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Project Accounting Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Oversee grant and project accounting for nonprofits and mission-driven clients. * Ensure accurate reporting and compliance (taxes, filings, etc.). * Supervise and support finance team members.

Overview Project Setup Accountant LOCATION: Remote, U.S. JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: N/A ... Experience * 3 - 5+ years of accounting experience in a government contracting environment.

Oversee grant and project accounting for nonprofits and mission-driven clients. * Ensure accurate reporting and compliance (taxes, filings, etc.). * Supervise and support finance team members.

Oversee grant and project accounting for nonprofits and mission-driven clients. * Ensure accurate reporting and compliance (taxes, filings, etc.). * Supervise and support finance team members.

Sr. Project Accountant

Brandywine, MD · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Position Summary The Senior Project Accountant is responsible for coordinating all phases of the ... Excellent accounting knowledge * Excellent organization skills with high level of attention to ...

Senior Project Accountant

Dulles, VA · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance or equivalent preferred * 5+ years of Project Accounting experience preferred * Experience in construction preferred * Excellent accounting knowledge

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Staff Accountant

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

This role manages day-to-day accounting functions, assists with month-end and year-end close processes, supports project accounting activities, and ensures compliance with Generally Accepted ...

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YOUR NEXT OPPORTUNITY: The Project Accountant is the lead person to support onsite project ... Ensure subcontractor progress billings are posted in accounting software, facilitate workflow for ...

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Project Accounting information

See Washington salary details

$48.1K

$81.5K

$113.8K

How much do project accounting jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for project accounting in Washington is $81,450.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $90,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a project accountant earn?

A project accountant's average salary varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $60,000 to $90,000 annually. Senior project accountants or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn over $100,000 per year. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and the role requires proficiency in accounting software and project management tools.

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 management, typically supported by a degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with project accounting software (such as Deltek or Oracle), ERP systems, and often a CPA certification are highly valued. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help ensure accurate tracking and reporting of project finances. These skills are crucial for maintaining budget compliance, supporting project success, and providing clear financial insights to stakeholders.

What does a project accountant do?

A project accountant manages financial aspects of specific projects, including budgeting, cost tracking, and financial reporting. They ensure projects stay within budget, analyze variances, and often use accounting software to monitor project financial health.

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?

Project accountants and senior financial professionals with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as CPA or CMA can potentially earn $500,000 annually, especially in large corporations or consulting firms. However, such high salaries are uncommon and typically require advanced roles, leadership positions, or significant bonuses and incentives.

How does a project accountant typically collaborate with project managers and other departments to ensure accurate financial tracking?

Project accountants work closely with project managers, engineers, and procurement teams to track budgets, forecast costs, and monitor expenditures throughout a project's lifecycle. They attend regular project meetings to stay updated on progress and any scope changes that could impact the budget. Additionally, project accountants often coordinate with accounts payable and receivable departments to ensure timely processing of invoices and payments, helping to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records for each project. This collaborative approach helps prevent cost overruns and ensures financial compliance with organizational policies.

What is project accounting?

Project accounting is a specialized form of accounting that tracks the financial progress of projects, rather than the overall company. It involves recording, analyzing, and reporting financial data specifically related to individual projects, such as budgets, costs, billing, and profitability. This enables organizations to monitor project performance, ensure financial control, and make informed decisions to keep projects on track and within budget.

Do you need a CPA to be a project accountant?

A project accountant does not typically need a CPA license, but having one can enhance credibility and career prospects. Most project accountants focus on financial management, budgeting, and reporting, often requiring a strong understanding of accounting principles and software. Certification such as CPA or CMA can be beneficial but is not usually mandatory for the role.

What is the difference between Project Accounting vs Cost Accountant?

