Project Accountant

PINPOINT PRECISION ENGINEERING; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) matching

Professional development

Employee ownership

Job summary

Pinpoint Precision Engineering is seeking a detail-oriented mid-level Project Accountant to manage project-level financials and billing in a hybrid Chicago office.

You will align with project managers, subconsultants, clients, and accounting to ensure accurate revenue recognition under T&M, lump sum, and CPFF structures, while adhering to IDOT and state guidelines. Strong QuickBooks/BQE CORE skills and Excel mastery are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of project accounting experience in Civil Engineering/Construction.
• Strong knowledge of billing indirect/direct labor costs.

Responsibilities

• Billing & pre-invoice preparation: extract hours/expenses and draft pre-bills.
• PM collaboration & budgeting: track burn rates and manage changes.
• Contract compliance & AEC billing: manage T&M, Lump Sum, CPFF and client/IDOT formats.
• Portal submissions & AR: upload invoices to portals and monitor aging AR.
• Payroll: review timesheets and process payroll reports.

Skills

Project accounting

Billing knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

QuickBooks

BQE CORE

Excel

Job description

Pinpoint Precision Engineering is seeking a detail-oriented mid-level Project Accountant with experience in the Civil Engineering or AEC (Architecture, Engineering, or Construction) industry to drive our project-level financial management and billing operations. Civil engineering invoicing is highly complex and structurally different from standard business billing; in this role, you will serve as the crucial financial link between our project managers, subconsultants, clients, and accounting operations.

Working in a flexible hybrid environment, you will master our core contract billing structures—Time and Materials and Lump Sum / Fixed Fee, and Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF)—ensuring absolute compliance with client-specific guidelines, state portal submissions, and rigid agency requirements like the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Utilizing QuickBooks and BQE CORE, this role is perfect for an organized accounting specialist who thrives on PM collaboration, contract adherence, accurate revenue recognition, and meticulous billing precision.

Why Join Us?

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work schedule allowing you to blend working from home with collaborative in-office team days.
• Impact: Be part of a forward-thinking, growing organization shaping sustainable, innovative infrastructure across Illinois and beyond.
• Culture: Work in a collaborative environment that values professional growth, ethical practices, and close team integration.
• Benefits: Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

What you’ll do:

Billing & Pre-Invoice Preparation

• Extract monthly hours and expenses (subconsultants, testing, mileage) using BQE CORE and QuickBooks to draft accurate pre-bills.
• Ensure precise cost allocation across project tasks, phases, and agreements.

PM Collaboration & Budgeting

• Meet monthly with Project Managers to track project burn rates against budgets.
• Resolve scope changes, unbillable time, and contract amendments before finalizing invoices.

Contract Compliance & AEC Billing

• Manage complex industry billing structures: Time & Materials (T&M), Lump Sum, and Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF).
• Ensure strict compliance with client mandates and state agency formats (e.g., IDOT, Illinois Tollway).

Portal Submissions & AR

• Upload approved invoices to municipal, state, and client e-billing portals; resolve any rejections quickly.
• Monitor aging AR reports in QuickBooks/BQE and partner with PMs to follow up on outstanding balances.

Payroll

• Review weekly timesheets, track time entries, and process payroll reports.

What you bring:

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred (or equivalent combination of formal education and direct industry billing experience).
• Experience: 3–5 years of project accounting experience specifically within Civil Engineering, Consulting Engineering, Architecture, or Construction.
• Working knowledge of billing indirect and direct labor costs.
• State & Regulatory Knowledge: Working knowledge of Illinois public sector billing workflows (e.g., IDOT, Illinois Tollway) and familiarity with audited overhead rates (FAR Part 31) preferred.
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with Project Managers, principals, subconsultants, and client accounts payable departments.

Software Proficiency:

• Hands-on proficiency with QuickBooks and AEC project management software such as BQE
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills, particularly Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and formulas for reconciliations).

What you’ll get:

In addition to base compensation, employees may be eligible for:

• Annual performance-based bonus opportunities
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Professional development and continuing education support
• Employee ownership pathway for qualified employees

Compensation: The compensation range is a good-faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skill set, and physical work location.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Women, Veterans, Disabled, and Minorities are encouraged to apply: All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran/military status, marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal laws