Project Accountant Jobs in New Jersey
Project Accountant jobs in New Jersey are in steady demand, concentrated in construction, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and commercial real estate development, with openings at every level from entry-level junior accountants through senior project finance roles. The largest hiring activity clusters in Newark, Jersey City, and the Parsippany-Troy Hills corridor, where major employers including Johnson & Johnson, PSEG, and Skanska maintain significant project accounting functions. The most in-demand specialties are construction cost accounting, capital project controls, and ERP-based project financial reporting. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Project Accountant JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 9+ Project Accountant jobs
Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety
At Kelso Industries, 5,000+ employees across 40+ companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.
Recruiter Notice: We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates. We only accept direct applications.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Project Accountant is a key member of the finance team, responsible for maintaining accurate financial records across a portfolio of active construction projects in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades. This individual applies percentage-of-completion (POC) accounting principles to ensure revenue, costs, and gross margin are recognized in accordance with GAAP and company policy. The Project Accountant works closely with project managers, field supervisors, and business finance personnel to produce timely and reliable Work-in-Process (WIP) reports, identify financial risks, and support sound project financial management from contract award through final closeout.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Percentage-of-Completion Accounting
- Calculate and record monthly revenue recognition using the cost-to-cost POC method in compliance with ASC 606 and internal policies.
- Collaborate with project managers to obtain accurate estimates-to-complete (ETC) and ensure projections reflect current field conditions.
- Identify and escalate projects with margin fade, cost overruns, or scope changes that impact the POC calculation.
- Prepare and post monthly journal entries for over/under billings, revenue accruals, and job cost adjustments.
Work-in-Process (WIP) Reporting
- Prepare, review, and distribute monthly WIP schedules for all active projects across HVAC, plumbing, and electrical divisions.
- Reconcile WIP balances to the general ledger and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Analyze overbilled and underbilled positions; flag contracts at risk and communicate findings to project and operations leadership.
- Maintain historical WIP data to support trend analysis and forecasting.
Job Cost Management
- Set up new jobs in the accounting system, including cost codes, contract values, and budget structures.
- Process and code subcontractor invoices, material purchases, equipment charges, and labor allocations to the correct job and cost phase.
- Review time sheets and payroll allocations to ensure labor costs are accurately captured at the project level.
- Monitor committed costs and purchase orders against approved budgets; alert project managers to variances.
Billings & Contract Administration
- Prepare and submit AIA-format (G702/G703) progress billings, T&M billings, and lump-sum applications for payment.
- Track contract values, approved change orders, pending change orders, and claim items; maintain up-to-date contract logs.
- Monitor accounts receivable for assigned projects; follow up on outstanding invoices and coordinate with project managers on collections.
- Review and process subcontractor pay applications, including lien waiver collection and conditional/unconditional tracking.
Reporting & Analysis
- Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
- Provide project-level gross margin analysis and variance explanations to operations and senior leadership.
- Support year-end audit and bonding/surety requests by preparing project schedules, WIP documentation, and supporting workpapers.
- Manage the external audit process end-to-end, serving as the primary point of contact for external auditors; coordinate the timely preparation and delivery of all requested schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
- Liaise directly with external auditors to address inquiries, clarify accounting positions, and resolve open items efficiently, ensuring the audit progresses on schedule and with minimal disruption to operations.
- Conduct internal pre-audit reviews of project financials, WIP schedules, and job cost reports to identify and remediate potential issues before external audit fieldwork begins.
- Maintain thorough audit-ready workpapers and documentation throughout the year, ensuring all project accounting entries are supported and traceable.
- Develop ad hoc financial analyses and dashboards as requested by management.
- Operate with a strong sense of urgency; proactively identify bottlenecks in accounting workflows and drive process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and reporting timeliness.
- Evaluate existing accounting procedures and controls, recommend enhancements, and lead implementation of best practices across the project accounting function.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Minimum 7–10 years of project accounting experience in the construction, mechanical, or specialty trade contracting industry.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with percentage-of-completion accounting and WIP schedule preparation.
