Project Accountant Jobs in California

INTRODUCTION

PBS Engineers, Inc. (PBS) is a leading MEP design engineering firm with over 75 professionals offering exceptional Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing engineering services from 5 offices in California, 1 office in Houston, Texas, and 1 office in Seattle, Washington. PBS provides planning, design, and project coordination services for a variety of aviation/transportation, institutional, private, commercial, educational, and residential development projects, as well as municipal projects. The PBS Community has created an office environment that is like no other. The employee’s well-being and satisfaction is one of PBS Engineers' core missions.

Position Summary

PBS Engineers is seeking a full-time Project Accountant to join our Accounting team at the corporate office in San Dimas, California. This position plays a critical role in the financial management and administration of engineering projects from project setup through project closeout. The Project Accountant is responsible for project billing, contract administration, accounts receivable collections, project setup and maintenance, financial reporting, and supporting project managers with financial oversight of their projects. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, possesses strong critical-thinking skills, and thrives in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities. This role requires collaboration with Project Managers, executive leadership, clients, and internal accounting staff to ensure projects are managed efficiently, billed accurately, and maintained in compliance with company policies and client contract requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Prepare and submit monthly invoices for fixed-fee, lump-sum, and time-and-material contracts in accordance with client requirements and contract terms.
- Review project billing information for accuracy and completeness prior to invoice submission.
- Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies and client invoicing issues.
- Prepare and submit conditional and unconditional lien waiver releases when required by project contracts.
- Review client contracts, amendments, addenda, purchase orders, and other funding commitments to identify project requirements, fees, billing terms, and contractual obligations.
- Maintain accurate documentation of contracts and project-related records.
- Create and maintain project records within the accounting ERP system and network filing structure.
- Update project budgets, work breakdown structures (WBS), contract values, billing terms, and project information.
- Ensure project records remain accurate and current throughout the project lifecycle.
- Document and maintain critical project notes and financial information.
- Perform routine collection efforts and client follow-up communications.
- Monitor outstanding receivables and escalate collection concerns when necessary.
- Collaborate with Project Managers regarding collection strategies and client payment issues.
- Assist with project audits and client audits as required.
- Generate financial reports, project status reports, and custom management reports.
- Analyze project financial data and identify potential issues impacting project profitability.
- Support accounts payable and other accounting functions as needed.
- Participate in special projects and department initiatives.
- Perform other accounting and administrative duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

- High school diploma and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in project accounting, construction accounting, professional services accounting, or a similar accounting role.
- Experience in the engineering, architecture, construction, or professional services industry.
- Experience with accounts receivable, collections, contract administration, and project billing.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience working with accounting ERP systems.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.