Project Accountant

Department: Accounting

Reports To: Controller

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Bryan, Houston, Fort Worth, or Georgetown, TX

Position Summary

Project Accountants at Gessner Engineering keep project financials accurate and serve as the link between operations and accounting. The role owns the financial life cycle of assigned projects, from setup and budgeting through billing, collections, contract administration, and closeout. The Project Accountant gives project managers timely, reliable data so they can deliver work on budget and protect project margins.

Key Responsibilities

Project and Client Setup

• Gather project, contract, and client information and set up new projects, phases, and billing terms in the accounting system.
• Verify fee structures (lump sum, hourly/time and materials, percent complete, not-to-exceed) match the executed contract.

Billing and Invoicing

• Prepare and issue accurate, timely monthly invoices per contract terms and client requirements, including backup documentation.
• Process consultant and subconsultant invoices for pass-through billing.
• Monitor accounts receivable, follow up on past-due balances, and work with project managers to resolve collection issues.

Budgeting and Job Cost Analysis

• Develop project budgets with project managers and track actual costs, earned revenue, and work in progress (WIP) against them.
• Prepare budget-to-actual, percent-complete, and profitability reports; flag overruns, scope creep, and unbilled work early.
• Help project managers understand and act on their project financials.

Contract Administration

• Review contracts, amendments, and change orders for billing, payment, retainage, and insurance requirements.
• Maintain complete, organized contract and project financial records.

Liaison

• Serve as the primary contact for financial matters among project managers, clients, consultants, and the accounting team.

Financial Reporting and Compliance

• Support month-end close, including revenue recognition, WIP, and accrual entries.
• Prepare project financial reports and ensure compliance with company policy, GAAP, and client or agency requirements.
• Assist with audits and with project closeout and archiving.

Process Improvement

• Identify and implement improvements to project accounting workflows, systems, and reports.

Other

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (required)

Experience

• 5+ years of project accounting experience required
• Strong understanding of project accounting, contract administration, and financial reporting
• Experience in an engineering, architecture, or construction (A/E/C) firm preferred

Skills

• Proficiency in project-based accounting/ERP software (such as Deltek Vantagepoint, Unanet, Ajera, or similar) and advanced Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups)
• Working knowledge of GAAP, revenue recognition, and WIP reporting
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines with strong attention to detail
• Ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial project managers and clients

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based, with extended computer work.
• Additional hours may be needed during month-end close, billing cycles, and audits.

Gessner Engineering is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic (Race/Color/Gender/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran).

Gessner Engineering does not sponsor employment visas (e.g., H-1B, OPT, CPT, TN, or similar) at this time.