Project Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Vierbicher is a team of professional engineers, planners, community development specialists, land surveyors and GIS specialists who provide comprehensive solutions for a wide range of projects. Our goal is to provide clients with creative consulting services and quality products, enabling them to efficiently and effectively meet their goals. We work to build strong relationships with our clients that promote trust, cooperation and teamwork. 

Now in our 50th year, we are proud to be an employee-owned firm recognized by Zweig Group as one of 2026's Best Firms To Work For, our fourth time earning the honor, and named to its Hot Firm list of the fastest-growing firms in the industry. We believe that recognition reflects the people behind it, the same people who own the firm and shape its future.

The Project Accountant is responsible for overseeing the financial lifecycle of various projects—from initial setup and budgeting through billing, cost tracking, revenue recognition, and project closeout. This position collaborates closely with Project Managers, Principals, and the finance team to ensure project profitability and accurate financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Financial Management and Setup

• Set up new projects, task codes, fee structures, and budgets in the accounting/ERP software in accordance with client contracts.
• Monitor project costs, revenues, margins, and burn rates against approved budgets.
• Review contracts, proposals, and change orders to ensure proper billing terms and financial compliance.

2. Billing and Invoicing

• Generate and distribute timely, accurate client invoices (Lump Sum, Time & Materials, Percent Complete, Cost Plus).
• Coordinate with Project Managers monthly to review project progress, draft invoices (pre-bills), and approve final billings.
• Prepare required backup documentation for billing (subconsultant invoices, timesheets, expense receipts).

3. Accounts Receivable and Collections

• Track outstanding client invoices and assist with collections efforts and A/R aging reviews.
• Process client payments and follow up on delinquent accounts.

4. Subconsultant and Cost Tracking

• Review and code subconsultant/subcontractor invoices against project purchase orders and agreements.
• Ensure subconsultant pay-when-paid conditions and lien waivers are properly tracked and executed.

5. Reporting and Analysis

• Assist in month-end and year-end financial close activities, including revenue recognition and unbilled revenue (WIP) analysis.
• Prepare monthly project profitability reports, variance analyses, and cash flow projections for management.
• Conduct periodic project financial reviews with Project Managers to identify potential cost overruns or budget risks.

6. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Experience with industry-standard ERP/accounting software (e.g., Deltek Vantagepoint/Vision, Ajera, BST, QuickBooks, or NetSuite).

2. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, financial modeling).

3. Strong understanding of project-based accounting principles (WIP, revenue recognition, bill rates, multiplier calculation).

4. Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with Project Managers, executives, and clients.

5. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with high attention to detail.

6. Familiarity with billing practices for public works, municipalities, and private development clients is a plus.

Education and Experience:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field is required.

2. Minimum of 4 + years of experience in project accounting, ideally within the civil engineering, AEC or professional services industry.

Licenses or Certifications:

1. N/A

Physical Requirements:

1. This position requires sitting at a desk and working at a computer for long period of time

2. Some work may include field work

3. This position requires the ability to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

1. No PPE is required for this position

Office Locations: Reedsburg, Madison, Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Prairie du Chien.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Our company does not sponsor employment visas (such as H-1B, TN, etc.) for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.