• Review approved change orders and understand their financial impact, ensuring they are reflected in the contract value, SOV, and billing when applicable.
• Collect and submit required lien waivers and other supporting documentation required for complete billing package submission.
• Meet established customer billing deadlines and internal due dates.
• Review basic project costs or AP details when needed to support billing and investigate unusual items.
• Ensure billing packages are complete, accurate, and properly supported before submission.
• Submit billings, as required, through various customer portals.
• Maintain completed billing packages and supporting documentation in the designated audit folder.
• Take ownership of assigned projects by monitoring billing requirements, deadlines, follow-up items, and required documentation.
• Review and understand WIP reports, including revenue earned, billings to date, cost to date, underbillings, overbillings, and basic variances, and communicate concerns as appropriate.
• Compare billing activity to the WIP report, contract requirements, SOV, and information provided by the project team.
• Process sales tax billing separately when required and maintain applicable sales tax documentation.
• Track retainage withheld and identify when retainage may be ready for billing or release.
• Review contract values, approved change orders, Schedule of Values (SOV), billings to date, and remaining balances to ensure billing records are accurate and aligned.
• Attend project meetings as needed.
• Perform basic project accounting and project maintenance activities within the Vista ERP system.
• Complete job close activities for projects once identified and approved for closure by the Project Manager.
• Follow up with customers approximately three business days after invoice submission to confirm receipt, verify that all required documentation has been received, and determine whether the invoice is being processed for payment. Complete additional follow-ups as needed to address outstanding billing items or obtain payment status updates.
• Document customer responses and transition billings to Accounts Receivable for collection, providing relevant notes, contact information, payment status, and any outstanding billing concerns.
• Collaborate with Accounts Payable when vendor invoices, lien waivers, or other AP documentation are required to complete a billing package.
• Maintain regular communication with Project Coordinators, Project Managers, and other appropriate team members regarding billing status, deadlines, WIP activity, outstanding items, and potential billing concerns, escalating unresolved matters as appropriate.
• Attend Job Status Review meetings to ensure accuracy on jobs and close jobs timely.
• Periodic visits to regional offices, which may or may not require overnight travel.
• Maintain understanding of the financial impacts from projects per region.
• Follow established procedures to accomplish various clerical, contract administration, and accounting duties.
• Provide documentation for internal and external auditors.
• Monitor and respond to job cost email requests.
• Other such duties and responsibilities as assigned by the company from time to time.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum of two years of related experience in construction accounting, job cost, project billing, or construction project accounting required for this position.
• An associate’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience, is required. A bachelor’s degree in accounting is preferred.
• Basic understanding of accounting principles and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage a high volume of projects and multiple billing deadlines.
• Familiarity with AIA billing, Schedule of Values (SOV), lien waivers, change orders, and contract-based billing preferred.
• Basic understanding of WIP reports and project financial information, including revenue earned, underbillings, overbillings, and percentage-of-completion concepts, with a willingness to learn and develop these skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments and divisions.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate documentation.
• Basic understanding of audit documentation and record-retention requirements.

• Experience with financial software and ERP/project accounting systems, preferably Viewpoint Vista, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Must successfully pass a background check.

Benefit Highlights

At MSS, we value our employees by providing a supportive culture with competitive compensation and a benefits package that continues to evolve based on our business’ growth and our employees' needs. Currently, our benefits include:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 401k with Employer Contributions
• PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Long-term Disability
• Short-term Disability
• Flexible Spending Plan
• Health Savings Plan

Additional Notes

• If you are unable to apply electronically and require an accommodation, please contact View email address on ziprecruiter.com
• MSS Solutions, LLC, is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free environment.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

MSS Employees, please visit the MSS Career Center or contact HR to apply.