What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Accountant position at Allen Engineering and Science, Inc.?
Position Overview
The Project Accountant (Client Accounting) is responsible for managing the client‑facing financial aspects of company projects from proposal through closeout. This role partners closely with Project Managers to ensure accurate project setup, billing, revenue tracking, collections, and financial reporting while maintaining compliance with contractual requirements and company procedures. This role is primarily focused on project and client billing activities, allowing for concentrated emphasis on project financial performance and client billing accuracy.
This role operates in a fast‑paced, project‑driven professional services environment and requires close collaboration with Project Managers, Accounting, and leadership.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Client & Project Financial Management
This position is primarily office‑based and requires the ability to sit for extended periods, use a computer, and communicate effectively in person and electronically.
Position Details
The Project Accountant (Client Accounting) is responsible for managing the client‑facing financial aspects of company projects from proposal through closeout. This role partners closely with Project Managers to ensure accurate project setup, billing, revenue tracking, collections, and financial reporting while maintaining compliance with contractual requirements and company procedures. This role is primarily focused on project and client billing activities, allowing for concentrated emphasis on project financial performance and client billing accuracy.
This role operates in a fast‑paced, project‑driven professional services environment and requires close collaboration with Project Managers, Accounting, and leadership.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Client & Project Financial Management
- Manage client database and ensure compliance with contractual and insurance requirements.
- Set up and maintain projects in Deltek Vantagepoint, including billing terms, rates, WBS structures, and contract details.
- Maintain complete, accurate, and audit‑ready project financial and contract documentation to support billing, audits, and compliance with contract requirements.
- Support proposal and contract preparation, review, and execution to ensure accurate financial and billing terms.
- Prepare, review, and process accurate and timely client invoices in accordance with contract terms and established billing schedules.
- Monitor accounts receivable aging and actively support collections efforts with internal teams and clients.
- Apply cash receipts and coordinate with Accounting to resolve billing discrepancies or payment issues.
- Respond to client inquiries related to invoices, supporting documentation, and billing status.
- Provide timely and accurate financial information and reports to support Project Managers and leadership decision‑making.
- Analyze project financial performance, including revenue, costs, burn rates, and variances.
- Assist Project Managers with project forecasts, budgeting, and financial planning.
- Participate in periodic and close‑out project reviews to ensure financial completeness and accuracy.
- Ensure billing and project financials comply with contract terms, internal policies, and applicable regulations.
- Identify and communicate financial risks related to scope, schedule, or budget constraints.
- Support continuous improvement of project accounting processes and documentation.
- Cross‑train to maintain a working knowledge of related accounting functions and provide backup coverage within the Accounting team as needed.
- Support priority accounting tasks outside primary responsibilities as assigned.
- Facilitate communication between Project Managers, clients, and Accounting.
- Manage shared project or billing email inboxes and prioritize time‑sensitive items.
- Exercise sound judgment in resolving routine project accounting issues.
- Perform other work‑related duties and special projects as assigned
- Strong understanding of project‑based and client billing accounting principles.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a project‑driven environment.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office tools.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with professional client interaction.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.
- Proficiency in or ability to become proficient in Deltek Vantagepoint, Adobe Acrobat, and other accounting or project management systems as required.
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential financial and business information with discretion and integrity.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- 3 years of project or client‑focused accounting experience, preferably in a professional services or engineering environment.
- Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint strongly preferred.
This position is primarily office‑based and requires the ability to sit for extended periods, use a computer, and communicate effectively in person and electronically.
Position Details
- Full‑Time (40 hours), On-Site
- Salaried, Exempt
- Standard Employee Benefits
- Standard Entry‑Level PTO