Senior Project Accountant - Forgen

Location: Houston, TX

Employment Type: Exempt, Regular, Full-Time

Manager Position: No

Reports To: Accounting Manager or designee

Travel: Up to 25%

Summary of Functions

A Senior Project Accountant monitors the financial progress, computes operating fixed and variable costs (variance analysis) and compares such costs to budgets. This role is responsible for reporting periodic financial statements to key stakeholders and ensures that accounting procedures and systems are adequate and functional. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate cost data, analyzing project budgets, and ensuring effective cost controls across our construction projects. In addition, this role collaborates closely with project managers, vendors, and key finance teams to provide valuable insights that drive efficient project execution and informed decision-making.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Embrace Forgen's Core Values in all aspects of the job.
• Lead and oversee all aspects of project accounting related to construction projects, including budgeting, tracking expenses, and analyzing cost variances.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project cost tracking systems to ensure accurate and up-to-date cost information.
• Collaborate with project managers and site teams to analyze construction costs, identify cost-saving opportunities, and recommend strategies for improved financial performance.
• Conduct regular audits of project costs to ensure accuracy and compliance with established procedures.
• Monitor and manage project-related procurement activities to optimize supplier relationships and costs.
• Prepare detailed financial reports, forecasts, and budgets pertaining to project costs and construction-related expenses.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic decisions related to project bids, resource allocation, and cost control measures.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives, such as process improvements and technology implementations, to enhance cost accounting procedures.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, tax regulations, and internal controls within the construction context.
• Mentor and guide junior members of the cost accounting team, fostering their professional growth and development.
• Remain up-to-date on project values, cost (including labor and equipment hours) and schedule performance; all project deliverables, contract award and modifications, status of billed and unbilled revenues, and project forecasting.
• Maintains a complete project file, an up-to-date estimate at completion (EAC), and is prepared to answer questions on the project status.
• Be able to distinguish accounting requirements per contract and per contract type – FFP, T&M, CPFF.
• Maintain project files by including original as-bid budget, EAC, Statement of Work (SOW's), project closeout documentation, etc.
• Ensure project labor setup is correctly coordinated with contracts, accounting, and human resources as necessary as well as communicating to the executing Project Team the pertinent project information.
• On-going review of project information for completeness as well as ensuring project deliverables are completed on a weekly schedule.
• Monitor contract cost performance and address notification of funding limitations.
• Remain knowledgeable of tracking Open AR and Unbilled Amounts for project, monitoring status of accounts receivables and being proactive to resolve problems.
• Providing invoice support, as necessary.
• Perform additional assignments as directed.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Five to ten years of cost accounting experience.
• Construction industry experience preferred.
• Experience performing various financial analysis, such as reconciliations and variance analysis.
• Valid Driver's License and ability to drive on behalf of company business.
• Company will provide additional training, as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles, project budgeting, and construction cost tracking.
• Familiarity with construction management software and ERP systems; experience with Business Nav is preferred.
• Proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Excel for data analysis and financial modeling.
• Proficiency in all MS office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail for accurate cost analysis and reporting.
• Effective communication skills to convey financial insights to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• Collaborative attitude and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and tasks concurrently.
• Adaptability to changing project dynamics and industry demands.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear and straightforward manner.
• Detail oriented with the ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and take on new responsibilities in a high-volume environment.
• Skills in coordinating schedules, leading meetings, updating and distributing meeting materials, and identifying and tracking action items.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to interpret and explain complex data.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Ability to make decisions and solve problems while working under pressure.
• Ability to show judgment and initiative and to accomplish job duties in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of management and company personnel.
• Ability to prioritize and organize effectively.
• Demonstrated Project Management skills.
• Ability and willingness to personally document and distribute weekly status reports on time.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external customers.

Physical Demands

The following physical activities or abilities are commonly, but not always, associated with the performance of this position.  The actual requirements of this position will vary.

• Ability to communicate effectively with vendors, management, and other co-workers, both individually and in front of a group is important.
• Regular use of the telephone and email for communication is also essential.
• Sitting for extended period is common.
• No heavy lifting is expected. Exertion of up to 25 pounds of force occasionally may be required.
• Good manual dexterity for the use of common office equipment such as computers, calculator, copiers, and fax machines.
• Good reasoning ability and decision-making is important.
• Able to understand and utilize management reports, memos, and other documents to conduct business.

Primarily an office position. Occasional site visits and field project visits may be required. Travel to offices and projects in various locations around the country as needed. The following physical activities or abilities are commonly, but not always, associated with site visits. 

• Be able to stand or walk on a project site for extended durations.
• When on project sites or if performing some types of work activity wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to, earplugs, protective eyewear, gloves, hard hat, steel toed work boots, and high visibility safety apparel.

Work Environment

The job is primarily performed indoors in a traditional office setting and occasionally outdoors at construction sites.

The following environmental/atmospheric working conditions are commonly, but not always, associated with the performance of this position. The actual working conditions will vary.

• Job Site environment, including, but not limited to, machines, tools, heavy equipment, chemicals, solvents, dust and fumes.
• Occasional exposure to extreme weather conditions.
• Uneven ground.

Perks and Benefits

Forgen offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, a retirement plan, employer paid short-term disability, accident insurance, and more. We also reward our employees' hard work with bonuses, vacation, and paid holidays. We believe in a flexible work environment work model for most non-craft positions. As an added bonus, we also offer an awards program, education assistance program, and a robust wellness program.

DEI Statement

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Forgen, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles here at Forgen, and Forgen is committed to hiring the best candidates for all positions.