Project Accountant - SolAmerica Energy

SolAmerica Energy is a private equity-backed firm who develops, builds, owns, and operates distributed generation (DG) solar projects and energy storage solutions. 

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, SolAmerica has successfully developed and built solar power projects throughout the eastern half of the United States and has a growing pipeline of project opportunities in more than 20 states. 

SolAmerica is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and believes in attracting, retaining, and advancing employees who will best serve and represent its customers, partners, and communities. 

We promote fostering a work culture of mutual respect and teamwork, ensuring that everyone can grow and contribute at their greatest potential. For additional information about SolAmerica, visit www.solamericaenergy.com.

Requirements

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Project Accountant role encompasses a vital and dynamic partnership with the Project Management team, aiming to not only oversee but also optimize project budgets, cash flows, and comprehensive financial reporting. This collaborative effort is crucial for the successful financial management of each project, ensuring that all aspects are aligned with organizational goals and financial strategies.

In this pivotal position, you will assume responsibility for meticulously maintaining project finances by delivering regular and detailed budget-to-actual reports that highlight variances and assist in decision-making. You will support in-depth cash flow analyses to forecast and enhance liquidity, while also guaranteeing a smooth and timely month-end close process that adheres to established deadlines and accuracy standards.

Furthermore, the Project Accountant will take charge of managing accounts receivable and various balance sheet accounts, which includes tracking and reconciling discrepancies, and ensuring that all transactions are recorded in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). This attention to detail and adherence to accounting standards is essential for maintaining the integrity of financial reporting and fostering trust in the financial outcomes of the projects.

Project Accountant

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers to ensure vigilant monitoring of project budgets, maintaining a strong alignment with financial forecasts and ensuring resource allocation is both efficient and effective.

• Develop and analyze detailed budget-versus-actual reports for a diverse array of projects, meticulously identifying and addressing any discrepancies or variations that may arise to facilitate informed decision-making.

• Play a pivotal role in managing project cash flows, which entails ensuring that invoicing is executed in a timely manner and that cash requirement forecasts are precise, thereby supporting the financial health of each project.

• Ensure the seamless execution and accuracy of vital month-end closing tasks, which include:

• Conducting thorough bank statement reconciliations to confirm all transactions are properly reflected.
• Preparing the bill posting report to maintain accurate accounts.
• Reconciling accounts receivable to ensure all incoming payments are properly tracked.
• Reconciling accounts payable to confirm that all obligations are met.
• Reconciling loans to manage and report on the company’s debt obligations.
• Performing other essential balance sheet reconciliations for items such as Prepaids, Fixed Assets, Accrued Expenses, etc., to maintain accurate financial records.

• Finalize and refresh the month-end closing checklist, ensuring that all steps are accounted for and nothing is overlooked.

Bank Reconciliations: Take the lead in supervising weekly bank reconciliations, ensuring all entries are posted in a timely manner while actively exploring and implementing potential automation processes that could enhance overall efficiency.

• Conduct diligent reviews to verify the correct coding of invoices and expenses within the ERP system, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance.

• Provide comprehensive support for audits, whether they are internal, external, state, or local, as required, ensuring that all necessary documentation is readily available.

• Carefully scrutinize weekly accounts payable runs to ensure they are processed with accuracy and completeness, contributing to the company's financial integrity.

• Oversee the accounts receivable process:

• Ensure the accounting team receives and maintains copies of fully executed contracts and change orders, which are critical for financial tracking.
• Regularly update all milestone/Statement of Value schedules, sworn statements, and lien waiver documents as necessary to keep all records current and organized.
• Create invoices using industry-standard AIA formats and templates, ensuring they meet compliance requirements.
• Ensure all invoices are accurately entered into the ERP system for meticulous record-keeping, along with managing payment records promptly upon receipt.
• Monitor outstanding accounts receivable by proactively reaching out to customers for collections while adhering to the internal collections strategy to optimize cash flow.

• Organize and securely store all relevant documents in a shared folder, facilitating easy access and collaboration across teams.

• Regularly distribute internal accounts receivable and cash reports on a weekly basis, providing transparency and keeping relevant stakeholders informed of financial standings.

EDUCATION & KNOWLEDGE

A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting is required, demonstrating a foundational understanding of financial principles, accounting practices, and the ability to analyze complex financial data. This degree serves as a critical asset for candidates seeking to effectively contribute to the financial health and operational efficiency of our organization.

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

· A strong emphasis on being highly organized and possessing a keen attention to detail, which enables efficient task execution and accuracy in all undertakings.

· A self-starter who is driven and possesses the ability to work independently, showcasing initiative and the capacity to operate effectively without constant supervision.

· Proficient in managing numerous projects simultaneously, demonstrating flexibility and the ability to navigate and meet varying deadlines with ease and professionalism.

· Previous experience in construction accounting or Project/Percent of Completion Accounting is considered advantageous and may provide a beneficial background, although it is not a strict requirement for this role.

· A high level of computer proficiency is essential, particularly with advanced skills in MS Office applications, especially Excel, to facilitate data analysis and reporting tasks.

· Familiarity with ERP systems is preferred, as it can enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes within the organization.

· A solid background in managing multi-location, multi-entity, and/or multi-state operations will be advantageous, providing a well-rounded perspective on diverse operational challenges.

· A demonstrated ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, showcasing adaptability and resilience when faced with changing priorities and high demands.

· Exemplary organizational skills that allow for the effective management of multiple deadlines and responsibilities at once, ensuring that all tasks are completed in a timely manner and to a high standard.

· Strong communication abilities are essential, enabling clear and effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders across various levels of the organization.

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits

At SolAmerica Energy, we provide a compelling salary along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes equity-based compensation and opportunities for performance bonuses.

Our total rewards philosophy is structured to empower our employees to excel both professionally and personally, fostering a culture that values work/life balance as we strive toward our shared business objectives.

In addition, we offer a monthly stipend for communication expenses, and all our health insurance benefits activate on Day 1. Now is an exciting time to become a part of SolAmerica Energy!

Third Party Agencies & Candidate Submissions

SolAmerica Energy only considers candidates while the job listing is active, ensuring an efficient recruitment process. We do not accept unsolicited applications from third-party agencies, as we prefer to manage our hiring internally. We are not obligated to compensate third parties for candidates introduced outside our official channels. Thank you for your understanding.