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Project Accountant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Project Accountant

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$62K - $81K/yr

When you join Design Group as a Project Accountant, you are joining a team that will challenge you and position you for growth. In this role, you will work with a team of industry experts to help the ...

Project Accountant

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$62K - $81K/yr

When you join Design Group as a Project Accountant, you are joining a team that will challenge you and position you for growth. In this role, you will work with a team of industry experts to help the ...

Project Accountant

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$62K - $81K/yr

When you join Design Group as a Project Accountant, you are joining a team that will challenge you and position you for growth. In this role, you will work with a team of industry experts to help the ...

Project Accountant

Joliet, IL · On-site

$52K - $69K/yr

Construction Project Accountant (AR / AIA Billing Focus) Location: Joliet, IL Industry: Commercial Construction Employment Type: Full-Time Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Construction ...

Project Accountant II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

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 ...

New

Project Accountant

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$75 - $90K/hr

The Role As a Project Accountant at AMS, you're the financial thread that runs through every project we deliver. You'll work closely with team members throughout the organization to effectively ...

Senior Project Accountant

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$78K - $100K/yr

The General Accounting department is seeking a Senior Project Accountant to support accounting, financial oversight, forecasting, governance, and close activities for the Company's IT project ...

Showing results 21-40

Project Accountant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.8K

$74.1K

$103.5K

How much do project accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for project accountant in Chicago, IL is $74,082.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,800.00 and $82,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a project accountant do?

A project accountant manages the expenses, billing, and budget for one or more projects. In most cases, the project manager sends bills and invoices to the project accountant for approval and payment, and the accountant maintains records regarding costs and project-related expenses. As a project accountant, your duties and responsibilities include investigating billing issues and overages, as well as forecasting future costs to ensure the company can complete the project within budget. You may also be expected to file tax returns and government reports, so you need excellent writing skills. Finally, you serve as the financial gatekeeper for all aspects of the project, so you need to demonstrate trustworthiness and common sense.

What does a project accountant do?

A Project Accountant is responsible for managing the financial aspects of specific projects within an organization. They track budgets, costs, billing, and financial reporting for projects, ensuring that all financial processes comply with company policies and standards. Project Accountants work closely with project managers and other team members to monitor progress, provide financial insights, and help ensure that projects are completed within budget and on schedule. Their role is crucial for maintaining financial control and transparency throughout the project lifecycle.

How does a project accountant typically interact with project managers and other departments during the project lifecycle?

Project Accountants play a key liaison role, working closely with project managers to track budgets, monitor costs, and ensure financial compliance throughout each project phase. They often attend regular project meetings to provide updates on financial status and alert teams to potential budget risks. Collaboration with departments like procurement, operations, and finance is common, as Project Accountants reconcile invoices, process payments, and support accurate financial reporting. This cross-functional teamwork helps facilitate smooth project delivery and ensures all financial aspects align with organizational goals.

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

To thrive as a Project Accountant, you need a solid background in accounting principles, financial reporting, and project cost management, typically supported by a degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with project management software, ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, and sometimes a CPA certification are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help ensure accuracy and collaboration with project teams. These skills enable precise tracking of project finances, compliance with regulations, and successful delivery of projects within budget.

What is the difference between Project Accountant vs Cost Accountant?

AspectProject AccountantCost Accountant
Primary FocusManaging project-specific financials, budgets, and reportingAnalyzing and controlling costs across departments or products
Work EnvironmentConstruction, engineering, or project-based industriesManufacturing, production, or corporate finance
Required CredentialsAccounting degree, CPA preferred, project management knowledgeAccounting or finance degree, CPA or CMA often preferred
Employer UsageConstruction firms, engineering companies, project-based organizationsManufacturers, corporations, cost analysis departments

While both roles involve accounting and financial analysis, a Project Accountant focuses on managing the financial aspects of specific projects, ensuring budgets are met and financial reports are accurate. A Cost Accountant, on the other hand, concentrates on analyzing and controlling costs across the organization to improve efficiency and profitability. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or role based on industry and skill set.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Accountant jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Project Accountant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Project Accountant jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Project Accountant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Project Accountant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Project Accountant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Project Accountant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Project Accountant job openings:

Infographic showing various Project Accountant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,082 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

