Project Accountant - Cost Analyst

Aecom2; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Project Accountant - Cost Analyst I in San Diego, CA to support project financial operations and contract compliance within the project accounting and cost management team.

The role involves reviewing T&M reports for accuracy, auditing labor rates and billing documentation, and maintaining organized financial records to ensure contractual compliance across active programs and projects.

Qualifications

• High School diploma + 2 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• California Class C driver's license and ability to meet driver qualification criteria.
• Successful clearance of TSA background check and drug/alcohol screening.

Responsibilities

• Review and validate Time & Material (T&M) reports and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and contractual compliance.
• Audit labor rates, material charges, and billing documentation to ensure alignment with contract terms and approved project requirements.
• Verify supporting backup documentation and identify discrepancies requiring resolution.
• Assist with project accounting activities related to cost tracking, reporting, and financial documentation.
• Coordinate with project teams, operations personnel, and accounting staff to resolve billing and reporting issues.
• Support compliance with internal financial controls, accounting procedures, and client-specific contractual requirements.
• Maintain organized financial records and documentation in accordance with company standards and audit requirements.
• Prepare and maintain spreadsheets, tracking logs, and reporting summaries using Microsoft Excel.
• Contribute to process improvements that enhance reporting accuracy, efficiency, and consistency.
• Perform assignments independently while effectively managing priorities and deadlines.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

High School diploma

Equivalency of experience/education

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

AECOM is seeking a Project Accountant - Cost Analyst I located in San Diego, CA to support project financial operations and contract compliance activities within our project accounting and cost management team. This role is responsible for reviewing and validating Time & Material (T&M) reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contractual requirements and established accounting standards.

The successful candidate will perform detailed audits of labor, materials, rates, and supporting documentation while partnering closely with project teams, operations staff, and accounting personnel. This position plays an important role in maintaining financial accuracy, supporting client invoicing processes, and ensuring adherence to project and contractual requirements across active programs and projects.

This opportunity is well-suited for a detail-oriented accounting or cost controls professional who thrives in a structured, deadline-driven environment and enjoys analytical review work, cross-functional collaboration, and process accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and validate Time & Material (T&M) reports and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and contractual compliance.
• Audit labor rates, material charges, and billing documentation to ensure alignment with contract terms and approved project requirements.
• Verify supporting backup documentation and identify discrepancies, omissions, or inconsistencies requiring resolution.
• Assist with project accounting activities related to cost tracking, reporting, and financial documentation.
• Coordinate with project teams, operations personnel, and accounting staff to resolve billing and reporting issues.
• Support compliance with internal financial controls, accounting procedures, and client-specific contractual requirements.
• Maintain organized financial records and documentation in accordance with company standards and audit requirements.
• Prepare and maintain spreadsheets, tracking logs, and reporting summaries using Microsoft Excel.
• Contribute to process improvements that enhance reporting accuracy, efficiency, and consistency.
• Perform assignments independently while effectively managing priorities and deadlines.

Minimum Requirement:

• High School diploma + 2 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• A California Class C driver's license and the ability to meet driver qualification criteria under the Authority's SAN Fleet Authorized Drivers Program.
• Successful clearance of TSA background check and drug/alcohol screening

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of accounts payable processes, project accounting, cost control, and financial reporting practices.
• Experience reviewing and validating Time & Material (T&M) reports for rate accuracy, contractual conformity, and supporting documentation completeness.
• Understanding of accounting principles, financial controls, and basic auditing practices.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including spreadsheet tracking and reporting functions.
• Highly detail-oriented with strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal day-to-day supervision while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across project and accounting teams.
• Experience supporting projects in engineering, construction, infrastructure, professional services, or related industries preferred.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, project financial systems, or accounting software platforms is preferred.

Sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position may be performed in a hybrid, office-based, or project support environment depending on business needs.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• AD&D
• disability benefits
• paid time off
• leaves of absences
• voluntary benefits
• perks
• flexible work options
• well-being resources
• employee assistance program
• business travel insurance
• service recognition awards
• retirement savings plan
• employee stock purchase plan

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to