Project Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Project Accountant

Location: Greater Chicago Area
Department: Accounting & Finance
Reports To: Controller

Position Summary

A growing commercial construction organization is seeking a Project Accountant to support financial operations across multiple active projects. This position serves as a key liaison between project management and finance teams, ensuring accurate billing, cost tracking, contract administration, and financial reporting throughout the project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will possess strong construction accounting experience, a detail-oriented mindset, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment. This role offers significant exposure to project operations and provides opportunities to contribute to process improvements and financial performance initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Project Managers and operational leadership to monitor project budgets, costs, billing activity, and contract compliance.
• Prepare and maintain customer invoicing packages, progress billings, lien waivers, sworn statements, and supporting documentation.
• Review contract terms and ensure billings align with customer requirements and project milestones.
• Track change orders, amendments, and project modifications to ensure accurate revenue recognition and cost reporting.
• Maintain project cost records and support monthly financial reporting activities.
• Monitor subcontractor compliance documentation, insurance certificates, and contract-related requirements.
• Assist with accounts receivable management, collections follow-up, and aging review.
• Process vendor invoices and support general accounting functions as needed.
• Collaborate with project teams to identify financial risks, reporting issues, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Participate in month-end close activities and project profitability analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of project accounting, construction accounting, or job-cost accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of construction billing practices, contract administration, and project cost tracking.
• Experience supporting multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required.
• Experience with construction management and accounting software preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently while partnering effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Experience

• Commercial construction, industrial construction, engineering, or specialty contracting environments.
• Job costing and project profitability reporting.
• Change order management and contract compliance.
• ERP and project management software experience.
• Continuous improvement and process optimization initiatives.

Why Join

This opportunity offers exposure to large-scale construction projects, collaboration with operational leadership, and the ability to play a meaningful role in the financial success of complex projects while advancing your career within a growing organization.