Project Cost Accountant (Finance)

Company Description

At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For over 60 years, we have dedicated ourselves to innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member's professional journey with flexibility, generous benefits, and a collaborative approach to work-life integration.

With over 1,400 professionals across 27 offices nationwide, KPFF's decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths. Learn more at www.kpff.com .

Job Description

Join our growing team in Orange County as a Project Cost Accountant based in our Newport Beachoffice! This role offers a unique opportunity to work with multiple stakeholders across different departments and gain exposure to high-impact projects and leadership within KPFF. You will enjoy independence and autonomy in this position while working in a stable environment with a supportive accounting team.

This is an in-person position supporting a team of civil engineers located in our Orange County Civil - Newport Beach office.

In this role, you'll take ownership of project cost accounting-managing billings, tracking budgets, and ensuring financial accuracy-while also providing support in day-to-day office administration.

More than just numbers-this role supports the real-world projects shaping our communities, from infrastructure improvements to innovative civil engineering solutions.

What You'll Be Doing

Project Accounting (Core Responsibilities)

• Partner with Project Managers to review project data and monthly financial information, ensuring billing processes are accurate and completed on time.
• Prepare, review, and distribute draft invoices, including reviewing contracts, consultant agreements, purchase orders, and required back-up.
• Meet with Project Managers to finalize invoices, review project status, and manage collections plans.
• Provide unposted labor detail reports and make transfers as needed.
• Review reimbursable and direct expenses billed to projects.
• Prepare client invoices, manage monthly billing cycles, and oversee collections efforts, following up with PMs and clients on delinquent accounts.
• Maintain budgets and track actual project costs against billings to ensure accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with project close-out guidelines.
• Update and manage invoice tracking spreadsheets, deferred revenue, and other project financial schedules.
• Conduct monthly audits of project financials to ensure accuracy in BST11.
• Prepare monthly revenue recognition reports and provide Project Managers with timely insights.
• Support compliance with GAAP and corporate accounting practices, maintaining high standards of financial integrity.

Office Administration (Supporting Responsibilities)

• Provide backup coverage for the administrative team, ensuring smooth day-to-day office operations.
• Assist with coordinating internal initiatives such as career fairs, office events, training activities, and field trips.
• Organize and support office meetings and events (scheduling, invites, room reservations, catering, guest registration, and setup/cleanup).
• Assist with mail, shipping, receiving, and general office upkeep to maintain a professional environment.
• Take on other administrative tasks as needed, depending on office priorities.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in accounting or a related field
• Associate or bachelor's degree with a foundation in financial principles and accounting practices.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word for data analysis and communication.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, identify opportunities for process improvement, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to work well with various stakeholders, fostering positive relationships and collaboration.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously while maintaining high quality.
• Proactively solve problems by leveraging strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Maintain professionalism by handling sensitive information with discretion and integrity.
• Ability to thrive independently and in teams, showcasing adaptability and initiative in fast-paced environments.
• Experience in an engineering firm with BST11 software is a plus.

Additional Information

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Duties are typically performed in a normal office environment while sitting at a desk or computer table
• Ability to actively engage with a computer for several hours per day and communicate over the telephone or virtual meeting platforms.
• May occasionally need to lift items up to 15 lbs.

Culture and Benefits:

Join KPFF for a career adventure that celebrates your expertise and fuels your development. Here, autonomy and innovation converge, empowering you to tackle complex challenges. Our culture fosters teamwork, ownership, and shared values, ensuring your accomplishments are celebrated and your career trajectory is in your hands. At KPFF, we're not just coworkers; we're a vibrant community fueled by collaborative creativity, offering you the stage to leave a lasting mark on pioneering projects.

Benefits

We are passionate about supporting our employees through flexible and comprehensive Benefits. Our Benefits include:

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contribution
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life insurance
• KPFF Paid Family Leave
• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance
• Paid Holidays (including two Floating Holidays)
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, jury duty)

Compensation:

This is a non-exempt position with a base salary range of $75,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and qualifications. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications can expect offers closer to the lower end of the range, while higher compensation may be considered for individuals with extensive project cost accounting expertise, prior AEC industry experience, or proficiency in ERPs.

As expertise grows and responsibilities expand, there is potential for compensation to progress within and beyond this range. In addition to base pay, KPFF offers performance-based bonuses to recognize contributions at the Reporting Center level. During the interview process, we will provide more details and address any questions you may have about our overall compensation and benefits package.

#LI-BC1

KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.