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Assistant Project Accountant Jobs in Decorah, IA

Sr. Cost Accountant

Cresco, IA · On-site

$76K - $94K/yr

... assist leadership with cost-related strategic planning. • Lead physical inventory counts and ... projects. • Financial & Analytical Rigor • Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking • Cross ...

Assistant Project Accountant information

See Decorah, IA salary details

$12

$19

$28

How much do assistant project accountant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant project accountant in Decorah, IA is $19.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $22.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant project accountant?

Assistant Project Accountants are entry-level professionals who support project accountants or financial managers in tracking and managing the financial aspects of specific projects. Their responsibilities often include processing invoices, maintaining financial records, assisting with budget tracking, and preparing reports. They play a key role in ensuring that project expenses are accurately recorded and that financial procedures comply with company policies and regulations. This position typically requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and proficiency with accounting software.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant project accountant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Project Accountant, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and project cost tracking, typically supported by a degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with accounting software such as QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel are important, and additional certifications like AAT or ACCA can be advantageous. Strong attention to detail, organization, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with project teams and ensuring accurate records. These skills and qualifications are essential for maintaining financial accuracy, supporting project success, and ensuring compliance with company and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges an assistant project accountant may face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Assistant Project Accountants often work on several projects at once, which can make prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines challenging. Balancing the unique billing cycles, reporting requirements, and financial documentation for each project requires strong organizational and time management skills. Effective communication with project managers and senior accountants is essential to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting. Learning to use project accounting software efficiently can also help streamline workflows and reduce the risk of errors.

What is the difference between Assistant Project Accountant vs Project Accountant?

AspectAssistant Project AccountantProject Accountant
CredentialsTypically requires an associate degree or relevant certification, some experienceRequires a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, professional certification preferred
Work EnvironmentSupports project teams, works closely with senior accountantsManages full project financials, reports directly to finance managers
ResponsibilitiesAssists with data entry, invoice processing, and basic reportingOversees project budgets, prepares financial reports, ensures compliance

The Assistant Project Accountant generally supports the Project Accountant by handling routine tasks, while the Project Accountant manages comprehensive financial aspects of projects. Both roles are essential in construction and engineering industries, with the Assistant position serving as a stepping stone to more advanced project accounting roles.

What job categories do people searching Assistant Project Accountant jobs in Decorah, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Project Accountant jobs in Decorah, IA are:

What cities near Decorah, IA are hiring for Assistant Project Accountant jobs?

Cities near Decorah, IA with the most Assistant Project Accountant job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Project Accountant job openings in Decorah, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,506 per year, or $20 per hour.

Sr. Cost Accountant

Cresco, IA • On-site

$76K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description
Reports To: Controller
Location: Davis Corners
Job Summary:
The Senior Cost Accountant plays a key role in ensuring accurate product costing, financial analysis, and operational insights to support strategic decision-making within Featherlite, Exiss and Sooner trailer manufacturing operations. This role partners closely with Manufacturing, Procurement, Operations, Engineering, and Finance to maintain cost integrity, improve profitability, and optimize the company's cost structure. The ideal candidate brings strong manufacturing cost accounting experience, analytical depth, and the ability to drive cross-functional improvements.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
• Maintain and update standard costs for all products, materials, labor, and overhead.
• Analyze manufacturing variances (material usage, labor efficiency, overhead absorption) and provide actionable insights.
• Prepare cost roll-ups, margin analysis, and cost impact assessments for new and existing trailer models.
• Conduct weekly WIP, inventory valuation, and cost-of-goods-sold (COGS) reconciliations.
• Support annual budgeting processes, including cost modeling and cost center analysis.
• Forecast manufacturing costs, overhead allocations, and inventory trends.
• Analyze cost deviations and assist leadership with cost-related strategic planning.
• Lead physical inventory counts and cycle count reviews.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies related to materials, production orders, and finished goods.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Engineering to improve costing accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Enhance costing methodologies, reporting tools, and ERP workflows.
• Prepare and present cost reports, dashboards, and variance explanations to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting standards, and audit requirements.
• Support internal and external audits with cost and inventory documentation.
• Assist in month-end and year-end close by preparing entries for COGS, WIP, scrap, labor, overhead, and finished goods inventory by plant and product line.
Skills, Qualifications, and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 3+ years of manufacturing cost accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of standard costing, BOM structures, and inventory accounting.
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with ERP systems (manufacturing systems preferred).
• Strong analytical abilities and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience working in multi-site or complex manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to cost optimization initiatives, lean manufacturing, or process improvement projects.
• Financial & Analytical Rigor
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Process Orientation & Continuous Improvement
• Strong Communication Skills
• High Integrity & Accountability
At Featherlite Exiss Sooner Holdings Co., LLC, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and employees and the workplace is free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. Employment decisions are based on merit alone, without consideration of an applicant's or employee's membership in any protected class.