What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Cost Accountant position at United Utility Services, LLC?
About Us
Welcome to United Utility, a dynamic player in the electric utility industry, headquartered in the vibrant city of New Orleans, LA. As a trailblazer, we provide comprehensive and innovative offerings that bolster power infrastructure investments across the U.S. We proudly serve as the parent company to industry-leading utility service contractors specializing in transmission, substation, distribution, and grid hardening projects. Our Core Values are clear and simple: Safety, Quality, Integrity, and Professionalism. At United Utility, we craft power delivery solutions – built safe, engineered smart, and driven by what customers demand – fueling communities with reliable energy. We are the best-in-class, trusted partner delivering customer-centric Power Delivery Construction and Engineering solutions.
About The Role
We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Project Cost Accountant. This position ensures project costs are accurately tracked, billed, and reported in alignment with contractual terms and company policies. The role supports project managers and operations leadership by providing timely financial insights to manage budgets, control costs, and improve overall project profitability.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain detailed cost records for each project, including labor, materials, subcontractor, and overhead expenses.
- Perform general ledger accounting, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and month-end close activities.
- Maintain and monitor job costing systems to ensure accurate allocation of labor, materials, and overhead to specific projects.
- Prepare, analyze, and reconcile project cost reports, identifying trends, cost overruns, and opportunities for savings.
- Support monthly project reviews with Operations and Finance, providing variance analysis and forecasting.
- Prepare project-level profit and loss (P&L) statements and cost-to-complete projections to monitor budget vs. actual.
- Collaborate with Project Managers to review job cost reports and ensure alignment between field data and financial systems.
- Assist with project setup, including budget entry, cost codes, and billing milestones.
- Review purchase orders, invoices, and time sheets for proper coding to projects.
- Support revenue recognition and accrual processes based on project progress and percentage-of-completion (POC).
- Prepare project billing summaries and support client invoicing accuracy.
- Support accounts payable and receivable functions, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments.
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, company policies, and relevant accounting standards.
- Participate in internal and external audits and provide documentation related to project accounting and financial transactions.
- Continuously seek process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency in financial reporting.
Key Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
- Experience: 3–5 years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing, construction, or production environment.
- Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles (GAAP).
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, modeling).
- Strong attention to detail and analytical with the ability to meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to collaborate across departments and possess a continuous improvement mindset.
Key Nice-To-Haves
- Proficiency in ERP systems (Sage 300 or similar).
- Experience supporting distributed or remote teams.
- Power Utility, Engineering, or related construction industry experience.
- CPA or CFA
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process, please contact
Email: HRSC@unitedutility.com
Equal Opportunity Employer is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.