Project Accountant

Project Accountant

Location: Chantilly, VA
Reports To: Controller

Position Summary

The Project Accountant plays a key role in supporting the Controller with financial operations of multiple construction projects, ensuring accuracy, profitability, and compliance. This position combines traditional accounting/bookkeeping responsibilities with advanced project accounting functions. The role includes maintaining components of the general ledger, processing payables and receivables, managing project budgets, and preparing detailed financial reports. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and experienced with construction accounting systems and job-costing processes.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Prepare and maintain detailed job cost reports, tracking actual vs. budgeted expenditures.
• Perform month-end close activities, including journal entries, accruals, general ledger reconciliations, and WIP (Work-in-Progress) reporting.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial statements.
• Support audits and compliance reviews through accurate recordkeeping and documentation.

Budgeting & Cost Control

• Assist in creating and managing project budgets, identifying and analyzing cost variances.
• Collaborate with project managers and field teams to ensure accurate cost tracking and forecasting.
• Conduct job cost analyses to ensure accurate allocation of labor, materials, subcontractor costs, and overhead.
• Familiarity with construction contracts, AIA billing, and construction industry-specific compliance requirements.

Billing, Payables, and Receivables

• Prepare and process progress billings in accordance with contract terms and schedules.
• Handle accounts payable and receivable functions for multiple construction projects, including vendor and subcontractor invoices.
• Manage subcontractor compliance documentation, such as lien waivers, insurance certificates, and retention tracking.
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve billing discrepancies promptly.
• Record and maintain contract compliance, lien releases, and retention schedules.

Accounting Support

• Maintain support of the general ledger and ensure all financial transactions are recorded accurately and timely.
• Reconcile bank, credit card accounts.
• Support the Controller with cash flow tracking, expense categorization, and vendor management.
• Maintain organized accounting files, supporting documentation, and digital records in accordance with company policy.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Utilize and maintain ERP/accounting systems for financial management and project tracking (experience with Acumatica preferred).
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve accounting efficiency and accuracy.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, General Business or related professional experience.

Experience:

• 4+ years of accounting or related professional experience, preferably within a construction or project based business environment.

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of cost accounting, job costing, and WIP reporting.
• Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems (experience with Acumatica is desirable).
• Advanced Excel skills and financial reporting tools.

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience preparing cash flow forecasts and financial projections.
• Background in both bookkeeping and project accounting, with a strong understanding of day-to-day accounting operations.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, deadline-driven construction environment.

Summary

This is a hands-on accounting role that bridges the gap between traditional bookkeeping and construction project accounting. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in maintaining accurate financial records while supporting project management and operations teams to ensure financial efficiency across all construction projects.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Ability to Commute:

• Chantilly, VA 20151 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chantilly, VA 20151: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chantilly, VA 20151