Project Cost Analyst — Construction Finance

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

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.