Project Cost Accountant

United Utility Services; Canton (MS); On-site; USD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

HSA and FSA options where applicable

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Company-paid holidays

Short and long-term disability

Job summary

United Utility Services is seeking a Project Cost Accountant to monitor and report all financial aspects of designated projects. You will ensure costs are tracked, billed, and reported in line with contracts and company policies, providing timely insights to manage budgets and improve profitability.

The role collaborates with Project Managers and Operations leadership, develops project-level P&L, and supports revenue recognition and billing milestones while maintaining strong internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• 3–5 years cost accounting experience in a manufacturing, construction, or production environment.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles (GAAP).
• Proficiency in ERP systems (Sage 300 or similar).
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, modeling).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical thinking and data-driven decision-making.
• Strong business acumen with focus on cost control and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Maintain detailed cost records for each project, including labor, materials, subcontractor, and overhead expenses.
• Perform general ledger accounting, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and month-end close activities.
• Maintain and monitor job costing systems to ensure accurate allocation of labor, materials, and overhead to specific projects.
• Prepare and analyze project financial reports, identifying trends, cost overruns, and opportunities for improvement.
• Review and reconcile project costs to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data.
• Support monthly project reviews with Operations and Finance, providing variance analysis and forecasting.
• Prepare project-level profit and loss (P&L) statements and cost-to-complete projections.
• Monitor budget vs. actual results and identify cost overruns or savings opportunities.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to review job cost reports and ensure alignment between field data and financial systems.
• Assist with project setup, including budget entry, cost codes, and billing milestones.
• Review purchase orders, invoices, and time sheets for proper coding to projects.
• Support revenue recognition and accrual processes based on project progress and percentage-of-completion (POC).
• Prepare project billing summaries and support client invoicing accuracy.
• Assist with internal and external audits related to project financials.
• Support accounts payable and receivable functions, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, company policies, and relevant accounting standards.
• Participate in audits and provide documentation related to project accounting and financial transactions.
• Continuously seek process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency in financial reporting.

Skills

Cost accounting

GAAP

Advanced Excel

Analytical thinking

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance

CPA/CMA preferred

Tools

Sage 300

Job description

About Us

Welcome to United Utility Services, a dynamic player in the electric utility industry. As a trailblazer, we provide comprehensive and innovative offerings that bolster power infrastructure investments across the U.S. We proudly serve as the parent company to industry-leading utility service contractors specializing in transmission, substation, distribution, and grid hardening projects. Our Core Values are clear and simple: Safety, Quality, Integrity, and Professionalism. At United Utility Services, we craft power delivery solutions – built safe, engineered smart, and driven by what customers demand – fueling communities with reliable energy. We are the best‑in‑class, trusted partner delivering customer‑centric Power Delivery Construction and Engineering solutions.

Date Posted: 9/04/2026 Minimum Date Posted: 9/11/2026

Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options where applicable
• 401(k) with company match
• paid time off
• company-paid holidays
• and short and long-term disability

About The Role

The Project Cost Accountant is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and reporting all financial aspects of assigned projects. This position ensures project costs are accurately tracked, billed, and reported in alignment with contractual terms and company policies. The role supports project managers and operations leadership by providing timely financial insights to manage budgets, control costs, and improve overall project profitability.

About Us

Welcome to United Utility Services, a dynamic player in the electric utility industry. As a trailblazer, we provide comprehensive and innovative offerings that bolster power infrastructure investments across the U.S. We proudly serve as the parent company to industry-leading utility service contractors specializing in transmission, substation, distribution, and grid hardening projects. Our Core Values are clear and simple: Safety, Quality, Integrity, and Professionalism. At United Utility Services, we craft power delivery solutions – built safe, engineered smart, and driven by what customers demand – fueling communities with reliable energy. We are the best‑in‑class, trusted partner delivering customer‑centric Power Delivery Construction and Engineering solutions.

The salary range for this position 72,000.00-90,000.00

Location: Canton, MS

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options where applicable
• 401(k) with company match
• paid time off
• company-paid holidays
• and short and long-term disability

About The Role

The Project Cost Accountant is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and reporting all financial aspects of assigned projects. This position ensures project costs accurately tracked, billed, and reported in alignment with contractual terms and company policies. The role supports project managers and operations leadership by providing timely financial insights to manage budgets, control costs, and improve overall project profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain detailed cost records for each project, including labor, materials, subcontractor, and overhead expenses.
• Perform general ledger accounting, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and month-end close activities.
• Maintain and monitor job costing systems to ensure accurate allocation of labor, materials, and overhead to specific projects.
• Prepare and analyze project financial reports, identifying trends, cost overruns, and opportunities for improvement.
• Review and reconcile project costs to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data.
• Support monthly project reviews with Operations and Finance, providing variance analysis and forecasting.
• Prepare project-level profit and loss (P&L) statements and cost-to-complete projections.
• Monitor budget vs. actual results and identify cost overruns or savings opportunities.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to review job cost reports and ensure alignment between field data and financial systems.
• Assist with project setup, including budget entry, cost codes, and billing milestones.
• Review purchase orders, invoices, and time sheets for proper coding to projects.
• Support revenue recognition and accrual processes based on project progress and percentage-of-completion (POC).
• Prepare project billing summaries and support client invoicing accuracy.
• Assist with internal and external audits related to project financials.
• Support accounts payable and receivable functions, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, company policies, and relevant accounting standards.
• Participate in audits and provide documentation related to project accounting and financial transactions.
• Continuously seek process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency in financial reporting.

Key Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or CMA preferred).
• Experience: 3–5 years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing, construction, or production environment.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles (GAAP).
• Proficiency in ERP systems (Sage 300 or similar).
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, modeling).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical thinking and data-driven decision-making.
• Strong business acumen with focus on cost control and efficiency.
• Ability to collaborate across departments.
• Continuous improvement mindset.

Key Info

At United Utility, we are committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity and inclusion. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply. Your unique skills and talents will be valued and embraced as we work together to achieve our mission of providing safe and reliable power infrastructure solutions. Join us in shaping the future of the electric utility industry! If you are passionate about safety, possess the required qualifications, and are excited to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply. Together, let's power a brighter and safer future for all.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

This position is primarily office-based. Travel is expected to be limited and based on project needs.

Additional Notes

Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice based on business needs. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.

Application Deadline

This posting will remain open for a minimum of five (5) calendar days. The Company reserves the right to extend or close the posting based on business needs and applicable policy requirements.

Important Information

Applicants may be asked:

“Are you currently employed by the Company?” For standard external opportunities, this question is used for applicant classification, reporting, and workforce analytics purposes only.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters or staffing firms. Resumes submitted without a signed, written agreement with the Company and outside the approved HR/Recruiter process will not be reviewed or considered, and the Company will not be responsible for any associated fees.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process, please contact

Email: [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.