Project Accountant

Location: Southeast Wisconsin

Schedule: Full-Time | Business hours between 7:00 AM–5:00 PM

Compensation: Competitive, based on experience

About the Opportunity: We are seeking an experienced Project Accountant to join a well-established mechanical contracting organization serving commercial and industrial customers throughout Southeast Wisconsin. This company provides comprehensive services including commercial HVAC, industrial process systems, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, building automation, fabrication, balancing, and ongoing service. The Project Accountant will play an important role in the financial administration of construction projects from initial setup through project closeout. This position works closely with Project Managers, Operations, Payroll, and Accounting to ensure accurate job costing, timely billing, contract compliance, and reliable project financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities: Project Accounting & Financial Management Set up and maintain projects, cost codes, contracts, budgets, and change orders within the ERP system Monitor project costs, labor, equipment, subcontractors, committed costs, and other project-related expenses Review transactions for accuracy and proper cost coding Assist Project Managers with job cost analysis, forecasting, and profitability reviews Research and resolve cost variances and unusual transactions Billing & Revenue Support Prepare and process customer billings, including progress, time and material, and AIA-style billings as applicable Review contracts to ensure billing complies with customer and project requirements Track change orders and support timely billing of approved changes Assist with monthly revenue recognition and work-in-progress reporting Reconcile billed revenue with project status, contract values, and accounting records Accounts Receivable & Collections Monitor project receivable balances and aging Partner with Project Managers and customers to resolve billing questions and disputes Assist with collection-related documentation, including lien waivers and releases Support initiatives to improve DSO through accurate and timely invoicing and follow-up Reporting & Analysis Prepare monthly project financial reports for Project Managers and leadership Analyze gross profit, estimated costs to complete, cash flow, and project performance Provide financial data and variance explanations for project review meetings Assist with forecasting, budgeting, and month-end close activities Compliance & Documentation Maintain project documentation including contracts, subcontracts, change orders, certificates of insurance, and lien waivers Ensure compliance with contractual requirements and accounting procedures Support certified payroll, sales tax documentation, and other project compliance requirements as needed Qualifications 3+ years of accounting experience preferred Construction, engineering, specialty contracting, or other project-based accounting experience strongly preferred Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered Strong understanding of job costing and project accounting Advanced Microsoft Excel skills Experience with Viewpoint Spectrum or a similar construction ERP system preferred Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent attention to detail and organization Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines Strong communication and collaboration skills Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record

What You’ll Bring: The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys working in a project-driven environment and can connect the financial details to the bigger picture. You’ll need to be comfortable working with Project Managers, digging into job costs, identifying discrepancies, and keeping projects financially accurate from start to finish.

Working Conditions: Full-time, non-exempt position Business hours between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PMPosition requires the ability to sit, stand, and move throughout company facilities Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions