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Contract Project Accountant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Project Accountant Type: Full-Time, W2 Location: Oakland, CA (on-site) Salary: $100K-$140K DOE ... Prepare and submit client progress invoices in accordance with contract billing terms (time and ...

Project Accountant

Ontario, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Set up projects and apply contract requirements to revenue, cost, and forecast budgets by task, billing rate tables, and related job cost settings. * Manage the project accounting lifecycle ...

Project Accountant

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

Track contract terms, project milestones, and billing requirements to support timely and accurate revenue activity. * Establish new projects in the accounting system and verify that budgets, billing ...

Project Accountant II

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

The ideal candidate has at least 3 years of experience with project accounting (billing and receivables) and contract review. This candidate should be extremely organized, good at taking direction ...

Under direct supervision, the Project Accountant will work with project managers and existing ... Review land development contracts for the financial related terms and conditions to ensure that ...

Project Accountant

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

... billing-related contract terms, change order status, retainage, releases, and closeout ... responsibility for project accounting functions, not only clerical support or data entry ...

Project Accountant

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$64K - $84K/yr

PROJECT ACCOUNTANT The Project Accountant is a hands-on member of the accounting team responsible ... Bill stored materials and other contract-specific items as permitted. Subcontractor & Vendor ...

We are looking for a project accountant for a great team in Roseville, CA ... This would be an onsite position that could be contract-to-hire or Direct hire. If you have at ...

We are looking for a project accountant for a great team in Roseville, CA ... This would be an onsite position that could be contract-to-hire or Direct hire. If you have at ...

Project Accountant

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$66K - $86K/yr

Project Accountant San Jose, CA | Direct Hire | Full-Time | On-Site About the Company Our client is ... Manage monthly progress billing on 15-20 lump-sum construction contracts plus service orders

Project Accountant 1

San Diego, CA · Remote

$65K - $85K/yr

Maintain project budgets and fees, updating per contract Modifications received. * Recognize ... Notify Project Accounting Supervisor of any issues that cannot be resolved timely. * Maintain ...

Project Accountant

Concord, CA · On-site

$28.84 - $39.95/hr

The Project Accountant performs various accounting functions related to maintenance/processing of ... Understand and review owner contract for accounting related tasks & responsibilities. * Monitor the ...

Project Accountant

Escondido, CA · On-site

$26 - $46/hr

Build positive working relationships with the CFO, Project Managers, Contract Administrators, Accounting Team, Project Engineers, and Leadership. By the 90-day mark and ongoing: * Confidently setting ...

As a Project Accountant, you will be a key contributor to the financial accuracy and operational ... Working closely with Project Managers and Operations leadership, you'll ensure contract compliance ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contract Project Accountant information

What is the difference between Contract Project Accountant vs Contract Financial Analyst?

AspectContract Project AccountantContract Financial Analyst
CredentialsCPA or equivalent, accounting certificationsFinance or accounting degree, certifications like CFA or CPA beneficial
Work EnvironmentConstruction, engineering, or project-based industriesCorporate finance, investment firms, or consulting
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries managing large projects with accounting needsUsed in financial planning, analysis, and reporting roles

Contract Project Accountants focus on managing project-specific financial records, budgets, and compliance within industries like construction or engineering. Contract Financial Analysts analyze financial data, prepare reports, and support strategic decision-making across various sectors. While both roles require strong financial skills and certifications, their daily tasks and industry applications differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by contract project accountants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Contract Project Accountants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring compliance with varying client requirements, and meeting tight reporting deadlines. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are crucial to balancing these demands. Clear communication with project managers and clients helps to clarify expectations and streamline reporting processes. Additionally, staying up-to-date with industry regulations and utilizing accounting software can greatly enhance efficiency and accuracy in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract project accountant?

To thrive as a Contract Project Accountant, you need strong accounting knowledge, attention to detail, and experience with project-based financial reporting, often supported by a degree in accounting or finance. Proficiency in ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, as well as advanced Excel skills, is typically required, and a CPA certification can be advantageous. Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills help manage multiple projects and collaborate with project managers and stakeholders. These skills are vital for ensuring accurate financial tracking, compliance, and successful project delivery within budget and time constraints.

What is a contract project accountant?

Contract Project Accountants are financial professionals who manage and oversee the accounting aspects of specific projects on a contract basis. They are responsible for budgeting, tracking project expenses, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. These accountants often work with project managers to monitor costs, forecast financial needs, and ensure that projects stay within budget. Their contract status means they are typically hired for the duration of a project or a set period, rather than as permanent employees.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Accountant jobs in California?

