Project Accountant

Project Accountant

Location: Kansas City, MO

Who We Are:

We design places where people love to be together.

Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments.

We’ve designed and delivered some of the world's most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadia to ground-breaking live music venues. Populous is where architects and designers of all kinds create moments bigger than ourselves. We offer the best of both worlds: the resources and impact of the design giants and the tightly knit atmosphere and growth opportunities of smaller firms.

What We Offer:

Professional & Personal Development Programs + Summer Hours + Hybrid Schedule + On-Site Gym (Dallas/KC) + Paid Architect Licensure & Certifications Exams + Wedding Pay + Charitable Match Program + Market Leading Wellness Health and Welfare Benefits.

Who We Are Looking For:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Project Accountant with 1-3 years of experience to play a critical role in the financial management of projects within the firm. They will work closely with Project Mangers, Principals-in-Charge, Operations and others to monitor project progress, manage billings and ensure proper revenue recognition during month-end close.

Our preferred candidate will have prior experience in the AEC industry, and an interest in working in a dynamic global design environment with a diverse range of public assembly building types, including sports venues, convention centers, and airports.

What Your Day Could Consist Of:

• Setting up projects in the financial system and ensuring all fee structures, budgets, and billing terms are accurately tied to the executed contract.
• Preparing monthly invoice packages (both time-and-material and lump sum) that are consistent with contract and project-specific requirements.
• Performing proper accounting and compliance for international projects and ensure billings are inclusive of VAT or other taxes imposed.
• Researching any unbilled issues to optimize the billing possibilities for the billing period.
• Ensuring consultant billings are in line with contract and appropriate phase of work, do not exceed contractual limits and that contracts are signed and insurance certificates are on file prior to consultant payment.
• Following standard procedures to maintain billing folders for all projects.
• Working closely with PM’s to ensure project workplans are up to date, discussing plan changes and variances to maintain accuracy and proper matching of revenue and expenses.
• Carefully reviewing reimbursable expenses to confirm eligibility and proper documentation for reimbursement.
• Reconciling project financial records on an ongoing basis, identifying discrepancies, variances, or potential issues, and proactively work with project teams to resolve them.
• Responding to inquiries from CFO, Controller, PM’s, staff, vendors and clients.
• Ensuring proper revenue recognition during month-end close.
• Preparing project management reports as needed.
• Preparing year-end support for auditor requirements, which may include research and reconcilement, as well as assisting with project analysis for annual budget process.
• Setting up new projects, making transfers of employee billable hours and/or expenses as needed, and opening or closing phases as needed in the system.
• Writing off any uncollectible receivables and labor and expenses as directed by the PM and approved by management.

Requirements For Success:

• Knowledge of general accounting principles and practices (GAAP, accrual-based accounting) and expertise in percentage-of-completion accounting.
• Knowledge of project structure in a client/consultant business environment (WIP, job cost reporting, billing milestones) including project phase breakdowns from schematic design to CA.
• Familiarity with standard contract terms, including hourly, lump sum, not-to-exceed, and how they are applied in the billing process.
• Understanding of professional liability and insurance certificate requirements.
• Understanding of internal control principles and audit documentation requirements.
• Intermediate to advanced computer literacy and competency including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency with project accounting software (Deltek Vantagepoint) is a plus.
• Outstanding communication skills and team-oriented mindset that encourages effective collaboration.
• Highly organized, analytical and detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy in data entry and reporting.
• Highly self-motivated and capable of thriving in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to effectively manage sensitive and confidential information.

Essential Qualifications:

• An accredited Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 1-3 years of experience in an Accounting role.

Populous offers a competitive salary and bonus packages. We strive to offer our staff the best benefits package in the industry, at the lowest cost to employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k, FSA/HSA, paid time off and continuing education benefits. Populous is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Architecture by Fast Company

No. 1 Firm in Cultural on Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants

No. 1 Architecture Firm in Cultural Facilities by BD+C

No. 1 Architecture Firm in Convention Centers by BD+C

No. 1 Architecture Firm in Performing Arts and Concert Venues by BD+C

Find us here - https://populous.com/careers

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