Cost Accountant

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

Job summary

WATG is hiring a Cost Accountant in Singapore to support project accounting tasks, including setup, maintenance, client billings, collections, accounts payable, and management reporting. Daily duties include monitoring WIP, revenue, backlog, and profitability, leading project health reviews, and ensuring accurate billing, collections, and cash flow projections.

The role requires strong collaboration across PMs and leaders, solid knowledge of GL, AR, AP, and familiarity with BST or Deltek.

Qualifications

• Project accounting experience in a professional services or project-based firm.
• Experience managing financial aspects from setup through close-out.
• Knowledge of WIP, revenue recognition, billing, collections, budgeting and costs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and accounting systems.
• BST or Deltek experience is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Monitors project financial health by reviewing WIP, revenue, backlog, budget variances, profitability and billable expenses.
• Leads project health reviews with PMs and senior leaders, providing insights on performance.
• Manages project setup and maintenance, including budgets, fee flows, and phases.
• Reviews project contracts to reflect financial and client requirements.
• Oversees client billing and AR, issuing invoices and monitoring aging.
• Partners with PMs on collections and supports stop-work or third-party collections.
• Manages AP activities, including vendor invoices and Pay-When-Paid tracking.
• Supports revenue recognition and reporting across projects.
• Conducts project reviews and spot audits, analyzing costs against budgets.
• Prepares management reports and ad hoc analyses.
• Drives process improvements in efficiency, controls, and reporting.
• Provides global Project Accounting coverage and supports special projects.

Skills

Project accounting

Financial lifecycle

WIP

Revenue recognition

ERP systems

MS Office

PM collaboration

GL/AR/AP

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Tools

BST

Deltek

Job description

ABOUT WATG

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

WATG is an Equal Opportunity Employer