Finance Manager - Project Accounting

JacobsWyper Architects; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

JacobsWyper Architects in Philadelphia, PA, is seeking a Finance Manager to partner with project managers and leadership to oversee financial performance across multiple offices including Raleigh and Austin.

This role focuses on project-based accounting, billing, cost tracking, revenue recognition, and close processes, with opportunities to shape reporting and improve processes in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field is required.
• 7+ years of progressive project accounting experience, preferably in an architecture/engineering or professional services firm.
• Strong understanding of project-based accounting and revenue recognition, cost-to-complete analysis, and AEC contract billing structures.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full project accounting lifecycle, including setup, budget tracking, cost monitoring, invoicing oversight, and close-out.
• Monitor budgets and variances; coordinate with project managers to address overruns or scope changes.
• Process subconsultant invoices, purchase orders, and expense reports for assigned projects.
• Support monthly invoicing and collections; payroll processing and benefits setup.
• Execute accounts payable for non-project expenses and reconcile monthly statements.
• Maintain audit-ready project financial records and assist with year-end close.
• Lead financial reporting, including earned value and profitability summaries for leadership.

Skills

Project-based accounting

Financial reporting

Revenue recognition

Communication

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA or CPA Candidate

Tools

Deltek Vantagepoint

ERP software

Job description

LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; CPA or CPA candidate preferred
EXPERIENCE: 7 or more years of experience in project accounting required; experience in an architecture, engineering, or professional services firm strongly preferred. This will be an individual contributor role overseeing our financial systems and processes.


JacobsWyper Architects (JWA), a full-service design firm serving a variety of market sectors, is seeking a Finance Manager to join their growing team.Based in Philadelphia and working across JWA's Philadelphia, PA, Raleigh, NC, and Austin, TX offices, this role is a key financial partner to the firm's project managers, operations leaders, and co-Managing Partners. The Finance Manager works closely with our Billing Specialist and outsourced accounting consultants to manage the financial performance of a portfolio of projects, ensuring accurate billing, cost tracking, and financial reporting supporting the company’s project delivery and profitability.

We are seeking candidates who bring deep expertise in project-based accounting, thrive in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment, and have the communication skills to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders. Experience with AEC-focused financial management and ERP platforms such as Deltek Vantagepoint is a strong advantage. Candidates should be comfortable managing competing priorities and adapting to the dynamic nature of a project-driven firm. This will be an individual contributor role with no direct reports. This person will own our financial operations along with the Managing Partners.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage the full project accounting lifecycle, including project setup, budget tracking, cost monitoring, invoicing oversight, and close-out, in close collaboration with project managers and the Billing Specialist. (~75%)

• Monitor project budgets and expenditures, identifying variances and working with project managers to address cost overruns or scope changes.
• Process and track subconsultant invoices, purchase orders, and expense reports associated with assigned projects.

• Support the Billing Specialist with monthly project invoicing and collections of outstanding invoices.
• Process payroll accurately and on time, including setup of new employee accounts in finance and HR systems, benefit deductions (401(k), medical, dental, disability, etc.), and serving as primary point of contact for pay-related questions.
• Implement vendor payment processing and perform all accounts payable functions, including reviewing, coding, and processing payments for all non-project expenses.
• Track service contracts for outside vendors and perform monthly reconciliation of the corporate credit card statement.
• Provide annual payroll census data to the firm's 401(k) vendor.

Lead financial reporting, revenue recognition, and period-close activities to maintain the financial health and compliance of the firm. (~15%)

• Prepare regular project financial reports including earned value analysis, revenue recognition schedules, and profitability summaries for project managers, partners, and leadership.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition in compliance with firm accounting policies and applicable standards (e.g., percentage-of-completion method).
• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities, including preparation of journal entries and reconciliations.
• Compile and report end-of-year financial data in coordination with co-Managing Partners and the firm's external tax accountant.
• Maintain organized, audit-ready project financial records and documentation.

Support firm leadership, collaboration across departments, and additional operational duties as needed. (~10%)

• Coordinate with the Office Manager and co-Managing Partners on compliance and annual renewals of business and professional licensing across multiple states.
• Support Business Development during project pursuit, close-out, and post-award handoff for accurate project setup and contract review.
• Other ad-hoc duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field is required
• 7 or more years of progressive project accounting experience, preferably in an architecture, engineering, or professional services firm
• Strong understanding of project-based accounting, including percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, cost-to-complete analysis, and Architectural, Engineering, & Construction (AEC) contract billing structures
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously with accuracy, attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable information for non-financial stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong aptitude for operating in a digital workflow, leveraging software and technology across all processes
• Collaborative and service-oriented approach to working with project teams across the firm
• Proactive problem-solver who identifies financial risks early and escalates or resolves them promptly
• Adaptability to manage shifting priorities in a dynamic, project-driven work environment
• High level of integrity and professionalism in handling sensitive financial information

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 or more years of AEC industry accounting experience with full project lifecycle ownership
• Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint or similar AEC-focused project accounting/ERP software
• Familiarity with subconsultant invoice processing, Standard Form billing structures, or AEC contract compliance
• Experience supporting payroll, AP/AR, and month-end/year-end close in a multi-office environment
• CPA or CPA Candidate

ABOUT US
We are in the business of transformation. Together with our clients and partners, we envision spaces where people are freed to work more productively, make discoveries, and live healthier and more joyful lives.

We love what we do. And we work not just for the love of architecture and design, but to satisfy our calling to improve the quality of life in our communities, both today and in the sustainable future. Our process is collaborative by design.

We value and develop long-term partnerships with clients across a broad range of industries and institutions. By leveraging the design intelligence of the group, and making connections across industries and disciplines, we see farther than any of us could alone. That’s how innovation happens.

We have a culture that values responsiveness, hard work, creative problem solving and design excellence, and a respect for the environment we inhabit. We are able and responsible designers and partners, creating environments that we need and use, supporting the life of our community.

JacobsWyper Architects provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.