What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager, Project Accounting position at Pape-Dawson?
Overview
Job Description:
The Manager, Project Accounting oversees the daily execution and ongoing refinement of Pape-Dawson’s project accounting operations. This role manages the processes for project setup, billing, revenue-support activities, and financial reporting accuracy, ensuring consistent application of standards and timely delivery of project financial information.
Working under the strategic direction of the Director of Project Accounting, the Manager is responsible for operational leadership, team development, and reinforcing established policies and practices. The Manager partners closely with Project Managers, Operations, and Finance to support Total Project Excellence by maintaining accuracy, transparency, and accountability across project financial activities.
Responsibilities
All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Job Description:
The Manager, Project Accounting oversees the daily execution and ongoing refinement of Pape-Dawson’s project accounting operations. This role manages the processes for project setup, billing, revenue-support activities, and financial reporting accuracy, ensuring consistent application of standards and timely delivery of project financial information.
Working under the strategic direction of the Director of Project Accounting, the Manager is responsible for operational leadership, team development, and reinforcing established policies and practices. The Manager partners closely with Project Managers, Operations, and Finance to support Total Project Excellence by maintaining accuracy, transparency, and accountability across project financial activities.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily project accounting operations, including project setup, billing, invoicing, and data accuracy, ensuring compliance with established policies and contract requirements.
- Execute and reinforce standardized processes, tools, and metrics for project setup, billing workflow, tracking, and financial performance management.
- Support the application of revenue recognition, WIP management, and project profitability policies, escalating complex issues to the Director as needed.
- Ensure accurate and timely billing and invoicing, and coordinate with Project Managers to resolve discrepancies or delays.
- Implement continuous improvement efforts focused on billing workflows, communication with project teams, and financial data quality.
- Prepare and maintain project financial reports, dashboards, and KPIs aligned with the firm’s project accounting standards.
- Conduct regular project financial reviews with Project Managers, helping to identify risks, variances, and necessary corrective actions.
- Lead, coach, and develop the project accounting team, ensuring accountability, accuracy, responsiveness, and collaboration.
- Promote consistency, transparency, and quality in project financial reporting and client service.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (CPA preferred).
- 7 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
- Demonstrated experience supporting or managing project accounting functions, including billing, project setup, and financial reporting.
- Strong understanding of project lifecycle financials, revenue recognition, WIP, and project controls.
- Experience with ERP systems (Deltek preferred).
- Strong communication, analytical, and leadership skills with a proactive and collaborative mindset.
- Experience in AEC, construction, or professional services industries preferred.
- Ability to work Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm with overtime as needed.
All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.