Project Accountant at Woolpert

Overview

• Seeking a new career challenge? Then Woolpert is seeking you! Woolpert is hiring a Project Accountant to join our dynamic Finance team at our Johannesburg, South Africa office. This position reports to the Project Financial Support Group Manager and is responsible for Reviews and approves project set-ups and assures that contracts, project plans, work breakdown schedules and resource allocations (RP) are in place. Qualified candidates will be proficient with Accounting Systems.

Responsibilities
As a Project Accountant at Woolpert, you will:

• Review and approve (according to and/or in compliance with company-wide project fundamentals) project set-ups and assures that contracts, project plans, work breakdown schedules and resource allocations (RP) are in place.
• Prepare accurate and timely billings.
• Review contract invoicing/pricing terms and enters accurate billing terms in the Management Information System (MIS).
• Contact client’s accounting representative for appropriate invoicing requirements before the first invoice is issued.
• Maintain contact with client representative as necessary during project billing duration. Same process for subconsultants as well.
• Transfer misapplied time and expenses to correct projects within the MIS. This includes appropriate coordination on approval of transfers. Documents transfers of project-to-project time in billing file for audit trail.
• Assist project managers with the coordination and monitoring of billings and collections.
• Handle billing voids and write-offs with appropriate approvals as needed.
• Maintain project invoice and project contract files, as well as subconsultant files.
• Assist in completing lien waivers and release of claims forms.
• Initiate project close out to ensure all data in the Management Information System (MIS) record is correct and complete.
• Review and monitors subconsultant contracts, invoicing, insurance certificates and other required documents are complete and linked appropriately.
• Assist project management and Risk Management Team as needed in reviewing Woolpert PSA contracts as well as external client contracts.
• Assist project management and Risk Management Team as needed in reviewing Woolpert change orders and providing direct follow up with clients on status of change orders.
• Review collection issues, maintains monthly AR Ledger comments and makes direct client contact when applicable. Follows-up with Project Financial Analyst Level if collection attempts are unsuccessful (at 60 days outstanding.)
• Update unbilled report on monthly basis indicating why WIP was held and/or written off.
• Update unexecuted status on contract when appropriate contract documentation is linked in the MIS. This includes verifying contract signing authority.
• Ensure the CSP process is being followed.
• Participate in company-wide initiatives as needed, to include quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements: 

• Must have a BCom Accounting (or related) with 4 years related experience or BCom Honors Accounting with 2 years related experience or 4 years related experience.
• Must be able to work US hours between 14:00 and 23:00 
• Proficiency with Accounting Systems and various reports required.
• Must be mentally and physically capable of performing all essential duties required of the position.
• Must possess above average Microsoft Office suite skills.
• Must be proficient with Adobe products, database management software and the Internet.
• Must maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally.
• Must work equally well with all levels of management, clients and employees.
• Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to anticipate, understand and respond to the needs of internal and external clients.
• Must be able to work collaboratively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions to enhance organization effectiveness.
• Must demonstrate the ability to undertake self-directed tasks when necessary.
• Must possess strong conflict resolution skills.
• Must demonstrate excellent time management skills.
• Must demonstrate excellent attention to detail.
• Must demonstrate above average analytical skills.
• Must have above average MIS, accounting and financial skills.
• Must demonstrate the capacity to prioritize by assessing situations to determine urgency.
• Must be able to develop a work schedule, set goals, create/implement action plans and monitor progress towards goals.
• Must demonstrate the ability to make clear, timely decisions.
• Must be able to work overtime as needed.
• Must be able to travel occasionally.