Project Accountant

BW Design Group; Maryland Heights (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

First Year Experience program

Individual Development Plans

Career Path resources

Job summary

BW Design Group in Missouri is seeking a Project Accountant to act as the financial gatekeeper for project revenues, costs, and margins, partnering with regional offices and client teams.

You will review forecasts, ensure GAAP-compliant revenue recognition, prepare invoices, track expenses, and support month-end close with KPI data and financial trend analysis. Limited travel may be required to support projects.

Qualifications

• Relevant financial or accounting experience (preferred).
• Advanced Excel skills.
• An understanding of financial practices, principles, processes, and systems (preferably in a corporate environment).

Responsibilities

• Serve as the financial gatekeeper for project revenues, costs, and margins that flow through to the business’ audited financial statements
• Provide project finance support, oversight, and analysis to local offices and the region
• Ensure appropriate project set-up in compliance with finance department guidelines and GAAP
• Review and analyze project forecasts and ensure that revenues and margins are accurately forecasted based on finance department guidelines and GAAP; enter the finalized forecast into the EMS software system
• Review and approve monthly project revenue/cost recognition following GAAP
• Review and analyze project forecast variances, and present analyses to management
• Prepare, review, and issue client invoices; work with clients, project teams, and the A/R department to ensure timely collection on invoices
• Analyze project risks and identify opportunities for profitability; make recommendations to the project accounting manager on the appropriate amount of risk or reserve to apply to the project
• Issue purchase orders and verify their financial terms and conditions
• Track project labor and expenses; advise the project team on any budget variations and make appropriate recommendations
• Track and audit travel and expense expenditures to ensure compliance with company policies
• Ensure compliance with client agreements, billing policies, and internal financial policies; address any adverse findings
• Communicate with the project teams and accounting manager regarding all significant client/project financial matters; participate in monthly project review meetings with the regional accounting manager
• Provide support to financial department leadership during month-end close and in the tracking and analysis of business trends, KPIs, and other financial indicators
• Provide financial support for new and active proposals; update the proposal software system
• Support training of new project accountants and project managers; ensure training complies with established financial processes and policies
• Work to improve financial processes and communication across the firm
• Participate in the annual external audit
• Make an impact day-to-day with your skills and expertise, strengthening that relationship with our clients and team

Skills

Advanced Excel

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or business administration

Tools

EMS software system

Job description

Who You’ll Work With

You will join one of our 45 offices in the US, be part of a committed team of over 1500 professionals, and work in teams and directly with our clients doing work that is shaping the world around us. You will be welcomed into a rapidly growing business and team and empowered to make an impact. You will be valued, cared for, and challenged on your path to becoming a world-class professional and surrounded by leaders who are committed to creating an environment that enables you to realize your own success and fulfillment.

When you join Design Group as a Project Accountant, you are joining a team that will challenge you and position you for growth. In this role, you will work with a team of industry experts to help the world’s leading companies solve their most difficult problems. You will partner with seasoned leaders, technical specialists, and subject matter experts to deliver the highest quality solutions to our clients with consistency and accuracy.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as the financial gatekeeper for project revenues, costs, and margins that flow through to the business’ audited financial statements
• Provide project finance support, oversight, and analysis to local offices and the region
• Ensure appropriate project set-up in compliance with finance department guidelines and GAAP
• Review and analyze project forecasts and ensure that revenues and margins are accurately forecasted based on finance department guidelines and GAAP; enter the finalized forecast into the EMS software system
• Review and approve monthly project revenue/cost recognition following GAAP
• Review and analyze project forecast variances, and present analyses to management
• Prepare, review, and issue client invoices; work with clients, project teams, and the A/R department to ensure timely collection on invoices
• Analyze project risks and identify opportunities for profitability; make recommendations to the project accounting manager on the appropriate amount of risk or reserve to apply to the project
• Issue purchase orders and verify their financial terms and conditions
• Track project labor and expenses; advise the project team on any budget variations and make appropriate recommendations
• Track and audit travel and expense expenditures to ensure compliance with company policies
• Ensure compliance with client agreements, billing policies, and internal financial policies; address any adverse findings
• Communicate with the project teams and accounting manager regarding all significant client/project financial matters; participate in monthly project review meetings with the regional accounting manager
• Provide support to financial department leadership during month-end close and in the tracking and analysis of business trends, KPIs, and other financial indicators
• Provide financial support for new and active proposals; update the proposal software system
• Support training of new project accountants and project managers; ensure training complies with established financial processes and policies
• Work to improve financial processes and communication across the firm
• Participate in the annual external audit
• Make an impact day-to-day with your skills and expertise, strengthening that relationship with our clients and team

What You’ll Bring

• Relevant financial or accounting experience (preferred)
• Advanced Excel skills
• A working knowledge of equipment and service procurement (preferred)
• An understanding of financial practices, principles, processes, and systems (preferably in a corporate environment)
• Solid interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• The ability to meet monthly closing and project deadlines
• A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business administration

Travel

• Limited travel may be required based on project support within the assigned region.

Benefits

We foster an environment of mutual respect, integrity, and unconditional interest in the individual and collective success of our professionals. Our model and entrepreneurial mindset offer a rewarding, challenging, and highly flexible path. As a Project Accountant, you will build a meaningful and fulfilling career with the support of professional development resources and mentorships including our First Year Experience program, Individual Development Plans, and Career Path resources and tools. You will be surrounded by exceptional talent who will support your development as both a world-class professional and a highly effective leader.