Project Accountant

Project Accountant 10.21.25

Department: Accounting

Reports To: Controller

Location: Onsite in Durham

FLSA Status: Exempt

About Us

Strata Clean Energy is a leading renewable energy company specializing in the development, construction, and operation of large-scale solar and battery Energy storage systems (BESS). We are committed to driving the clean energy transition while upholding high standards of compliance, financial stewardship, and employee experience.

Position Summary

The Project Accountant is responsible for supporting accounting and financial compliance activities with a specific focus on Prevailing Wage & Apprenticeship (PWA) requirements under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This role focuses on coordinating prevailing wage administration, labor standards enforcement, and regulatory compliance for solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) construction projects, supports treasury and accounting operations.

Key Responsibilities

Prevailing Wage & Apprenticeship (PWA) Compliance

• Coordinate and facilitate prevailing wage compliance activities across multiple solar and BESS projects throughout project lifecycles

• Partner with field project manager(s) to coordinate project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation plans

• Coordinate closely with payroll department to align all wage-related compliance activities

• Manage relationship with compliance consulting firms to maintain process used to ensure alignment with Davis-Bacon Act, IRA PWA requirements

• Resolve data gaps for wage classifications, fringe benefits, and apprenticeship utilization for eligible clean energy projects.

• Ensure all projects comply with federal Davis-Bacon Act and applicable state prevailing wage laws

• Maintain documentation for PWA compliance audits and tax credit eligibility.

• Coordinate reporting of payroll and prevailing wage data to customers, auditors, and other relevant stakeholders

• Monitor changes in federal PWA regulations and support process updates as needed.

Accounting Support

• Oversee accounting close process for multiple entities

• Prepare or review journal entries, account reconciliations and periodic financial reports

• Assist with audit, tax and accounting compliance

• Participate in reviewing business contracts such as leases and service agreements

• Identify process improvements and support evolving business needs

• Take on additional projects and responsibilities as assigned

Treasury

• Perform administrative tasks related to bank account management and corporate credit cards

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field.

• 3–5 years of experience in accounting, operational compliance or audit, project management or related function.

• Knowledge of Prevailing Wage, Davis-Bacon Act, or IRA PWA compliance requirements.

• Experience with certified payroll reporting in a construction or project-based environment.

• Proficiency with payroll systems and Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, etc.).

• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and deadline orientation.

Preferred:

• Experience in the renewable energy, construction, or energy project finance environment.

• Familiarity with Treasury and cash flow concepts.

• Experience with multi-entity and multi-state payroll.

• Experience with multi-entity and intercompany accounting.

• Experience with construction accounting, inventory accounting, and job-costing or manufacturing accounting

• Knowledge of apprenticeship utilization requirements under the IRA.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and quantitative ability

• Compliance-focused and detail-oriented

• Financial acumen and problem-solving skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is competitive and based on experience, typically aligned with market rates for project accountants in the renewable energy sector. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Work Environment

This role is based on site at our Durham, North Carolina office and may require periodic coordination with field teams and project sites.

SAMPLE LANGUAGE: (27) LinkedIn Labor Compliance Coordinator or Specialist

We are seeking a dedicated Project Accountant to orchestrate comprehensive labor law compliance across our solar and civil construction projects. Reporting to the Controller, this role focuses on coordinating prevailing wage administration, labor standards enforcement, and regulatory compliance. The coordinator will facilitate collaboration between project management teams, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure all projects meet federal and state labor requirements while maintaining detailed documentation and conducting thorough compliance oversight.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Project Coordination & Compliance Oversight

• Coordinate and facilitate prevailing wage compliance activities across multiple solar and civil construction projects throughout project lifecycles

• Partner with field project manager(s) to coordinate project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation plans

• Facilitate communication and coordination between contractors, subcontractors, and stakeholders

• Coordinate the review, verification, and approval process for contractor and subcontractor wage classifications and pay rates

• Orchestrate the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date documentation for wage determinations, worker classifications, and labor standards

• Coordinate closely with payroll department to align all wage-related compliance activities

• Ensure all projects comply with federal Davis-Bacon Act and applicable state prevailing wage laws

• Coordinate certified payroll submission processes and compliance audit activities

• Organize and facilitate training sessions for project teams on prevailing wage requirements

• Coordinate reporting of payroll and prevailing wage data to customers, auditors, and other relevant stakeholders

Documentation Coordination and Reporting

• Coordinate the preparation, review, and submission of all required prevailing wage reports to federal and state agencies

• Facilitate the maintenance of comprehensive project documentation including payroll records, wage determinations, and compliance certificates

• Coordinate the generation of regular project status reports for management and stakeholders

• Ensure coordinated record retention practices in accordance with federal and state requirements

• Facilitate investigation and resolution of wage and hour disputes in coordination with payroll and legal teams

Risk Management Coordination

• Coordinate identification of potential compliance risks and facilitate development of mitigation strategies

• Organize and conduct regular site visits to verify wage compliance and worker classifications

• Coordinate relationships with workforce development organizations

• Facilitate collaboration with payroll to address any prevailing wage related wage and hour disputes

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field preferred

• Minimum 2 years of construction project management experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience with prevailing wage compliance on public works projects

• Experience managing solar or renewable energy construction projects preferred

• Civil construction experience (roads, utilities, infrastructure) preferred

Technical Knowledge

• Thorough understanding of Davis-Bacon Act and state prevailing wage laws

• Knowledge of construction industry wage classifications and job descriptions

• Familiarity with certified payroll requirements and reporting procedures

• Understanding of federal and state procurement regulations

• Experience with project management software and construction scheduling tools

Certifications (Preferred)

• Prevailing Wage Compliance certification

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

• Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

Required Skills

Technical Skills

• Experience with construction accounting and payroll systems

• Proficiency in project management software

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel

• Familiarity with solar PV system design and installation processes

• Understanding of civil construction methods and materials

Communication and Leadership

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple stakeholders

• Experience presenting to government officials and regulatory agencies

• Conflict resolution and problem-solving capabilities

• Ability to work effectively with diverse workforce including union and non-union labor

Analytical and Organizational

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation

• Ability to analyze complex wage determinations and classifications

• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Critical thinking skills for risk assessment and mitigation

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Equal Opportunity Employer
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