Project Accountant - AEC Industry

Project Accountant – AEC Industry

Talbert, Bright & Ellington, LLC
, a leading engineering firm, is seeking a Project Accountant for our office located in Charlotte, NC
.

Department: Accounting

Location: Charlotte, NC

Employment type: Full‑time

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Job function: Accounting / Auditing and Finance

Industries: Civil Engineering

This full‑time position is fully responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of project accounting, including project setup, budgeting, accurate revenue recognition, and billing. The opportunity will require professionalizing a lean accounting function to set it up for rapid organic and inorganic growth.

• Lead and manage the day‑to‑day operations of project accounting, driving process improvements and implementing best practices.
• Provide strategic support to leadership via clear communication regarding contract documents, change orders, contract modifications, approvals, and billing and revenue generation.
• Review and validate the accrual process to ensure accuracy, reasonableness, and compliance with accounting standards.
• Analyze variances in project performance by researching and identifying root causes, optimizing revenue generation, and maximizing billing opportunities to enhance profitability.
• Coordinate year‑end audit support by conducting research, reconciliations, and addressing auditor requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison with Equal Opportunity Compliance agencies and oversee the adherence to governmental contract requirements.
• Resolve complex contract and billing issues, taking ownership of escalated inquiries and exercising sound judgment.
• Standardize and enforce billing procedures across the organization to ensure consistency and compliance with established billing policies.
• Provide education and training to the organization on accounting practices and the Vision software system.
• Develop and enforce comprehensive policies for all project accounting activities, report on project profitability, approve charges from billable projects to overhead, and ensure timely invoicing through the development of metrics and an invoicing tracking system.
• Execute ad‑hoc projects as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business (preferred).
• 7+ years of equivalent financial accounting experience (required).
• Deltek Vision or VantagePoint experience (required).
• Intermediate to advanced computer literacy, including Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Access.
• Thorough knowledge of standard contract terms, including hourly, lump sum, not‑to‑exceed and their application in the billing process.
• Ability to lead a team effectively under deadline situations and respond to changes in priorities.
• Good written and verbal communication skills and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and prioritize complex analytical tasks.
• Employ problem‑solving skills and analysis, and report problems to the Director of Finance & Accounting as necessary.
• Strong service orientation and self‑starter.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with numerous deadlines.
• Well organized, with good analytical skills and a high level of attention to detail.
• Support all divisions by providing timely and accurate financial reporting, analysis and assistance as needed.

• Excellent compensation package.
• Outstanding holiday and paid‑time‑off programs.
• 401(k) Plan and Match.
• Career Path Development Program (Management & Technical Career Tracks).
• Mentorship Program.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Parental Leave.
• Competitive health and dental insurance premiums.
• Variety of voluntary benefit options.
• Short‑Term Disability/Long‑Term Disability.
• Company‑furnished life insurance.
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
• Flexible Spending Account.
• and More.