Project Cost Analyst — Profitability & Budgets

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSA/FSA options

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 in Decatur, GA to monitor, analyze, and report all financial aspects of assigned projects. You will manage costs, billings, and forecasting to improve profitability and ensure alignment with contracts and company policies.

The role requires 3–5 years in cost accounting within manufacturing or construction, strong GAAP knowledge, and advanced Excel skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field (CPA or CMA preferred).
• 3–5 years of cost accounting experience in manufacturing, construction, or production.
• 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.

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

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Continuous improvement mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance

CPA or CMA preferred

Tools

Sage 300

Excel (Pivot, Lookups)

Job description

United Utility Services is seeking a Project Cost Accountant in Decatur, GA to monitor, analyze, and report all financial aspects of assigned projects. You will manage costs, billings, and forecasting to improve profitability and ensure alignment with contracts and company policies.

The role requires 3–5 years in cost accounting within manufacturing or construction, strong GAAP knowledge, and advanced Excel skills.