Senior Project Accountant

Senior Project Accountant (Full-Time, Permanent Hire, Onsite-Chicago)

Location:
Chicago, IL, Onsite 5-days (Inner City, Not Suburbs) Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent Hire Industry: Construction/Project Accounting Compensation: $70K-$90K base salary + benefits (Medical/Dental/Vision/401k w/%match, PTO) About the Opportunity We are seeking a Senior Project Accountant to support multiple large-scale commercial construction + sub-contractor projects across the Chicagoland area. This position serves as a key financial partner to Project Managers and Operations leadership, overseeing project financial performance, cost management, billing, forecasting, and contract compliance from project startup through closeout.

Key Responsibilities
Project Accounting
- Manage the full financial lifecycle of commercial construction projects.
- Review and analyze project costs, budgets, commitments, change orders, and forecasts.
- Partner with Project Managers to monitor project financial performance and profitability.
- Maintain accurate project cost reporting and job cost allocations.
- Identify cost overruns, financial risks, and billing opportunities. Billing & Revenue Recognition
- Prepare and process owner billings, including AIA applications and supporting documentation.
- Track retainage, lien waivers, and contract requirements.
- Monitor unbilled revenue and billing status across assigned projects.
- Ensure revenue recognition is performed in accordance with company policies and construction accounting standards. Project Financial Reporting
- Prepare monthly project financial reports and variance analysis.
- Review and reconcile project budgets, forecasts, and cost-to-complete schedules.
- Provide project profitability analysis to operations and finance leadership.
- Support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities. Contract Administration
- Review owner contracts, subcontract agreements, and change orders for financial impact.
- Monitor project compliance requirements and contractual obligations.
- Assist with subcontractor payment processing and documentation management.
- Support project audits and owner requests as needed. Cross-Functional Partnership
- Act as the primary accounting liaison for Project Managers and Operations leadership.
- Collaborate with estimating, procurement, and executive teams on project financial matters.
- Drive process improvements and best practices within project accounting functions.
- Mentor junior project accounting staff when applicable. Qualifications Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- 3+ years of project accounting experience within a commercial general or sub-contracting environment.
- Strong understanding of construction accounting principles and job cost accounting.
- Advanced Excel skills. Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary
- Annual bonus opportunity
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Career advancement opportunities within a growing construction organization Next Steps Select Quick Apply to have your resume reviewed within 24‑48 hours, or reach out directly with your resume to set up a confidential conversation at oscar.pena@roberthalf.com. Our specialized recruiting professionals apply their expertise and utilize our proprietary AI to find you great job matches faster.