The most popular types of Project Accountant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Project Accountant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Project Accountant job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Project Accountant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution.

Project Accountant

Innovation Consulting

Oakland, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Project Accountant


Type: Full-Time, W2

Location: Oakland, CA (on-site)

Salary: $100K–$140K DOE


About the Role

Innovation Consulting is hiring a Project Accountant to join our team on a full-time, on-site placement at one of California’s largest investor-owned utilities in Oakland. You will be embedded within an engineering and construction management team delivering transmission and distribution (T&D) capital projects, including transmission and distribution system upgrades and substation modernization, providing dedicated project accounting support across an active capital project portfolio.


You will own job cost accounting, subcontractor payment processing, and financial reconciliation for active capital projects — working closely with project managers, the project controls team, and the client’s finance organization to ensure the numbers are accurate, current, and defensible.


The ideal candidate brings project accounting experience from an engineering, construction, or utility environment and understands how job cost structures, WBS hierarchies, and project billing work in practice. If you have processed a progress invoice, reconciled a subcontractor pay application, or closed out a capital project in an ERP, this role is built for you.


Key Responsibilities

Job Cost Accounting

•     Maintain job cost records for active capital projects, ensuring accurate coding of labor, materials, subcontractor costs, and indirect charges to correct WBS codes

•     Process and record project cost transactions in the ERP system, including purchase orders, invoices, and accruals

•     Reconcile project cost data between the ERP and project controls cost reports on a monthly basis

•     Support project cost closeout activities including final reconciliation, capitalization entries, and asset transfer

•     Monitor committed costs and open purchase orders, flagging anomalies or coding errors to project managers

Billing & Revenue

•     Prepare and submit client progress invoices in accordance with contract billing terms (time and materials, fixed price, or unit rate)

•     Track billing milestones and ensure invoices are issued on schedule and supported by accurate backup documentation

•     Coordinate with project managers to resolve billing disputes, invoice rejections, or client queries

•     Support revenue recognition entries in accordance with project percentage-of-completion or milestone-based accounting

Subcontractor & Vendor Management

•     Review and process subcontractor pay applications, verifying work-in-place quantities and compliance with contract terms

•     Coordinate with procurement and contracts teams to ensure subcontractor invoices are matched to approved purchase orders

•     Track subcontractor payment status and maintain accounts payable records for project-related obligations

Reporting & Reconciliation

•     Prepare monthly project financial summaries and cost reports for project managers and client distribution

•     Support monthly project reviews by providing accurate cost actuals, accrual estimates, and cash flow data

•     Coordinate with the corporate accounting team on month-end close activities, journal entries, and audit support


Qualifications

Required

•     5+ years of project accounting experience in an engineering, construction, or utility environment

•     Hands-on experience with job cost accounting, WBS-based cost structures, and project billing

•     Proficiency in ERP and project accounting systems; utility and EPC environments commonly use platforms such as SAP, Oracle, Costpoint, and Maximo

•     Experience preparing and processing client invoices under T&M, fixed price, or unit rate contract structures

•     Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for cost reconciliation and financial reporting

•     Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

•     Must be able to work full-time on-site in Oakland, California

Preferred

•     Direct experience supporting transmission and distribution (T&D) capital projects, including substation construction or distribution system upgrades

•     Experience at an ENR-ranked engineering or construction management firm

•     CPA license or active CPA candidacy

•     Experience with percentage-of-completion revenue recognition in a project accounting context

•     Familiarity with subcontractor pay application review and lien waiver processing


Compensation & Employment

Employment Type: As a W2 employee of Innovation Consulting, you will be placed on assignment with our client for this engagement.


Salary: $100K–$140K DOE


Contract Duration: Open-ended engagement aligned with project scope; extensions anticipated based on project needs.


Benefits: Comprehensive package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on all contributions; reimbursement account; and paid time off (PTO). No waiting period — benefits eligibility and all accrual items begin on your first day.


Additional Benefits: Discount program covering memberships, hotels, travel, concerts, electronics, and more. Opportunities for professional development and career growth. Supportive and collaborative work environment.


Location: On-site in Oakland, CA. Relocation required if not a commutable distance from Oakland.


Why Join Us?

At Innovation Consulting LLC, you will be part of a team that believes in building a better world — starting with the people who make it possible. You will play a meaningful role in our commitment to emotional intelligence, efficiency, and innovation, delivering positive outcomes for our clients and the communities we serve.


We foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table. At IC, you will have real opportunities to grow with a company that values diversity, ethical leadership, and sustainability — making a genuine impact through an innovative and collaborative culture.


Innovation Consulting LLC is an equal opportunity employer and recruiter. We review candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.