The Project Accountant II serves as a senior-level resource within Milhouse Engineering profit center(s), overseeing the full financial and administrative life cycle of complex projects. Operating with greater autonomy, this role partners closely with Project Managers, Group Leaders, and Finance leadership to ensure the successful planning, monitoring, and execution of project financials from initiation through closeout. The Project Accountant II provides advanced project accounting support, mentors junior staff, leads project governance processes, and proactively identifies risks and opportunities that impact project profitability and compliance.
This role requires strong expertise in project accounting, contract management, and financial analysis, as well as the ability to influence decision-making, streamline processes, and contribute to continuous improvement across the project finance function.
What you will do:
Lead project setup and financial structuring for assigned projects, ensuring compliance with company SOPs, client requirements, and contract terms.
Prepare invoices for all assigned projects on a monthly, interim, and milestone basis.
Review and approve invoices prepared by junior accountants; ensure billing accuracy for monthly, interim, and milestone invoicing cycles.
Act as primary liaison between finance, project teams, and leadership for project financial matters, providing clear insights and recommendations.
Monitor and analyze project costs, budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics (planned vs. actuals, percent complete, earned value analysis).
Anticipate project financial risks and opportunities, proactively advise Project Managers on corrective actions, and escalate critical issues to leadership.
Partner with Project Managers and Group Leaders on project staffing forecasts, resource planning, and overhead allocation.
Lead project kick-off and closeout financial reviews, ensuring financial data integrity, risk mitigation, and knowledge transfer of lessons learned.
Ensure timely collection of aged receivables; coordinate with clients and internal leadership to resolve disputes or payment delays.
Review contracts, amendments, and change orders in collaboration with legal and project leadership to assess financial impact and mitigate risk.
Serve as a mentor and coach to junior Project Accountants; provide training, support, and feedback to enhance team capability.
Oversee and streamline processes for specialized projects with unique reporting requirements (e.g., certified payroll, public agency compliance).
Ensure timely and accurate data entry in ERP systems; maintain the highest standards of financial accuracy and project document retention.
Contribute to continuous improvement by recommending updates to the Project Management Manual, accounting policies, and ERP workflows.
Prepare and deliver financial reports and presentations to profit center leadership, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities to improve profitability.
Perform advanced project analysis to support executive decision-making, including scenario planning, revenue recognition strategies, and cost optimization.
Who you are:
Bachelor degree or higher in a business-related field
5+ years of progressive experience in project accounting, preferably within the Engineering, architecture or consulting industries.
Demonstrated experience leading financial planning and management of large-scale or complex projects.
Prior experience with Chicago-area public agency invoicing is strongly preferred, including agencies such as CDOT, CCDOTH, IDOT, ISTHA, and other local or state government agencies.
Prior experience mentoring or coaching junior accounting staff preferred.
Proven ability to partner with leadership to drive profitability and mitigate project risk.
Advanced project accounting knowledge, with strong financial analysis and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead financial aspects of complex projects across multiple stakeholders.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel – advanced level preferred) and ERP systems; Deltek Vision/Deltek Vantagepoint experience strongly preferred.
Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
Strong organizational and time-management skills; proven ability to handle competing priorities and deadlines.
Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with Project Managers, Group Leaders, and clients.
In-depth understanding of different Project Delivery Contract Types (Lump Sum/Fixed Fee, Time & Material, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, etc.).
At Milhouse, we’re more than just a place to work — we’re a place to grow, thrive, and be celebrated. Here’s how we invest in you:
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage – Reach out to learn how your deductible could be covered 100% through Garner Health!
Company Sponsored Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability – We’ve got your back when life takes unexpected turns.
Voluntary Coverages – Take control of your well-being with added coverage options.
Discounted Gym Membership – Stay active with wellness options that support your fitness goals.
Competitive Base Salary – Earn what you're worth in a performance-driven culture.
401(k) Retirement Plan – Build your future with confidence.
Professional Development Incentives – Get rewarded for growing your skills — including bonuses for earning your P.E. License.
Milhouse University (Cross-Functional Training) – Expand your expertise with internal training built to elevate your career and receive PDH credits for applicable training towards professional engineering licenses, etc..
Employee Education & Development Program – Tuition assistance and learning opportunities to keep you moving forward.
Generous PTO + Paid Holidays – Rest, recharge, and enjoy the moments that matter most.
Paid Parental Leave – Bond with your new arrival — and yes, we’ll even cover a year of diapers!
Extracurricular Sports Teams – Join our summer Volleyball and Softball squads for fun off the clock.
Employee Recognition Program – Be celebrated for the impact you make.
Employee Referral Bonus – Bring great people on board and get paid for it.
Transit Benefits Program – Save on your daily commute.
Charitable Events and Activities offered through non-profit affiliate – Milhouse Charities.
Milhouse is a pay transparency non-discrimination organization committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We ensure that all employees are compensated fairly and without bias, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, effective January 1, 2025, we include pay scales and benefits in all job postings and ensure that all promotion opportunities are communicated to current employees within 14 days of external postings. Additionally, we participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility and uphold compliance with federal requirements.
Here's a little information on Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc.:
Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. was founded in 2001 with the goal of building the best engineering company in the country. It was based on the belief that if we hired great people, fueled their passion while challenging them to excel, and maintained a laser focus on the needs of your clients, success would come- and so it has. Our portfolio of successful projects continues to grow, our family of highly satisfied clients continues to expand, and our staff just gets better and better.
We are a unique, Chicago-based firm whose collective passion, vision and expertise has led to phenomenal growth! With more than 500+ talented professionals and offices across the globe, Milhouse offers a dynamic work environment where there is no limit to what you can achieve if you are willing to go after it.
Our people are the cornerstone of our organization, and key to our success. Join a remarkably talented team that shares a passion for what they do and a vision for improving communities around the world through innovative engineering and construction.
Click here to see who we are, and how our people drive our culture each & every day.
Click here to see all of our awards and how many times we've won Chicago’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For!
Important Notice to US Applicants
Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. is an at-will employer.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
