Project Accountant Jobs in Illinois
Project Accountant jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with demand concentrated in construction, infrastructure development, real estate, and professional services across the state and ranging from entry-level cost tracking roles through senior project finance positions. Chicago drives the bulk of hiring, but Peoria and Rockford also generate steady openings tied to manufacturing and large-scale public works projects. Firms like Turner Construction, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, and Caterpillar's project finance groups are among the established Illinois employers that regularly bring on project accountants, with the strongest demand in job cost accounting, contract billing, and budget variance analysis. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Brief
Various Locations Considered with occasional travel to Chesterton, IN required.
About Us
For over 60 years, M. J. Electric, LLC, a Quanta Services company, has built-long standing working relationships and an industry-wide reputation as the single source solution to our customer’s electrical utility construction and maintenance needs.
MJE values integrity, is inspired by our work, and is invested in delivering quality projects for our customers. Our culture is a product of our core values and operating principles which unite our personnel. Their professional competence and intelligent innovation result in outstanding customer satisfaction. We stand by everything we do.
We are committed to investing in our employees and their growth through training, tools, equipment, industry-leading safety measures, advancement opportunities and more. At M. J. Electric, you aren’t just applying for job, you are building a career.
About this Role – Project Accountant: Various Locations Considered
We are looking for a talented Project Accountant that has a passion for quality construction. This position is responsible for financial management of construction projects and providing accounting support to operations.
What You’ll Do
- Manage the financial health of specific projects by tracking costs, handling budgets, and analyzing budget-vs-actual variances.
- Work closely with project managers to provide financial advice and support.
- Prepare customer required financial reporting and forecasting.
- Analyze, interpret and assist with monthly project forecast reports for reasonableness.
- Investigate project revenue and profit variances to ensure accurate project reporting.
- Oversee and assist with input of contracts, cost budgets, change orders, and purchase orders into JDE.
- Process and track invoices, payments and change orders.
- Ensure compliance with contract terms and billing schedules.
- Monitor Accounts Receivable aged trial balance and assist operations with past due invoices.
- Process job set ups and close outs timely.
- Coordinate and oversee weekly craft employee time submission for accuracy.
- Assist Project Controller with financial deliverables varying from forecast entry, change order reporting, forecast variance explanations, etc.
- Ensure adherence to revenue risk controls.
- Compile information for internal and external audit, as required.
- Headquartered in Downer's Grove (Other MJE Office Locations Considered), with occasional travel to Chesterton, IN.
What You’ll Bring
- Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting methods.
- Ability to collect and assemble data for the development of financial reports.
- Proven communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with other team members.
- Excellent computer skills including a familiarity Microsoft Office and JDE.
- Ability to analyze data and solve complex problems.
- Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy of reporting.
- Strong time management and organizational skills to meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Accounting or Finance is required.
- 1-3 years financial experience in a construction environment is preferred.
What You’ll Get
401(k) with company match (Traditional & Roth)- Paid Holidays and PTO
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Health Savings Account
- Accident Insurance
- Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- LifeLock Identity Theft Protection
- Employee Discounts
- Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
See All 31 Project Accountant Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Project Accountant JobsProject Accountant Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Project Accountant Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Construction & Real Estate
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in project accountant jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related business field
- Proficiency in project accounting software such as Sage 300, Viewpoint, or Oracle
- Working knowledge of construction or project-based billing and job cost reporting
- Two or more years of accounting experience in a project-driven industry
- CPA credential or active progress toward CPA licensure through the Illinois Board of Examiners
- Strong Excel skills with experience building project budget and variance tracking models
Project Accountant Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a project accountant in Illinois?
Start with a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, which is the baseline requirement for nearly every Illinois posting. While project accountant is not a licensed role, Illinois employers strongly favor candidates pursuing or holding a CPA credential overseen by the Illinois Board of Examiners. Gaining experience in construction, infrastructure, or professional services firms in Chicago or major downstate markets, then building proficiency in job cost software, is the practical Illinois path into the role.
Which companies hire project accountants in Illinois?
Employers hiring project accountants in Illinois right now include Fehr Graham, Farnsworth, and Jobot, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's deep construction, real estate development, and engineering services sectors mean demand is spread across both large general contractors headquartered in Chicago and major infrastructure firms operating on public and private capital projects downstate.
Which Illinois cities have the most project accountant jobs?
Chicago, Champaign, and Downers Grove have the most project accountant openings in Illinois. Chicago's concentration of corporate headquarters, large general contractors, and commercial real estate developers drives most demand, while Peoria and Rockford generate consistent openings through manufacturing capital projects and regional construction activity tied to infrastructure investment in central and northern Illinois.
Are there remote project accountant jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than many accounting roles, since project accountant work is primarily analytical and system-based rather than requiring daily on-site presence. About 40% of project accountant openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting growing flexibility among Chicago-area employers in professional services and real estate. The portions most suited to remote work are budget reporting, variance analysis, and invoice processing, while month-end close and client-facing billing reviews more often require in-office time.
How can I get hired as a project accountant in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a staff accountant or accounts payable role at a Chicago-area construction or real estate firm, where exposure to job cost systems and contract billing translates directly into a project accountant track. Large Illinois employers in engineering and infrastructure, including firms supporting the Chicago Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Transportation capital programs, regularly hire junior accounting staff for project support roles. Pursuing the CPA credential through the Illinois Board of Examiners while in an entry role gives candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to project accountant jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to project accountant jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across Chicago, Peoria, Rockford, and the broader state. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 31 Project Accountant Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Project Accountant Jobs