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Project Accountant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Project Accountant 1

Irvine, CA

$65K - $85K/yr

In the role of Project Accountant 1, we'll count on you to: * Assist in setting up new projects in Pronto/EBS. This includes accurate contract documentation, administration, and maintenance ...

HDR

Project Accountant 1

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

In the role of Project Accountant 1, we'll count on you to: * Assist in setting up new projects in Pronto/EBS. This includes accurate contract documentation, administration, and maintenance ...

HDR

Transportation Project Accountant 1

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

In the role of Project Accountant 1, we'll count on you to: * Take responsibility for client invoicing, collections management and project budgeting, as well as backup assistance on coding and ...

HDR

Transportation Project Accountant 1

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

In the role of Project Accountant 1, we'll count on you to: * Take responsibility for client invoicing, collections management and project budgeting, as well as backup assistance on coding and ...

HDR

Resources Business Group Accountant

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Provide detailed analysis and reporting on project, program, or business unit status within an ... Supervise project accountants as required * Subcontractor financial management as needed (Sub ...

HDR

Resources Business Group Accountant

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Provide detailed analysis and reporting on project, program, or business unit status within an ... Supervise project accountants as required * Subcontractor financial management as needed (Sub ...

Addison Group

Accounts Payable Accountant

Anaheim, CA

$28 - $32/hr

Support project accounting activities, including budgeting, forecasting, loan draw documentation, and lien release processing. * Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with company ...

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All JobsProject Accountant JobsProject Accountant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Project Accountant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$44.3K

$75K

$104.8K

How much do project accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for project accountant in Riverside, CA is $75,026.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,600.00 and $83,500.00 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 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.

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 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.
More about Project Accountant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Project Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Project Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Project Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Project Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Project Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Project Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Project Accountant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Project Accountant job openings:
Project Accountant jobs near you
Project Accountant (Project Financial Controller)

Project Accountant (Project Financial Controller)

High Light Electric Inc

Colton, CA • On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 1 hour ago

Job description

About Mendoza Companies
Mendoza Companies is a multi-entity ecosystem of construction, services, and investment businesses operating under The Mendoza Way.
The platform includes High-Light Electric, Inc. (HLE) - a California-based union electrical infrastructure contractor founded in 1996 delivering public works and complex electrical construction across California - along with Mendoza Trust and an international independent contractor workforce.
We partner with Caltrans, municipalities, transit authorities, and infrastructure programs throughout California, with active expansion into Nevada, Arizona, and additional U.S. markets.
Mendoza Companies is guided by Mission 2040: to build a $1 billion business ecosystem connecting 1,000 families and communities through business.
The Role
The Project Accountant serves as the financial operations controller for an assigned Area, supporting multiple concurrent projects. This role ensures structured financial setup, disciplined cost tracking, organized billing, compliant payroll reporting, and reliable cash flow coordination across all active projects.
As Mendoza Companies transitions from a family-operated construction company into a structured, multi-business-unit organization under Mission 2040, strong financial systems are essential to scalability. The Project Accountant plays a key role in installing and maintaining those systems-protecting margin, compliance, and liquidity while supporting operational execution.
This role will work in close coordination with the incoming Director of Construction Finance and will help establish structured financial operating procedures during this growth phase. As financial leadership infrastructure expands, collaboration rhythms and submission workflows may evolve.
This is not a clerical role. It is a structured accounting position embedded within operations, responsible for financial accuracy, documentation control, and organized reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
What You'll Do
  • Enter project budgets and load cost codes based on estimating data.
  • Maintain accurate job cost records across multiple projects.
  • Issue purchase orders after PM approval and assign proper cost codes.
  • Enter approved change orders and validate calculations.
  • Prepare and submit contract-compliant billing packages and compile billing documentation.
  • Monitor outstanding billings and support collection follow-up.
  • Assist in preparation and coordination of stop notices and mechanic's lien documentation under the direction of the Director of Construction Finance or Executive leadership.
  • Process vendor and subcontractor invoices.
  • Prepare weekly accounts payable check run packages.
  • Verify compliance status prior to payment inclusion.
  • Coordinate subcontractor lien releases.
  • Review certified payroll and subcontractor compliance documentation.
  • Support union dispatch coordination as needed.
  • Prepare monthly WIP draft support data.
  • Identify and communicate early cost variances.
  • Maintain audit-ready financial documentation.
  • Participate in Area financial review meetings.
  • Attend quarterly workshops, leadership sessions, and training initiatives.
  • Serve as financial recorder and Secretary, as needed, in Area DML10 meetings

What We're Looking For
Required:
  • Minimum 3-5 years in construction accounting or project financial administration.
  • Direct involvement in job cost systems and cost code management.
  • Experience supporting or preparing Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules.
  • Exposure to billing cycles, lien documentation, and certified payroll processes.
  • Minimum Qualification Requirement (One of the Following Required):
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

OR
  • Recognized accounting certification demonstrating formal training in accounting principles (see below)

Professional Certifications (Acceptable in lieu of Degree):
  • Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP)
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - active or in progress
  • Accredited Accounting Certificate (community college or university-based)
  • Construction Accounting Certificate Program
  • Prevailing Wage / Public Works Compliance Certification (paired with accounting coursework)
  • Experience alone does not qualify for this position.

What We Offer
We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) program
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Performance-based bonus eligibility
  • Professional development and leadership growth opportunities

Hiring Process
Our hiring process is designed to be structured, efficient, and focused on mutual fit.
  • Application and screening questionnaire
  • 10-15 minute structured pre-screen interview using an AI-supported assessment tool
  • Initial HR screening interview
  • Leadership panel interview (may include in-person sessions depending on scheduling)

AI tools are used to support consistency, structure, and efficiency in early-stage evaluations and are regularly reviewed to ensure fairness and compliance.
Qualified candidates can expect a timely and transparent process.
Pre-employment screening, reference checks, and verification of credentials are required prior to offer.
Equal Employment Opportunity
HLE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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