Senior Cost Accountant: Project Cost & Margin Leader - 401K

Management Performance Associates; Canonsburg (Washington County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Management Performance Associates seeks a detail-oriented Senior Cost Accountant to lead project accounting and develop labor-based absorption rates supporting pricing, billing, and margin analysis. The role also covers financial reporting, general ledger activities, and month-end closing to maintain accurate records.

The position requires GAAP knowledge, ERP experience (Microsoft Dynamics preferred), and 3–5 years in cost accounting or related fields.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with an integrated ERP and data entry systems; Microsoft Dynamics experience is a plus.
• Accounting experience with a strong understanding of general ledger accounting and financial reporting.
• Experience in project, job, or service-based cost accounting; staffing, professional services, or field services industry experience preferred.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and U.S. GAAP.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and periodically update absorption rates for labor burden (wages, payroll taxes, workers' compensation, benefits, travel/per diem, and training) and for consumables and materials passed through to customers, ensuring full cost recovery and accurate pricing and billing.
• Perform project accounting, including job/project cost tracking, unbilled revenue accruals, and project and customer profitability reporting.
• Analyze pay rate vs. bill rate spreads and gross margin by customer, project, and division; recommend pricing adjustments and develop reports communicating financial results, cost trends, and key performance indicators.
• Reconcile timekeeping, payroll, and billing data to ensure labor costs are accurately captured and charged to the correct projects.
• Work with divisional operations teams to review cost centers, expense coding, and allocations, resolve discrepancies, and provide recommendations to the Controller.
• Support the monthly close for multiple entities, including journal entries, U.S. GAAP account reconciliations, analysis of significant accounts, and general ledger maintenance.
• Prepare documentation for external auditors and interact with outside organizations, such as banks and insurance companies, as needed.
• Assist the Controller and management with financial analysis, system changes, process improvements, and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Labor costing

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Project costing

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

3-5 years of experience

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

Management Performance Associates seeks a detail-oriented Senior Cost Accountant to lead project accounting and develop labor-based absorption rates supporting pricing, billing, and margin analysis. The role also covers financial reporting, general ledger activities, and month-end closing to maintain accurate records.

The position requires GAAP knowledge, ERP experience (Microsoft Dynamics preferred), and 3–5 years in cost accounting or related fields.