$62K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

About Us:
BW Design Group is a fully integrated architecture, engineering, construction, system integration, and consulting firm committed to helping our clients realize their most critical goals from Strategy to Commercialization. As the only firm born from a manufacturing technology company to become an independent and fully integrated firm, we combine deep domain expertise in the manufacturing environment with an approach that is built to serve the dynamic needs of our clients. Rooted in our distinct culture of Truly Human Leadership, we cultivate the leaders who will define tomorrow and partner with our clients in the food & beverage, life sciences, industrial, and advanced technology industries to build the future of manufacturing and technology.
Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.
Job Description:
Who You'll Work With
You will join one of our 45 offices in the US, be part of a committed team of over 1500 professionals, and work in teams and directly with our clients doing work that is shaping the world around us. You will be welcomed into a rapidly growing business and team and empowered to make an impact. You will be valued, cared for, and challenged on your path to becoming a world-class professional and surrounded by leaders who are committed to creating an environment that enables you to realize your own success and fulfillment.
When you join Design Group as a Project Accountant, you are joining a team that will challenge you and position you for growth. In this role, you will work with a team of industry experts to help the world's leading companies solve their most difficult problems. You will partner with seasoned leaders, technical specialists, and subject matter experts to deliver the highest quality solutions to our clients with consistency and accuracy.
What You'll Do
You'll work individually and in teams to support capital projects and implement solutions for our clients. Together, you will help our clients make critical changes to improve their performance and realize their most important goals.
  • Serve as the financial gatekeeper for project revenues, costs, and margins that flow through to the business' audited financial statements
  • Provide project finance support, oversight, and analysis to local offices and the region
  • Ensure appropriate project set-up in compliance with finance department guidelines and GAAP
  • Review and analyze project forecasts and ensure that revenues and margins are accurately forecasted based on finance department guidelines and GAAP; enter the finalized forecast into the EMS software system
  • Review and approve monthly project revenue/cost recognition following GAAP
  • Review and analyze project forecast variances, and present analyses to management
  • Prepare, review, and issue client invoices; work with clients, project teams, and the A/R department to ensure timely collection on invoices
  • Analyze project risks and identify opportunities for profitability; make recommendations to the project accounting manager on the appropriate amount of risk or reserve to apply to the project
  • Issue purchase orders and verify their financial terms and conditions
  • Track project labor and expenses; advise the project team on any budget variations and make appropriate recommendations
  • Track and audit travel and expense expenditures to ensure compliance with company policies
  • Ensure compliance with client agreements, billing policies, and internal financial policies; address any adverse findings
  • Communicate with the project teams and accounting manager regarding all significant client/project financial matters; participate in monthly project review meetings with the regional accounting manager
  • Provide support to financial department leadership during month-end close and in the tracking and analysis of business trends, KPIs, and other financial indicators
  • Provide financial support for new and active proposals; update the proposal software system
  • Support training of new project accountants and project managers; ensure training complies with established financial processes and policies
  • Work to improve financial processes and communication across the firm
  • Participate in the annual external audit
  • Make an impact day-to-day with your skills and expertise, strengthening that relationship with our clients and team

What You'll Bring
  • Relevant financial or accounting experience (preferred)
  • Advanced Excel skills
  • A working knowledge of equipment and service procurement (preferred)
  • An understanding of financial practices, principles, processes, and systems (preferably in a corporate environment)
  • Solid interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
  • The ability to meet monthly closing and project deadlines
  • A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or business administration

Travel
  • Limited travel may be required based on project support within the assigned region.

Our culture and commitment to our people is what sets us apart. We foster an environment of mutual respect, integrity, and unconditional interest in the individual and collective success of our professionals. Our model and entrepreneurial mindset offer a rewarding, challenging, and highly flexible path. As a Project Accountant, you will build a meaningful and fulfilling career with the support of professional development resources and mentorships including our First Year Experience program, Individual Development Plans, and Career Path resources and tools. You will be surrounded by exceptional talent who will support your development as both a world-class professional and a highly effective leader.
Feel like you're on the path to becoming a Project Accountant but you're not quite there yet? We'd love to connect with you to see if we can take you from where you are today and grow you into a world-class Design Group Team Member.
The approximate pay range for this position is $60,000 - $70,000 per year. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as geographic location of the position.
#LI-KM1
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work-therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.
Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.
Company:
Design Group