- Strong working knowledge of GAAP as applied to long-term construction contracts (ASC 606).
- Proficiency with construction accounting software (e.g., Sage 300 CRE, Viewpoint Vista, Foundation, Spectrum, or similar); experience with NetSuite ERP strongly preferred.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and financial modeling.
- Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under deadline pressure.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting financial data to non-financial stakeholders.
Preferred
- Experience in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical contracting specifically.
- Familiarity with AIA billing documents, lien waivers, and subcontract administration.
- CPA or CPA candidate designation.
- Experience supporting surety bonding and external financial audits
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary Range: $95,000-$125,000
- Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO
Pay Transparency Statement
The compensation range provided represents the Company's good-faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, geographic location, internal equity, and other business considerations.
Why Join Kelso Industries?
Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.
Here you will experience:
Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.
Company Culture: You'll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.
Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.
Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You'll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being.
Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business
Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety
At Kelso Industries, 5,000+ employees across 40+ companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.
Recruiter Notice: We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates. We only accept direct applications.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Project Accountant is a key member of the finance team, responsible for maintaining accurate financial records across a portfolio of active construction projects in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades. This individual applies percentage-of-completion (POC) accounting principles to ensure revenue, costs, and gross margin are recognized in accordance with GAAP and company policy. The Project Accountant works closely with project managers, field supervisors, and business finance personnel to produce timely and reliable Work-in-Process (WIP) reports, identify financial risks, and support sound project financial management from contract award through final closeout.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Percentage-of-Completion Accounting
- Calculate and record monthly revenue recognition using the cost-to-cost POC method in compliance with ASC 606 and internal policies.
- Collaborate with project managers to obtain accurate estimates-to-complete (ETC) and ensure projections reflect current field conditions.
- Identify and escalate projects with margin fade, cost overruns, or scope changes that impact the POC calculation.
- Prepare and post monthly journal entries for over/under billings, revenue accruals, and job cost adjustments.
Work-in-Process (WIP) Reporting
- Prepare, review, and distribute monthly WIP schedules for all active projects across HVAC, plumbing, and electrical divisions.
- Reconcile WIP balances to the general ledger and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Analyze overbilled and underbilled positions; flag contracts at risk and communicate findings to project and operations leadership.
- Maintain historical WIP data to support trend analysis and forecasting.
Job Cost Management
- Set up new jobs in the accounting system, including cost codes, contract values, and budget structures.
- Process and code subcontractor invoices, material purchases, equipment charges, and labor allocations to the correct job and cost phase.
- Review time sheets and payroll allocations to ensure labor costs are accurately captured at the project level.
- Monitor committed costs and purchase orders against approved budgets; alert project managers to variances.
Billings & Contract Administration
- Prepare and submit AIA-format (G702/G703) progress billings, T&M billings, and lump-sum applications for payment.
- Track contract values, approved change orders, pending change orders, and claim items; maintain up-to-date contract logs.
- Monitor accounts receivable for assigned projects; follow up on outstanding invoices and coordinate with project managers on collections.
- Review and process subcontractor pay applications, including lien waiver collection and conditional/unconditional tracking.
Reporting & Analysis
- Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
- Provide project-level gross margin analysis and variance explanations to operations and senior leadership.
- Support year-end audit and bonding/surety requests by preparing project schedules, WIP documentation, and supporting workpapers.
- Manage the external audit process end-to-end, serving as the primary point of contact for external auditors; coordinate the timely preparation and delivery of all requested schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
- Liaise directly with external auditors to address inquiries, clarify accounting positions, and resolve open items efficiently, ensuring the audit progresses on schedule and with minimal disruption to operations.
- Conduct internal pre-audit reviews of project financials, WIP schedules, and job cost reports to identify and remediate potential issues before external audit fieldwork begins.
- Maintain thorough audit-ready workpapers and documentation throughout the year, ensuring all project accounting entries are supported and traceable.
- Develop ad hoc financial analyses and dashboards as requested by management.
- Operate with a strong sense of urgency; proactively identify bottlenecks in accounting workflows and drive process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and reporting timeliness.
- Evaluate existing accounting procedures and controls, recommend enhancements, and lead implementation of best practices across the project accounting function.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Minimum 7–10 years of project accounting experience in the construction, mechanical, or specialty trade contracting industry.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with percentage-of-completion accounting and WIP schedule preparation.
- Strong working knowledge of GAAP as applied to long-term construction contracts (ASC 606).
- Proficiency with construction accounting software (e.g., Sage 300 CRE, Viewpoint Vista, Foundation, Spectrum, or similar); experience with NetSuite ERP strongly preferred.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and financial modeling.
- Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under deadline pressure.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting financial data to non-financial stakeholders.
Preferred
- Experience in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical contracting specifically.
- Familiarity with AIA billing documents, lien waivers, and subcontract administration.
- CPA or CPA candidate designation.
- Experience supporting surety bonding and external financial audits
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary Range: $95,000-$125,000
- Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO
Pay Transparency Statement
The compensation range provided represents the Company's good-faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, geographic location, internal equity, and other business considerations.
Why Join Kelso Industries?
Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.
Here you will experience:
Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.
Company Culture: You'll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.
Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.
Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You'll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being.
Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business
See All 9 Project Accountant Jobs in New Jersey
Find roles in New Jersey that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Project Accountant JobsProject Accountant Jobs by City in New Jersey
Where New Jersey roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Project Accountant Job Market in New Jersey
A snapshot from current New Jersey openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What New Jersey Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in project accountant jobs across New Jersey.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a directly related field required
- Experience with project cost tracking, budget variance analysis, and WIP reporting
- Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics
- CPA credential or active progress toward CPA licensure through the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy
- Familiarity with construction or capital project accounting standards and contract billing
- Strong Excel skills including pivot tables, vlookups, and financial modeling
Project Accountant Jobs in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a project accountant in New Jersey?
Most project accountant roles in New Jersey require a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, followed by experience in cost accounting or project controls. While project accountant is not itself a licensed role, many employers prefer or require a CPA, which is issued through the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy after passing the Uniform CPA Exam. Starting in construction accounting, public accounting, or a finance analyst role at a New Jersey infrastructure or pharma firm is the most common path.
Which companies hire project accountants in New Jersey?
Employers hiring project accountants in New Jersey right now include Aventia, EY, and HDR, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. New Jersey's dense concentration of pharmaceutical headquarters, utility companies, and large construction contractors means consistent openings across both corporate and project-based environments.
Which New Jersey cities have the most project accountant jobs?
The cities with the most project accountant openings in New Jersey are Madison, Hampton, and Hoboken. This distribution reflects Newark and Jersey City's role as major commercial and infrastructure hubs, while the Parsippany and Princeton corridors draw demand from pharmaceutical and technology company headquarters that run large capital project programs.
Are there remote project accountant jobs in New Jersey?
Yes, and more than most accounting roles, since project accountants work primarily with financial systems and documentation rather than on physical job sites. About 33% of project accountant openings tied to New Jersey are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting broad adoption of flexible work across finance functions. The tasks most commonly done remotely are budget reporting, invoice review, and ERP data entry.
How can I get hired as a project accountant in New Jersey with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a junior accountant or accounts payable role at a New Jersey construction firm, utility company, or pharmaceutical employer, then moving into project cost tracking responsibilities. Large New Jersey employers like PSEG and major general contractors often hire accounting associates or rotational finance analysts who support project teams. Earning the CPA or completing an accounting technology certification gives candidates a concrete edge when competing for first project accountant titles.
Where can I find and apply to project accountant jobs in New Jersey?
You can find and apply to project accountant jobs in New Jersey on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to New Jersey employers. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly from each listing.
See All 9 Project Accountant Jobs in New Jersey
Find roles in New Jersey that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Project Accountant Jobs