Project Accounting Manager (Remote)

Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering, development, intelligence and technology solutions with global reach and mobility. They are seeking a Regional Project Accounting Manager to lead regional project accounting efforts and serve as a finance business partner to the executive team. The role involves ensuring standardized accounting practices, supervising project accountants, and conducting data analysis to monitor project performance.

Responsibilities:

• You will be responsible for ensuring standardized, best-in-class policies and procedures are followed to ensure appropriate revenue recognition and maximize project profitability
• Responsible for accurate project accounting reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• Conduct regional-level data analysis to monitor weekly and monthly project performance for the portfolio and provide detailed comments regarding the financial status of projects. Utilizing these analytics, identify and escalate projects to the Director of Project Accounting and Operations that may pose financial risk so that mitigation measures can be enacted to minimize negative impact. Assist the Project Manager in the development of a corrective action plan, if necessary
• Directly supervise and provide training, management and mentorship of regional Project Accountants in order to foster ongoing process improvement
• Perform quality review of Project Accountants monthly reporting on project status to ensure accurate and meaningful commentary on exception reporting and projects marked as significant for unbilled and unearned revenue in order to highlight projects with material deviations from budget and explain the drivers of those exceptions and future implications. Investigate unresolved exceptions and document findings accordingly
• Coordinate completion of project setups with the Project Manager to ensure that the project is in accordance with the terms of the contract and MBI Approval Authority Policy. Responsible for reviewing the contract and understanding the contract terms regarding project type, scope of work and invoicing terms. Review project setups of large projects completed by the Project Accountant to ensure accurate backlog reporting and appropriate setup according to the scope of the work. Evaluate and question project risk assessments, including contingencies and setup factors, when justification is unclear
• Responsible for proactively monitoring and addressing project maintenance for the region within Oracle and budget/funding updates as needed
• Responsible for monthly regional reporting to the Director of Project Accounting including detailed comments on project status that meet exception reporting and projects marked as significant for unbilled and unearned revenue
• Facilitate in the scheduling of and actively participate in project performance reviews including providing relevant financial commentary on significant projects
• Provide support and assist with requests from the Project Managers, Department Managers, Office Executive and/or Director of Project Accounting. These requests may include financial information for proposals, reviewing price estimates for accuracy throughout the life cycle of the project, annual budget process support, audit requests (external and/or client) or special projects as requested by the Business Management Team (such as Acquisition Due Diligence)
• Monitor outstanding receivables and assist project managers with collections for the region in order to optimize days sales outstanding (DSO)
• Coordinate with the region’s Project Manager to identify any invoicing issues and assist the Project Managers with developing a corrective action plan to rectify any conditions which are hindering timely payment
• Provide Local Practice/Department Manager support including assisting in process improvement development within the project analytics group, if needed
• Provide training and mentorship to Project Accountants as well as on any Oracle Project Accountant module system updates
• Provide backup support to a Regional Project Accounting Manager and/or Project Accountant as needed
• Work with the ERP Team to test and assist in updating Oracle reports as needed
• Conduct and complete performance reviews for Project Accountants as needed
• Work with the Project Managers to ensure project revenue is recognized in accordance with company policies

Requirements:

• 5+ years within public accounting (i.e. Big 4) or 7+ years of industry experience within accounting, finance, or similar role
• Bachelor's degree required in Accounting or Finance
• Required advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Must have effective oral and written communication skills including strong interpersonal skills to effectively work with Project Managers, Department Managers, and Office Executives
• Master's in accounting or finance, CPA, CMA, or other professional certification preferred
• Preferred public accounting experience or experience with Oracle Project Accounting Modules-Advanced Level (or equivalent ERP system)