Senior Project Accountant

Marquee Staffing; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Marquee Staffing in Costa Mesa, CA seeks a Senior Project Accountant for a ~90-day contract to manage complex grant and program accounting, ensuring compliance with funding source requirements and regulations.

You will lead budgeting, invoicing, reporting, and audits, coordinate with agencies and internal teams, and provide training on fiscal policies and grant management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.
• Minimum five years of accounting experience, with at least two years in project or grant fund accounting.
• Experience with public agencies or educational institutions preferred.
• Strong knowledge of government and fund-specific accounting principles.
• Proficiency in automated financial systems and advanced Excel.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills; ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to interpret financial data accurately and exercise sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate regional activities for programs ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines.
• Audit, analyze, and certify invoices for accuracy; resolve discrepancies with submitting agencies.
• Prepare and submit invoices for reimbursement, tracking progress and ensuring timely submission.
• Develop and manage multi-year budgets for grants and contracts; provide financial documentation.
• Liaise between internal teams and external agencies for financial reporting and auditing standards.
• Create detailed financial reports, including cash flow analyses and forecast projections.
• Monitor program budgets, approve transfer requests, and prevent deficits during grant periods.
• Provide training on fiscal policies, grant management, and financial reporting to staff and partners.
• Review and process financial transactions, compile statistics, and support external audits.
• Oversee financial aspects of charter schools, including budget reviews and compliance monitoring.
• Support project-specific financial activities such as construction budgets and donor reports.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Budgeting

Grant accounting

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Job description

Job Type: Contract - Approx. 90 Days with Possible Extenstion Schedule: 40 hours per week

Job Overview: Under general direction, the Senior Project Accountant performs complex, specialized accounting functions that support major programs funded by state, federal, local, and private entities. The role involves collaborating closely with program coordinators and administrators to ensure all expenditures comply with funding source requirements and adhere to established accounting practices and regulations. This position requires a high level of independent judgment, analytical skills, and expertise in grant and categorical program accounting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the coordination of regional activities for various programs, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines.
• Audit, analyze, and certify incoming invoices for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to program specifications; resolve discrepancies with submitting agencies.
• Prepare and submit invoices for reimbursement, tracking progress and ensuring timely submission.
• Develop and manage complex multi-year budgets, providing financial documentation for grant applications and contract negotiations.
• Serve as a liaison between internal teams and external agencies, ensuring compliance with financial reporting and auditing standards.
• Create detailed financial reports, including cash flow analyses, expenditure tracking, and forecast projections.
• Monitor program budgets, approve transfer requests, and ensure no fund deficits occur during grant periods or fiscal year-end processes.
• Provide training and guidance to staff, program managers, and external partners on fiscal policies, grant management, and financial reporting.
• Review and process financial transactions, compile statistical data, and support external audits.
• Oversee the financial aspects of charter schools, including budget reviews, oversight fee calculations, and compliance monitoring.
• Support project-specific financial activities such as construction budgets, donor reports, and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.
• A minimum of five years of accounting experience, with at least two years focused on project or grant fund accounting.
• Experience working with public agencies or educational institutions is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of government and fund-specific accounting principles, including compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Proficiency in automated financial systems and advanced Excel skills, including complex spreadsheet development.
• Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to interpret financial data accurately.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Opportunity to support impactful public programs and educational initiatives.
• Professional growth through complex financial analyses and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Advancement opportunities within a dedicated and dynamic finance team.
• Continuous training and development in regulatory compliance, grant management, and financial technology.