Cost Accountant

WATG International; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

WATG in Singapore seeks a Cost Accountant to support project accounting tasks, including setup, billing, collections, and financial reporting, in line with firm policies.

You will monitor WIP, revenue, and budgets, review contracts, manage AR/AP, and provide management reports; collaboration with Project Managers and Senior Leaders is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in project accounting within professional services or design/consulting environments.
• Direct involvement with end-to-end project financials from setup to close.
• Strong knowledge of WIP, revenue recognition, billing, collections, budgeting, costs and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Monitors project financial health by reviewing WIP, revenue, backlog, budget variances, profitability, and billable expenses.
• Leads project health reviews with Project Managers and Senior Leaders, providing insights on financial performance.
• Manages project setup and maintenance, including budgets, fee flows, phases, and financial information in the accounting system.
• Reviews project contracts to ensure financial details, accounting requirements, and client requirements are reflected.
• Oversees client billing and accounts receivable, including invoices, aging, cash flow projections, and collections coordination.
• Partners with Project Managers on collections and supports stop-work or third-party collections to minimize exposure.
• Manages accounts payable activities, including vendors, payment processing, coding, approvals, and Pay-When-Paid tracking.
• Supports revenue recognition and reporting across projects and phases.
• Conducts periodic project reviews and spot audits, analyzing costs vs budgets and contracts.
• Prepares management reports and ad hoc analyses for informed decisions.
• Drives process improvements to enhance efficiency, controls, and reporting.

Skills

Project accounting

WIP management

Revenue recognition

Accounts payable

Accounts receivable

Budgets

Financial reporting

MS Office

ERP systems

Tools

BST

Deltek

ERP systems

Job description

WATG is the world’s preeminent destination and hospitality design firm. We are employee-owned, home to more than 500 professionals globally, located remotely and in our offices in Atlantic City, California, Dallas, New York, Honolulu, London, Singapore, and Shanghai.

Our approach to design applies a hospitality ethos to the development of all shapes and sizes. From initial feasibility studies to finishing touches, we operate globally as an integrated, multidisciplinary practice. Along with our interior design studio, Wimberly Interiors , we specialize in hospitality, gaming + entertainment, urban + mixed-use, and high-end residential design.

We were founded in Honolulu in 1945, and the spirit of the islands taught us to focus on community strength, self-reliance, and sustainability - which we still prioritize today. We passionately believe that culture and heritage are the roots that lead to long-term resilience. We stay true to our values of designing spaces that respect, protect, and enhance the natural magic of their surroundings while delivering long-term value for our clients and their communities.

WATG is hiring a Cost Accountant for our Singapore Office.

ROLE

The Cost Accountant will support project accounting tasks, including project setup and maintenance, client billings, collections, accounts payable, and management reports, in accordance with WATG's policies and procedures and applicable laws.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors project financial health by reviewing WIP, revenue, backlog, budget variances, profitability, and billable expenses
• Leads project health reviews with Project Managers and Senior Leaders, providing insights on project financial performance and areas requiring attention
• Manages project setup and maintenance, including budgets, fee flows, phases, and financial information in the accounting system
• Reviews project contracts to ensure financial details, accounting requirements, and client requirements are accurately reflected
• Oversees client billing and accounts receivable, including preparing invoices, monitoring aging, managing cash flow projections, and coordinating collection efforts
• Partners with Project Managers and Senior Leaders on collections and, where necessary, supports stop-work and third-party collection processes to minimize company exposure
• Manages accounts payable activities, including consultant and vendor invoices, payment processing, coding, approvals, and Pay-When-Paid tracking
• Supports revenue recognition and reporting, ensuring revenue is captured accurately across projects and phases
• Conducts periodic project reviews and internal spot audits, analyzing project costs against budgets and contract terms
• Prepares management reports and ad hoc analysis to support informed business and project decisions
• Drives process improvements by identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, controls, reporting, and financial processes
• Provides global Project Accounting coverage and supports special projects as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

• Project accounting experience, preferably within a professional services firm, architecture, engineering, design, consulting, or similar project-based environment
• Direct experience managing the financial aspects of projects throughout the project lifecycle, from project setup through close-out
• Practical experience with WIP, revenue recognition, project billing, collections, budgeting, project costs, and project profitability
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and accounting systems
• Experience with BST, Deltek, or a comparable ERP system would be an advantage
• Experience partnering with Project Managers and Senior Leaders on project financial performance
• Strong knowledge of general ledger, accounts receivable, and accounts payable
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to work with Project Managers, Senior Leaders, and other stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach
• The ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take ownership of responsibilities
• A high level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential information
• Management of accounting without direct project accounting responsibility