Project Accountant (Temporary)

Project Accountant

The Project Accountant role is based in Chicago and supports the financial success of the firm's North Central Region projects by managing contracts, providing financial analysis, and ensuring the fiscal health of assigned projects throughout the full project lifecycle, from project setup and due diligence through invoicing, reporting, and collections. This temporary position is to provide coverage through October, with the potential for a full-time opportunity based on business needs. The role is fully in-office.

Working in close partnership with Project Managers, Studio Directors, and Regional leadership, this role serves as a trusted financial resource to project teams and helps ensure work is both creatively exceptional and financially sound. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and collaborative, with strong accounting, communication, and analytical skills. This position reports to the Regional Finance Director.

What You Will Do

Project Financial Management

• Partner with Project Managers, Studio Directors, and Regional leadership to ensure accurate and consistent project and studio-level financial reporting.
• Review project contracts to understand scope, compensation, billing terms, and fee management requirements.
• Maintain organized project contract files and ensure work authorizations and agreements are properly documented.
• Support project start-up activities, including due diligence and adherence to firm project setup and collection procedures.
• Review project work plans, staffing plans, budgets, backlog, and pipeline data to ensure alignment with approved fees.
• Forecast actual vs. budget performance, analyze variances, and provide meaningful insights to project, studio, and regional leadership.
• Conduct regular financial review meetings with Project Managers to discuss billing status, unbilled labor, risks, and opportunities.
• Lead project reconciliations as needed and manage financial close-out in accordance with firm standards.

Billing & Revenue Management

• Prepare, review, and process accurate client invoices in accordance with contract terms and monthly accounting deadlines.
• Review draft invoices with Project Managers, including labor, reimbursable expenses, consultant costs, purchase orders, and required backup.
• Interpret financial data in contracts and billings and clearly communicate billing requirements to project teams.
• Maintain invoice tracking, ensure invoices are properly posted, and manage deferred revenue and revenue recognition.

Consultant & Vendor Coordination

• Coordinate subconsultant contracts, purchase orders, invoicing, and payments in accordance with contract terms.
• Manage consultant invoicing and approvals through Coupa and ensure accurate coding and timely processing.
• Track and reconcile consultant fees, expenses, and reimbursables against project budgets.

Accounts Receivable & Collections

• Monitor project and studio Accounts Receivable and review aged AR reports regularly.
• Follow up with Project Managers and clients on overdue, short-paid, or disputed invoices.
• Research and resolve payment discrepancies and billing issues.

Systems, Controls & Team Support

• Maintain accurate project data in the firm's accounting system (e.g., Deltek Vantagepoint), including contracts, budgets, billing terms, and compensation.
• Conduct periodic audits to ensure project financials are accurate and compliant with firm policies.
• Serve as the financial liaison between project teams, studios, and regional leadership.
• Develop strong expertise in the firm's accounting systems and serve as a resource to teams and consultants.
• Participate in cross-training, ad-hoc financial analysis or special projects.

Your Qualifications

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 3–5+ years of experience in accounting or project accounting within a professional services firm; architecture, engineering, or design industry experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of contract-based billing, fee management, and project financial controls.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel with strong data management and analytical skills.
• Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint strongly preferred; experience with Coupa and Tableau a plus.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and a consistently high level of accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills; comfortable working with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Proactive, collaborative problem-solver who can work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Ability to maintain productivity and effectiveness in both a physical and virtual work environment.

**The estimated full time permanent base salary range for this position is $74,000-90,000k, plus eligibility for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation is contingent on location and relevant skills, qualifications and experience. To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visit Great People, Great Rewards | Gensler.

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we believe excellence in design is fueled by a culture that values creativity, diversity, and well-being. From curated exhibits to wellness initiatives, our offices reflect the passion of our people.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, wellness programs, 401(k), profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and biannual bonus opportunities. We also invest in your growth through licensure support, exam reimbursement, and ongoing professional development.

As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.