Project Cost Accountant I

Gauss Management Research & Engineering (GMRE Inc.); Ogden (UT); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

GMRE is seeking a detail-oriented Project Cost Accountant I to join our Program Finance team in Ogden, Utah. The role supports government contract financial management, including expense report review, cost tracking, and invoicing, with a focus on accurate reporting and compliance.

The position offers a full-time hybrid schedule, three days a week in the Ogden office, reporting to the Program Finance Manager.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Accounting knowledge and experience relevant to government contracting or project accounting is preferred.
• Experience with travel regulations (JTR/FTR) is a plus.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with Program Managers and Finance team.

Responsibilities

• Manage and track program travel expenses and other related costs.
• Review and approve employee expense reports for compliance with JTR, FTR, and policies.
• Establish and maintain project charge codes.
• Track labor, travel, materials, subcontractor invoices, and other costs; follow up on discrepancies.
• Update project spreadsheets, trackers, and forecast templates.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Excel skills

Accounting software

Multitasking

GAAP knowledge

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance or related field

Tools

PROCAS accounting software

Job description

Job Summary

GMRE is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Project Cost Accountant I to join our Program Finance team in Ogden, Utah. This position supports the financial management of government contracts, including employee expense report review, project cost tracking, reconciliations, invoicing, and financial reporting.

Job Type

Full-time

The ideal candidate has accounting experience, strong analytical and organizational skills, and excellent attention to detail. Experience in government contracting, particularly with travel regulations and project accounting, is preferred. We are also open to candidates who demonstrate strong accounting skills, initiative, and a willingness to learn. This position requires the ability to work independently while collaborating with Program Managers and the Finance team to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with contract requirements.

This position reports to the Program Finance Manager and follows a full-time hybrid schedule, with three days per week in the Ogden office.

Roles And Responsibilities

• Manage and track program travel expenses and other related costs.
• Review and approve employee expense reports for compliance with Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) and Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) and company policies.
• Establish and maintain project charge codes.
• Review and track labor, travel, materials, subcontractor invoices, and other project costs. Identify missing or inaccurate expenses and follow up to ensure accurate cost reporting.
• Accurately update project spreadsheets, travel trackers, financial reports, and forecast templates using approved information.
• Support accounts payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR), invoicing, reconciliations, and financial tracking.
• Work independently on assigned projects and complete additional financial support tasks as needed.
• Coordinate with Program Managers on project budgets, forecasts, and cost variances.
• Monitor contract funding, spending rates, and funding ceilings to identify potential overruns.
• Prepare and support monthly customer invoicing for cost-plus, Time-and-Materials (T&M), and Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts.
• Reconcile project accounting records to the general ledger.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial and employee information.

Why work for GMRE?

GMRE is a small veteran-owned company who cares about our employees. We offer health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), vacation, Paid Time Off (PTO), or Paid Sick Leave (PSL) based on state laws, paid holidays, and life insurance to all permanent full-time employees. GMRE’s mission is to provide high-quality engineering and technical services to help our customers grow and succeed.

GMRE is an equal opportunity employer. GMRE is committed to making employment decisions based on valid requirements, without regard to age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local laws.

Requirements

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe with strong Excel skills and experience working with accounting systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities independently.
• Ability to investigate discrepancies, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field and 2 years of relevant accounting experience preferred.
• Experience in government contracting or project accounting, including familiarity with Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) and Federal Travel Regulations (FTR), preferred.
• Experience with PROCAS accounting software is a plus.

Security Clearance And Other Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and meet company background screening requirements.
• No active security clearance is required for this position.
• Must be able to work at GMRE’s Ogden office three days per week and maintain an agreed hybrid schedule.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None. Works under the direction of the Program Finance Manager, with guidance and review from experienced finance staff.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily desk-based work using a computer and reviewing electronic records. Essential functions may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Travel Required

• Travel is expected to be minimal. Any occasional travel for training or meetings will be coordinated in advance.