Sr. Project Accountant

Company Description

The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) established in 2015 by the U.S. Department of Energy is managed by Collaborative Composite Solutions Corporation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. IACMI is a Manufacturing USA institute created to secure U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing by facilitating collaboration related to advanced composites design, manufacturing, technical innovation, and workforce solutions. IACMI brings together member organizations from manufacturers and industry partners of all sizes, academic institutions, and government agencies to grow the production capacity of composites, strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, elevate workforce training and job creation across the U.S. composite industry, and collaborate on major research and development projects relevant to the industry.

We are seeking a Sr. Project Accountant at our headquarters in Knoxville, TN to provide support to the Chief Financial Officer. This position will provide budget and financial support for IACMI’s multiple programs and serve as a liaison between our project finance team, project budget managers, and the accounting team. This individual should have experience implementing relevant software and tools, strong budget management skills, be an effective communicator, and have applicable project-based financial and accounting experience with a solid understanding of indirect cost rates. The ideal candidate will be a team player who is organized, skilled with time management, and able to adapt to various environments and deliverables. The individual should also be highly driven, proactive, goal‐oriented, and self‐motivated. This position will collaborate closely with IACMI project management, accounting, communications, workforce development, and other operational teams. Preference will be given to candidates living within one hour of Knoxville, TN. However, this position may be considered for the right candidate who is willing to travel to various IACMI events and to the corporate office in Knoxville approximately four times a year.

RESPONSIBILITIES

· Serve as a financial liaison between the various teams and programs to provide cohesiveness

· Ensure GAAP/FAR/CFR compliance across all projects

· Coordinate financial planning, monitoring, and reporting activities

· Ensure the Accounting Team receives information about IACMI projects to ensure proper project cost-based accounting

· Lead the implementation of Vena Solutions, a cloud-based budgeting and reporting solution

· Using Vena, lead task management workflow for budget development and updates

· Assist with securing new funding opportunities, including cost proposal development, collecting and reviewing partner budgets, and coordinating with the team and partners to secure required documentation

· Facilitate project budget updates on schedule and as needed

· Utilize financial modeling and trend analysis to assist with project forecasts

· Set up and manage project codes in Deltek Costpoint

· Review and approve billings to clients

· Provide Project Budget data for use in org-wide budgets

· Support financial reporting for projects, including creation and dissemination of monthly budget vs. actual variance reports for projects and subcontractors

· Communicate with partners about budget, invoices, and spending questions

· Assist with financial information for quarterly reports to clients and funding sponsors

· Assist with special projects and ad hoc information requests as needed

· Initiate phone calls with team members, partners, and participants when appropriate

· Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s or higher degree in accounting, finance, or related field preferred (years of experience will also be considered)

· Minimum of 5 years’ experience developing and managing project budgets within a project-based accounting environment

· Experience with budgeting or accounting for a government contractor organization, with an understanding of how indirect rates (fringe, overhead, etc.) operate for a project funded by a government contract or grant

· Experience serving as the primary lead for the end-to-end implementation of a financial software system within an accounting department

· Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Excel

· Vena experience is a plus

· Deltek Costpoint experience is a plus

· Experience with MS Teams and PowerBI preferred

· Experience with developing cost proposals preferred

· Ability to collaborate and work effectively on a project team in a remote environment

· Demonstrated planning, scheduling, organizing, and management skills and the ability to coordinate many projects simultaneously and meet deadlines

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Enthusiasm for IACMI’s mission to engage, support, and elevate members of our community

· Ability to work independently while following directives and budget considerations

· Highly driven, proactive, results‐oriented with a strong drive to reach goals

· Problem‐solver with proven ability to take initiative

· Technical aptitude and ability to adapt quickly when learning various software applications and tools

· Valid US driver’s license required

· Must be able to sit for long periods of time

· Travel at least 5% of time with overnight stays

BENEFITS

· Comprehensive benefits package, including 401(k), medical, dental, vision, term life, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance

· Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements

· Professional development opportunities and training programs

· Opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization