Project Accountant (Arlington Heights)

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Role Summary: The Project Accountant supports the company's project accounting and billing operations, with responsibility for project setup, client invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, revenue tracking, and project-related financial reporting. This role helps ensure that project accounting activities are accurate, timely, and completed in accordance with contract requirements, company policies, U.S. GAAP, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and applicable client requirements.

Reporting and Collaboration: Reporting to the Controller, the Project Accountant serves as the primary resource for day-to-day project accounting activities. This position maintains accurate financial records, provides project managers with financial and billing information, and supports process improvements that strengthen the accuracy, consistency, and efficiency of accounting operations. The Project Accountant may also assist the Controller with additional accounting tasks, such as credit card postings, journal entries, bank reconciliations, and related duties as needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare client invoices in accordance with contract terms, client-specific billing requirements, and company procedures.
• Set up and maintain project records, budgets, billing details and contract related updates.
• Maintain accurate project billing records and support project revenue tracking, reconciliations, reporting and analysis.
• Process subconsultant invoices, maintain related project documentation, coordinate vendor setup, and monitor required certificates of insurance and contract compliance.
• Manage accounts receivable and accounts payable activities.
• Provide financial and billing support to project managers and internal stakeholders as needed.
• Perform other accounting duties and special projects as assigned by the Controller.

REQUIREMENTS:

• KNOWLEDGE: Strong working knowledge of project accounting and billing practices, including invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, reconciliations, and project revenue tracking. Knowledge of US GAAP, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and experience using Deltek products, particularly for project accounting and billing functions, is highly desirable.
• JOB COMPLEXITY: Works on complex issues and important projects. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Internal and external contacts often pertain to company plans and objectives. May provide consultation and advice to management regarding matters of importance to the functional area.
• SUPERVISION: Works under the general direction of the Controller and is expected to independently manage day-to-day project accounting, billing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable responsibilities. Exercises independent judgment in resolving routine accounting matters and collaborate with the Controller on complex or non-routine issues.
• EXPERIENCE: Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience, including at least 3 years of project billing experience in a civil engineering environment with clients subject to Federal Acquisition Regulations. Experience with IDOT, CDOT, Tollway and County DOT billing processes and procedures is a plus. Experience using Excel and Delek Ajera for project accounting and billing functions is highly desired. A bachelor's degree or 4–6 years of equivalent experience is required.