Project Accountant

JLG Architects; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Project Accountant at JLG Architects will oversee financial administration for projects from kickoff to closeout, partnering with project managers to monitor budgets, track hours, expenses, and profitability. You will manage invoicing, change orders, and compliance with contract terms while producing regular financial reports and ensuring accurate, timely data across project life cycles.

Experience with architecture/engineering/construction and ERP systems (Unanet preferred) is a plus, along

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related discipline.
• 3+ years of accounting or project management experience.
• Proficient in accounting principles and processes.
• Advanced MS Office skills (Word/Excel).
• Strong integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality.
• Experience with ERP systems; Unanet preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Project Management at project startup to capture project budgets, resource structures, cost codes, and related accounting setup requirements.
• Monitor and analyze project financial performance, including labor hours, expenses, utilization, and profitability, throughout project lifecycles to ensure accurate timely reporting and budget adherence.
• Maintain detailed project financial documentation, including contracts and change orders, to ensure compliance with contractual requirements.
• Prepare regular project operating reports to communicate billing goals, revenue targets, and financial performance.
• Review and monitor project cost entry activity, including labor, expenses and consultant costs to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Monitor unbilled fees, work-in-progress, and accounts receivable balances.
• Manage the invoicing process for assigned projects, ensuring client invoices are accurate, timely, and aligned with contractual terms and project financial data.
• Support firmwide financial reporting.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Budgeting

Accounts receivable

Financial analysis

Project accounting

Education

Bachelor's in accounting

Tools

MS Excel

Unanet ERP

Job description

Description

Summary

The Project Accountant is responsible for the financial administration of projects across their full lifecycle. This role is the key financial representative for project teams, partnering closely with project managers to monitor budgets, manage billing, and maintain compliance with contract terms.

Why JLG?

Because we work together to empower the future of architecture and design, driving dynamic solutions that make lives better. We are employee owners, collectively invested in the success of our clients, communities, and each other. Our candidates bring a diverse background of talent, a spirit of collaboration, and an enduring desire to help others thrive. At JLG, you will find inspiration to ignite change, challenge the status quo, and build resilient foundations for the next generation of education, healthcare, sports, and civic, cultural, and commercial service.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Project Management at project startup to capture project budgets, resource structures, cost codes, and related accounting setup requirements.
• Monitor and analyze project financial performance, including labor hours, expenses, utilization, and profitability, throughout project lifecycles to ensure accurate timely and reporting and budget adherence.
• Maintain detailed project financial documentation, including contracts and change orders, to ensure compliance with contractual requirements.
• Prepare regular project operating reports to communicate billing goals, revenue targets, and financial performance.
• Review and monitor project cost entry activity, including labor, expenses and consultant costs to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Monitor unbilled fees, work-in-progress, and accounts receivable balances.
• Manage the invoicing process for assigned projects, ensuring client invoices are accurate, timely, and aligned with contractual terms and project financial data.
• Support firmwide financial reporting.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of an Associate’s degree and/or relevant experience.
• 3+ years of demonstrated experience in accounting, book keeping, and/or project management.
• Proficient understanding of general accounting principles and processes.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office, specifically Word and Excel.
• Strong ability to maintain a high level of integrity, accuracy, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Proficient understanding of financial data analysis.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in ERP systems, Unanet preferred.
• Project-based accounting or billing experience preferred.
• Prior Architecture, Engineering, or Construction (AEC) industry experience preferred.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.