Project Accountant

Project Accountant

Solar Landscape is seeking a Project Accountant to be responsible for financial oversight at the project level, with primary ownership of forecasted cost at completion (CAC/EAC) and budget integrity across assigned projects. This role partners directly with Project Managers (PMs) to develop, validate, and monitor cost forecasts on a monthly basis, while also acting as a financial control checkpoint to ensure disciplined budget adherence.

The position sits at the intersection of project execution and finance, providing structured cost visibility, enforcing budget controls, and improving project-level financial predictability.

Responsibilities

• Cost at Completion (EAC/CAC) Ownership
• Own and maintain monthly Estimated/Anticipated Cost at Completion at the project level.
• Partner with Project Managers to:
• Review committed costs, actuals, and pending exposures.
• Identify forecast variances and risk areas.
• Update cost projections based on scope changes and field intelligence.
• Ensure forecast integrity through documented assumptions and variance explanations.
• Escalate material risks or budget overruns with recommended mitigation strategies.
• Budget Management & Entry
• Support project budget setup and changes within financial systems.
• Validate that budgets are properly structured (cost codes, categories, contingencies).
• Monitor budget vs. actual vs. committed spend.
• Identify discrepancies and coordinate corrective action with PMs and Finance.
• Maintain clean budget hygiene and audit-ready documentation.
• Budget Adherence & PM Support
• Serve as a financial partner to the PM team to maintain cost discipline.
• Provide structured reporting on budgets vs actuals, committed costs, forecast variances.
• Flag early warning indicators of budget overrun.
• Support PMs in corrective planning (reallocations, contingency usage, cost mitigation strategies).
• Project Purchase Order Management
• Monitor PO issuance against approved budgets.
• Ensure POs align to approved cost codes and budget limits, and that proper documentation and approvals are in place.
• Identify and resolve open or stale commitments to maintain accurate committed cost reporting.
• Partner with Procurement and PMs to improve PO discipline.
• Monitor the aging of customer billings and follow up as required. Submit monthly reports on Accounts Receivable (A/R) Aging to management.
• Review project Accounts Payable (A/P) to ensure correct coding and entry.
• Process change orders, contracts, release of liens and subcontractor payment applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, or related field.
• 3–7+ years of experience in project accounting, cost management, construction finance, or project controls.
• Strong understanding of:
• Budget development and tracking
• Cost forecasting (EAC/CAC methodologies)
• Commitment accounting
• PO lifecycle management
• Advanced Excel proficiency; ERP/project accounting system experience preferred.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with project teams and finance.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and process discipline skills.

Key Competencies

• Forecasting rigor
• Financial controls orientation
• Detail oriented
• Risk identification and mitigation
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Project costing & accounting best practices

Performance Outcomes

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Accuracy and reliability of monthly cost-at-completion forecasts.
• Reduction in budget overruns due to improved early detection.
• Clean PO lifecycle management (minimal stale commitments).
• Improved adherence to budget approval controls.
• Increased financial visibility for PM leadership and Finance.

$85,000 - $115,000 a year Salary will vary depending on your location and job-related skills and experience. This is an incentive-based position with the potential to earn more. For part-time roles, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your hours.

Benefits and Perks

• Training / Professional development opportunities
• 401(k) with 4% company match
• Summer Fridays
• Flexible remote/hybrid work options
• Paid parental leave
• Team lunches, events, and stocked kitchens
• Modern, collaborative office spaces in Asbury Park, New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Baltimore
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance