Project Cost Accountant

KPFF Consulting Engineers; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision Insurance

HSA with employer contributions

FSA and commuter benefits

Life insurance

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

KPFF Consulting Engineers is seeking a detail-oriented Project Cost Accountant in downtown Seattle to support project managers and principals by delivering accurate financial insights, managing project costs, and tracking budgets for a 150+ person engineering group.

The role requires strong proficiency in BST11, Excel, and Power BI, with a focus on process improvement, collaboration, and mentorship in a fast-paced, decentralized environment. Hybrid work is available.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years prior cost accounting experience in a professional office environment.
• BA degree in accounting, finance or economics preferred (AA required).
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel and Power BI; familiarity with BST11 ERP is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain all projects and expenses in BST11; update contracts, budgets and tasks.
• Collaborate with Project Managers for setup, budgeting, invoicing and collections.
• Prepare monthly client billings and oversee invoicing by other Cost Accountants.
• Improve and document monthly accounting workflows and reports.
• Support year-end reporting and manage project-level financials as needed.
• Coordinate with other offices and senior management to meet deadlines.

Skills

Cost accounting

MS Excel

Power BI

Communication

Leadership

Mentorship

Analytical

Detail-oriented

Education

BA degree in accounting/finance/economics

AA degree (accounting/finance/economics focus)

Tools

BST11

ERP systems

Job description

Job Description

About the Role:

KPFF’s Special Projects Group is seeking a detail-oriented Project Cost Accountant to join our team in downtown Seattle, which is the largest of our three geographic offices. In this role, you will play a critical part in supporting Project Managers and Principals by delivering accurate financial insights/analysis, managing project costs, and helping drive informed decision-making for a 150+ person engineering group. Since most of our engineering work is as prime consultant, accounting work also includes tracking budgets and management of significant subconsultant contracts and invoicing.

We are looking for someone who enjoys tackling complex challenges and is motivated to enhance accounting processes for greater efficiency and collaboration with an opportunity to grow into a leadership role. The ideal candidate is proactive, analytical, detail-oriented, sees the big picture, takes initiative and is committed to contributing to a team culture focused on continuous improvement.

Who We Are Looking For

• Minimum 5 years prior cost accounting experience with progression of responsibilities in a professional office environment
• BA degree with accounting, finance or economics emphasis preferred (AA degree with similar focus is minimum requirement)
• Proficient in MS Office programs specifically Excel and Power BI, but including Outlook, Word and PowerPoint
• Desire to learn and able to take direction, while also working both independently and collaboratively in a decentralized, fast-paced environment
• Strong leadership, organizational, multi-tasking and problem-solving skills, including strong mentorship and training abilities
• Effective communicator and inter-personal skills, with both excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Positive attitude and demeanor
• Experience in A/E/C industry desired, but not required
• Prior software experience with BST11 desired, but not required

Qualifications

What You’ll be Doing:

• Create and maintain all projects and expenses in project cost accounting system (BST11), including updating contract information, budgets and tasks
• Work closely with Project Managers for project set-up, budget tracking and analysis, client billings, collections and general accounting and ERP (BST 11) education
• Prepare and process monthly client billings, including coordinating/overseeing invoicing by other Project Cost Accountants
• Maintain, improve and document processes/scheduling for monthly accounting work flow
• Prepare, update and address end-of-month and end-of-year reports, including revenue/income statements for multiple discipline groups within reporting center
• Work with Managing Principal in setting and tracking overall reporting center budget
• Run A/R inquiries to monitor and proactively manage collections
• Provide Project Managers with project financial information as requested
• Work in collaboration with corporate accounting group to meet expectations/deadlines
• Bring innovative ideas and continuous improvement to accounting processes
• Coordinate and collaborate with three experienced project cost accountants, two of which lead billing for our other geographic offices

Additional Information

Culture And Benefits

Join KPFF for a career adventure that celebrates your expertise and fuels your development. Here, autonomy and innovation converge, empowering you to tackle complex challenges in a team environment. Our culture fosters teamwork, ownership, and common values, ensuring that your accomplishments are celebrated, and your career trajectory is in your hands. At KPFF, we are not just coworkers; we're a vibrant community fueled by collaborative creativity, offering you the chance to leave a lasting mark. The in-office portion of the work is critical for engagement and collaboration, but we offer the flexibility of hybrid remote work.

We are passionate about supporting our employees through flexible and comprehensive Benefits. Our Benefits include:

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contribution (regardless of employee contribution)
• Medical insurance (two plans available to choose from)
• Dental insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life insurance
• KPFF Paid Family Leave
• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays (including two floating Holidays)
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, jury duty)
• Subsidized ORCA bus/rail pass

Compensation

The total compensation for this role is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, and skills. The expected total compensation range for a qualified candidate is $90,000-$120,000 including performance-based bonuses to recognize and reward outstanding contributions in each Reporting Center. During the interview process, we'll provide detailed information and address any questions you may have about the overall compensation package and benefits.

About Us

KPFF Special Projects Group

Since 1996, KPFF's Special Projects Division has been at the forefront of addressing specialized challenges in project development. With over 150 team members in three offices strategically located in Seattle, Tacoma, and Long Beach, CA, our approach combines dedicated project managers, a skilled technical team, and a commitment to innovation. We offer a comprehensive range of services including civil, structural, and mechanical engineering, as well as construction/project management services.

We specialize in the management and design of heavy civil, structural, industrial and waterfront infrastructure projects throughout the West Coast and across the United States. Our team thrives on solving unique, multi-disciplinary challenges, collaborating closely with clients such as the Ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles, Tacoma, and Seattle, as well as various municipalities/government agencies and private industrial clients.

Join us at KPFF Special Projects Division and be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and excellence in project delivery.

KPFF

KPFF, a multi-office, multi-discipline engineering firm, is committed to Excellence, Trust, Relationships, Stability, and Passion. With over 65 years of experience, we provide creative solutions for diverse projects, scales, and industries. Our 1,500+ professionals in 36 offices nationwide thrive in a decentralized structure, offering abundant flexibility and numerous opportunities for professional growth. At KPFF, join a legacy of excellence where every team member has the opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions and impactful projects.

KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.