Project Accountant - Solar & Renewable Energy

BEAR Construction Company; Rolling Meadows (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

BEAR Construction Company is seeking a Project Accountant - Solar & Renewable Energy in Rolling Meadows, IL. This role supports project accounting from setup through closeout, coordinating with project managers and field staff to ensure accurate billing, cost tracking, and financial reporting for solar and renewable energy projects.

The ideal candidate has 2–5 years in project or construction accounting, strong Excel skills, and experience with billing procedures, WIP reporting, and contract

Qualifications

• 2 to 5 years of experience in project accounting or construction accounting.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency with Excel and project accounting procedures.

Responsibilities

• Project setup, budget entry, and subcontract/purchase order issuance for solar projects.
• Issue change orders to clients, subs, and vendors.
• Track project costs and budget performance throughout the lifecycle.
• Perform project audits to identify discrepancies.
• Review billing status to ensure accurate, timely invoicing.
• Prepare owner billings, pay apps, and milestone invoices.
• Coordinate time and material billings where applicable.
• Monitor profitability, cash flow, and project financial health with PMs.
• Highlight cost overruns, variances, and risks to leadership.
• Support WIP reporting and monthly forecasting.
• Assist with retention, lien waivers, and subcontractor docs.
• Review AP invoices when assigned and assist collections.

Skills

Project accounting

Billing & invoicing

WIP reporting

Excel

Contract management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

Vista by Viewpoint

Procore

Job description

Project Accountant - Solar & Renewable Energy

Project Accountant - Solar & Renewable Energy

Date Posted: 08/05/2026

Location: Rolling Meadows, IL

Salary Interval: Full-Time

Pay Range: $80,000.00 - $95,000.00

Position Description

The Project Accountant - Solar & Renewable Energy reports to the Project Accounting Manager and plays a key role in the financial management of renewable energy construction projects. This position serves as the liaison between Project Management and Accounting, ensuring the accurate setup, tracking, reporting, and billing of solar and renewable energy projects. The Project Accountant - Solar & Renewable Energy is responsible for supporting projects from initial setup through closeout by monitoring project costs, managing billing processes, tracking financial performance, and ensuring compliance with client, contractual, and company requirements. This role requires collaboration with Project Managers, Engineers, Superintendents, subcontractors, and vendors throughout all phases of project delivery and supports the continued growth of BEAR Construction's Solar Division.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project setup, budget entry, and subcontract/purchase order issuance for solar and renewable energy projects.
• Furnish and issue change orders to clients, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Track project costs, commitments, and budget performance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Perform project audits to identify and correct financial or system discrepancies.
• Review job billing status reports to ensure projects are invoiced accurately and timely.
• Prepare monthly owner billings, pay applications, and milestone-based invoices.
• Create and process time and material billings, where applicable.
• Work closely with Project Managers to monitor profitability, cash flow, and project financial health.
• Identify and communicate cost overruns, budget variances, and financial risks to project and accounting leadership.
• Support monthly forecasting, Work-in-Progress (WIP) reporting, and project financial reviews.
• Assist with tracking retention, lien waivers, and subcontractor compliance documentation.
• Review and approve Accounts Payable invoices when assigned.
• Monitor project receivables and assist with collections efforts.
• Support project closeout activities, including final billings and financial reconciliation.
• Maintain accurate financial records using company-approved software and accounting systems.
• Assist in developing and improving project accounting processes, reporting tools, and department procedures.
• Ability to accommodate additional responsibilities, as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• 2 to 5 years of experience in project accounting, construction accounting, or a related financial role.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Outlook and Excel.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively partner with operations teams and project leadership.
• Basic understanding of construction contracts, billing procedures, and project financial reporting.
• Ability to accommodate additional responsibilities, as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of experience in the Construction Industry.
• Experience supporting solar, renewable energy, utility, electrical, or infrastructure projects preferred.
• Experience using Vista by Viewpoint and Procore.
• Knowledge of AIA billing, retainage tracking, lien waivers, and change order processes.
• Experience with project forecasting and Work-in-Progress (WIP) reporting.
• Familiarity with utility-scale, commercial rooftop, battery storage, EV infrastructure, or other renewable energy projects preferred.
• Understanding of project lifecycle milestones within renewable energy construction environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer

BEAR Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.