Project Accountant I

DB Sterlin Consultants, Inc.; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

DB Sterlin Consultants, Inc. in Chicago, IL seeks a Project Accountant to design and implement efficient billing processes, ensuring invoices reflect contract terms and GAAP standards.

You will investigate discrepancies, support project reviews, and secure additional service authorizations from clients to keep projects on track. You will work with project managers and principals, manage subcontractor payments, and assist with the monthly close and financial reporting.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Experience: 5-7 years of related experience.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with financial systems and MS Office, especially Excel and Word; Deltek.

Responsibilities

• Set up and manage processes to ensure compliance with client billing contracts. Analyze contracts for billing deadlines, payment terms, and approved rates for staff and trade labor.
• Regularly check client bills and project records to ensure they meet contract terms, GAAP standards, and company policies.
• Oversee the accounts payable process for vendor and subcontractor invoices; ensure lien waivers, contracts, and insurance are in place before payments.
• Maintain project accounts for effective financial oversight.
• Record client invoices and project expenses; oversee monthly closing.

Skills

GAAP Knowledge

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Associate’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Deltek

Excel

Word

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: DBS Headquarters - Chicago, IL 60606Salary Range: $76,750.00 - $87,495.00 Salary/year

POSITION GOAL:

The Project Accountant will be instrumental in designing and implementing efficient billing processes that ensure timely and accurate invoices for new and existing projects. This position is responsible for ensuring that invoices accurately reflect the contractual terms, thereby enhancing both transparency and precision. The Project Accountant will also investigate and resolve any billing discrepancies or errors, upholding a high level of financial integrity. Furthermore, this role will assist Project Managers in establishing any necessary additional service phases following comprehensive project reviews. An essential part of this position involves effectively communicating with project managers and principals to ensure that additional service authorizations are promptly secured from clients, thus reinforcing strong client relationships and ensuring seamless project progression.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Set up and manage processes to ensure compliance with client billing contracts. Analyze contracts for billing deadlines, payment terms, and approved rates for staff and trade labor.
• Regularly check client bills and project records to ensure they meet contract terms, GAAP standards, and company policies.
• Oversee the accounts payable process for vendor and subcontractor invoices. Ensure lien waivers are submitted, and contracts and insurance are in place before making payments.
• Maintain project accounts for effective financial oversight.
• Communicate any payment issues related to subcontractors to the project team. Accurately record all client invoices and project expenses and oversee the monthly closing process.
• Collaborate with the project team to finalize the financial closeout for projects. Ensure that the final contract amounts and required closeout documentation align with subcontractor agreements prior to processing any final payments.
• Manage cash flow and communicate possible risks or profitability to the project team. Assist with all internal and external audit requests.
• Perform other tasks or duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP) to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Understand accounting implications of various contract terms related to profitability and risk management.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and organizational skills. Ability to perform cost analysis procedures.
• Demonstrates the ability to function as a self-starter, exhibiting adaptability and flexibility while operating with minimal guidance and little to no supervision in a complex and dynamic environment.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion with the ability to identify problems and make recommendations for resolution.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, strong dedication to teamwork, and integrity within the professional environment.

QualificationsPOSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required. Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job Classification: Exempt (Salaried)

Licensure: N/A

Experience: 5-7 years of related experience.

Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Technical Skills: Must have strong proficiency with financial systems applications and MS Office, specifically Excel and Word, and Deltek

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Physical Demands: Must be able to sit, walk, stand, reach with hands and arms, stoop or kneel, climb, or balance, talk or hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects tools or control. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds on occasion. Required driving to job sites, may result in a long commute.

Working Environment: General office environment requiring long periods of sitting at a computer. The environmental conditions generally include ambient inside temperature, lighting and noise level

Due to the collaborative nature of this position and accessibility for in-house meetings, it is important that the work may need to be performed in the office and during normal business hours.

Continuing Education: Complete state-required competency. Attend job-related seminars and workshops.

Pay Range: $76,750 - $87,495 per year

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions