Construction Project Accountant

The Project Accountant & Billing Specialist

is responsible for managing, tracking, and analyzing all financial aspects of solar and energy storage projects from contract execution through project closeout. In this role, you'll ensure accurate billing, revenue recognition, cost tracking, and financial reporting across multiple active projects.

This position plays a key part in maintaining financial integrity, supporting project managers, and ensuring timely cash flow for the business. The ideal candidate has strong construction accounting experience (preferably within solar, electrical, or energy sectors), exceptional attention to detail, and thrives in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Contract Review & ERP Project Setup

- Review EPC, solar, battery storage, and service contracts to understand billing schedules, milestones, retainage, and payment terms.

- Set up new projects in the ERP system with all contract data, customer information, budgets, change orders, and compliance requirements.

- Maintain accurate project records in the ERP, updating for change orders, contract revisions, and project scope adjustments.

2. Billing & Invoicing

- Create and submit down payment, milestone, and progress invoices according to contract terms.

- Prepare construction billing packages, including

AIA G702/G703

, schedule of values, lien waivers, compliance documents, and backup.

- Coordinate with Project Managers to ensure billing aligns with actual project progress and schedule.

- Ensure timely and accurate submission of invoices to customers and their AR platforms (e.g., portals, Procore, utility partners).

3. Accounts Receivable Management

- Post and apply customer payments accurately to corresponding invoices and projects.

- Monitor AR aging, follow up on outstanding receivables, and resolve discrepancies.

- Prepare weekly AR reports and assist with cash flow forecasting.

4. Project Accounting & Revenue Recognition

- Track actual project costs vs. budget and provide updates to PMs and leadership.

- Assist with cost-to-complete and percent-complete calculations to support accurate revenue recognition.

- Prepare monthly accruals and adjustments for financial close.

- Perform variance analysis and generate project-specific financial reports.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Work closely with Project Managers, Engineering, Sales, Procurement, and Contract Administration.

- Participate in project review meetings, providing financial insights, risk flags, and billing updates.

- Support PMs with cost data, budgets, and forecasting needs.

6. Budgeting & Cost Analysis

- Assist with initial project budget setup and ongoing monitoring.

- Analyze cost trends related to materials, labor, subcontractors, storage equipment, and change orders.

- Provide detailed cost reporting for internal leadership or external stakeholders.

7. Compliance & Audit Support

- Maintain audit-ready documentation for all project financials, costs, and billing.

- Ensure compliance with state and federal construction accounting requirements, including lien laws.

- Support internal and external audits as needed.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred.

required (solar, electrical, renewable energy, or GC experience strongly preferred).

- Experience with

AIA billing

, lien waivers, contract compliance, and construction billing processes is required.

- Familiarity with project accounting software or ERP systems (e.g., Sage 500, Microsoft Dynamics) is a plus.

Skills & Competencies:

- Strong understanding of construction accounting principles and cost tracking.

- High proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, data analysis).

- Detail-oriented with excellent organization and follow-through.

- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional teamwork.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.