Project Accountant Lead

LHH; Washington, Baltimore (District of Columbia, MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

LHH, in partnership with a large specialty contractor, seeks a Lead Project Accountant to head full-cycle project accounting for major construction projects. You will supervise junior colleagues and drive cost control across multiple sites.

The role emphasizes training, coaching, and ensuring accurate financial reporting, with a focus on large-scale projects and proactive risk management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in accounting/finance.
• 6+ years of accounting experience in construction or project-based industries.
• Supervisory experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of project accountants across multiple construction projects.
• Manage all phases of construction job costing, including cost categorization and billings.
• Ensure timely processing of transactions and enforce internal controls.
• Develop and present project financial reports for leadership.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to manage risks and change orders.
• Drive policy and system improvements for project accounting processes.
• Monitor performance, conduct variance analysis, and support budgeting.

Skills

Team leadership

Financial analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Sage

Viewpoint

Procore

Excel

Job description

LHH is partnering with a large specialty contractor with signicant operations nationally that is seeking to hire a Lead Project Accountant. The team is scaling, and they want an experienced professional to head full-cycle project accounting for larger projects, and supervise/mentor junior colleauges. Best suited for candidates who have experience with larger projects.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of project accountants supporting multiple construction projects; provide training, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Coordinate and oversee all phases of construction job costing, including categorizing, recording, analyzing, and monitoring costs and billings.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of financial transactions, maintenance of internal controls, and adherence to accounting policies.
• Develop financial reporting standards and prepare regular and ad‑hoc project financial reports for leadership.
• Partner with Project Managers to proactively identify financial risks, ensure vendor compliance, and support sound financial decision‑making throughout the project life cycle.
• Lead initiatives to implement new policies, procedures, systems, and process improvements for the location’s project accounting function.
• Monitor financial performance, conduct variance analysis, and support forecasting and budget development for assigned projects.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 6+ years of accounting experience, ideally within the construction, engineering, or related project-based industries.
• Prior supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of project accounting principles, job costing, WIP, AIA billings, percentage of completion, and financial reporting.
• Experience with larger projects ($60m+) strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with contracts, lien requirements, compliance documentation, and change order workflows.
• Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel; experience with industry-specific platforms (e.g., Sage, Viewpoint, Procore) is a plus.

Benefits Overview:

• Benefit offerings for full-time employment include medical, dental, vision, term life and AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, wellness plans, and a 401k plan
• Personal Time Off (PTO) is offered on an accrual basis up to 15 days (initially), 10 Paid Holidays, and up to 6 weeks of Paid Parental Leave (1+ years of employment). PTO and holiday hours are prorated based on hire date within the calendar year
• Annual discretionary bonus based on company and individual performance

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

The California Fair Chance Act

Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers