Project Accountant

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Overview

The Project Accountant is responsible for supporting the financial management of Keller North America projects through accurate job cost reporting, revenue recognition, billing support, reconciliations, forecasting support, and financial controls. 

 

This role serves as a key financial partner to Operations through collaboration with Project Managers (PMs), Field Operations, Branch Managers, and Finance leadership to ensure project results are accurate, timely, and supported by appropriate documentation from project setup through closeout. 

 

The Project Accountant helps connect financial accuracy with Keller's project-driven business model by delivering timely financial information that supports project performance, profitability, and business decision-making. The role also supports monthly close activities, audit requirements, and continuous process improvement while maintaining strong internal controls and providing exceptional internal customer service. 

Responsibilities

Project Accounting & Financial Ownership

• Participate in bid and contract reviews by providing financial and commercial input on contract terms, cost assumptions, payment terms, cash flow, bonding requirements, and bid risks.
• Own job cost integrity, ensuring accurate cost capture, coding, and alignment to contract scope.
• Manage revenue recognition (IFRS 15 or ASC 606), including progress measurement, change orders, and claims.
• Oversee billings, collections, and AR performance, supporting cash flow and DSO management.
• Partner with PMs on forecasting (EAC/ETC), variance analysis, and margin tracking.
• Lead and participate in weekly/monthly project reviews, identifying risks and opportunities early.
• Support project lien and insurance processes by obtaining appropriate certificates and legal documents.

Financial Reporting & Month-End Close

• Lead branch-level month-end close, including accruals, reconciliations, and cut-off procedures.
• Prepare and review financial statements and management reporting for the branch.
• Provide variance analysis and performance commentary for regional review.
• Support audit processes, ensuring documentation and explanations are complete and accurate.

Controls & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to accounting policies, IFRS/ASC standards, and internal controls.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation supporting key financial balances and judgments.
• Monitor compliance with contract, billing, and approval processes.
• Function as the first line of financial control at the branch level.

Business Partnering & Decision Support

• Serve as the primary finance partner to Project Managers and branch leadership.
• Provide actionable insight on project performance, cost control, and margin protection.
• Challenge and validate forecast assumptions, budgets, and execution strategy.
• Support operational decision-making across pricing, staffing, procurement, and execution.
• Drive financial discipline and accountability within project teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required. 
• CPA designation or active progress toward certification or Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) designation is a plus. 
• Minimum of 3-5 years of accounting experience, preferably in construction, engineering, project-based, industrial, or multi-location environments. 
• Experience with project accounting, job cost accounting, financial reporting, account reconciliations, and monthly close processes. 
• Working knowledge of project accounting principles and revenue recognition requirements (including IFRS 15 or ASC 606) preferred. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, with advanced Excel skills including PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, complex formulas, and financial analysis. 
• Strong ERP system skills with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies, including experience with enterprise financial systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Viewpoint, JD Edwards, or similar platforms. 
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with project teams, field personnel, leadership, vendors, and corporate departments. 
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaboration across functional teams. 
• High attention to detail, sound judgment, confidentiality, and accountability when managing sensitive financial and business information. 
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and responsive internal service. 

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