Project Accountant - Architecture/Engineering

Epstein Architecture, Engineering and Construction; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Paid time off

Flexible benefit plans

Transportation benefits

Job summary

Epstein Architecture, Engineering and Construction is seeking a Project Accountant for their Chicago headquarters. This hybrid role supports financial management across architectural and engineering projects, collaborating closely with Project Managers. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and 3 to 7 years of AEC industry experience. The compensation ranges from $70,000 to $90,000 annually, with additional potential bonuses, benefits including medical insurance, 401(k), and ESOP participation.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years of accounting experience within the Architecture/Engineering industry.
• Detail-oriented and collaborative.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Support project financial performance and forecasting.
• Prepare and coordinate monthly client billings.
• Review project cost reports and project profitability.
• Investigate billing discrepancies and invoice issues.
• Monitor project budgets and contract documentation.
• Assist with collections and outstanding invoice follow-up.
• Ensure proper project cost coding and accounting compliance.
• Support month-end close and general accounting activities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with various teams.

Skills

Project billing

WIP reporting

Budgeting and forecasting

Revenue recognition

Contract and project cost tracking

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Strong analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

Deltek Vantagepoint

Job description

Epstein is a 100% employee-owned Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firm with more than 100 years of history delivering innovative, sustainable, and community-focused design solutions. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York, Raleigh, and Warsaw, Poland, Epstein offers the stability of an established firm with the collaborative culture of an employee‑owned company. We are currently seeking a Project Accountant to join our Accounting team in our Chicago West Loop headquarters. This hybrid position offers an excellent opportunity for an accounting professional with AEC industry experience to partner closely with Project Managers and leadership teams while supporting a diverse portfolio of projects. Our office is conveniently located near public transportation and surrounded by some of Chicago’s best restaurants and entertainment.

Why Join Epstein?

• 100% Employee-Owned (ESOP)
• Hybrid work schedule
• Half-day Fridays
• Flexible working hours
• Stable, established firm with strong growth
• Collaborative and supportive culture
• Competitive compensation and annual bonus potential

Position Overview

The Project Accountant is responsible for supporting the financial management and reporting of architectural and engineering projects throughout the project lifecycle. This role works closely with Project Managers to support project forecasting, budgeting, billing, contract management, and financial performance monitoring. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, and experienced in project accounting within the Architecture/Engineering industry.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Project Managers to support project financial performance and forecasting
• Prepare and coordinate monthly client billings and consultant invoicing
• Review project cost reports, budgets, contract values, and project profitability
• Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies and invoice issues
• Monitor project budgets, costs, change orders, waivers, and contract documentation
• Assist with collections and outstanding invoice follow-up
• Ensure proper project cost coding and accounting compliance
• Support month‑end close and other general accounting activities
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Accounting, Project Management, and Operations teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field
• 3–7 years of accounting experience within the Architecture/Engineering industry
• Experience with:
• Project billing
• WIP reporting
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Revenue recognition
• Contract and project cost tracking
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications
• Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint preferred
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $70,000 – $90,000 annually, depending on education, experience, qualifications, and skill set. Employees are also eligible for discretionary annual bonuses based on both company and individual performance.

Benefits Package

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life, disability, and accident insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible benefit plans
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Educational assistance opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

Epstein is an Equal Opportunity Employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetics, or any other protected status under applicable law.