AspectProject AccountingCost Accountant
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in accounting or finance, with certifications like CPA or CMA beneficialRequires a degree in accounting, finance, or related field; CPA or CMA often preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks on specific projects, often within construction, engineering, or consulting firmsFocuses on cost analysis, budgeting, and control within manufacturing or production settings
Industry UsageCommon in project-based industries like construction, IT, and engineeringPrevalent in manufacturing, production, and industries with cost control needs
Primary FocusTracking project costs, budgets, and profitabilityAnalyzing and controlling costs to improve financial efficiency

While both roles involve financial analysis, Project Accounting centers on managing costs and budgets for specific projects, whereas Cost Accountants focus on analyzing and controlling overall costs within an organization. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Project Accounting jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Project Accounting job openings:
Senior Construction Project Accountant (Data Center Development Portfolio)

Senior Construction Project Accountant (Data Center Development Portfolio)

American Real Estate Partners LLC

Mclean, VA • On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Headquartered in the Greater Washington area, American Real Estate Partners (AREP) is a US-based leading institutional fund manager and real estate partner with over $13 billion deployed across key U.S. markets. Specializing in data center, residential, industrial, and office assets, AREP has acquired more than 34 million square feet of Class A real estate and currently manages over 25 million square feet.
PowerHouse Data Centers, a wholly owned division of AREP, is a developer and owner of next-generation data centers and provides technical real estate solutions for hyperscalers across the country. Backed by strategic joint venture partnerships, PowerHouse leverages its proven leadership and best-in-class technical expertise to deliver innovative real estate solutions.
Senior Construction Project Accountant (Data Center Development Portfolio)
Job Description:
The Senior Project Accountant reports to the Senior Manager, Project Accounting. This position requires a strong background in cost management with experience managing complex, fast-paced projects within the construction sector. Provide support to multiple departments within the organization related to projects assigned.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Perform Project Accounting for various construction project types including interior, capital building renovations and development work within the Job Cost Module of the Financial Accounting system. To include managing project budgets, ensuring cost control, application of costs to budget line-items and to ensure adherence with all Company policies, procedures, and internal control requirements.
  • Review daily assigned projects to maintain accuracy of project budget and project timeline. To ensure project costs are aligned with the project forecast & schedule. Track any changes, including scope modifications or unforeseen issues that can impact the budget and/or funding sources.
  • Review and manage contracts to ensure compliance with project scope and legal requirements and adherence to contractual terms. Reconcile contract costs for each project to ensure accurate monthly billings to meet company and lender requirements.
  • Review daily Accounts Payable batch posting for accuracy to ensure proper coding job, contract, cost code including review of all pay applications, release of liens, insurance certificates, bonds, etc. For accuracy before posting cost to the project and G/L.
  • Prepare monthly draw Packages in accordance with Lender requirements for review and approval.
  • Reconcile and monitor capital funding to ensure timely payment of construction invoices Prepare weekly job cost payable packages for review and approval.
  • Prepare, analyze, and distribute monthly job cost reports for assigned projects to identify any mis-coded costs, over/under billing analysis and monthly project accruals. Report on project financial performance, including any changes or variations to original cost estimates.
  • Identify potential risks to project cost, schedule, or quality and implement mitigation strategies to minimize impact.
  • Perform monthly budget revisions and job costs adjustment in conjunction with the review of the Monthly Job Costs Reports and the General Ledger accounts to ensure accurate monthly project costs.
  • Review monthly construction/development management fee invoices to ensure accuracy of the fee calculation.
  • Review Project forecast and analyze actuals vs forecast costs to ensure accuracy of over-all recorded costs and remaining costs to complete budget against projects equity/ lender escrow budgets to identify cash needs.
  • Perform project close out reviews to include accounting and construction systems as well as audit project documentation to ensure correct cost & fee analysis each quarter.
  • Work cohesively with extended project teams including Accounting, Construction, Property Management and Asset Management
  • Respond to internal customers' daily inquiries relating to assigned projects.
  • Ensure all deadlines from extended Project Team are met for all monthly accounting deliverables to ensure timeliness of the property financial reporting package.
  • Provide support as requested

Key Competencies:
  • Able to build deep customer relationships by providing high-quality interactions with legal, accounting, construction, leasing, acquisitions, and investors.
  • Ability to anticipate any barriers that may affect asset management.
  • Able to provide high attention to detail and accurate research and reporting.
  • Ability to respond promptly to management and general contractors' requests.
  • Regularly review and reinforce current procedures.
  • Able to work collaboratively with co-workers and management through trust and transparency.
  • Ability to roll up the sleeves and get the job done.
  • Ability to handle multiple competing deadlines and generate a detail-oriented work product.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Strong working knowledge of computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Data Center experience preferred.
  • Commercial Real Estate experience.

Qualifications:
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCES - Bachelor's Degree in accounting or finance preferred or equivalent years of experience. Minimum of 5 years of project accounting experience with a minimum of 3 plus years in construction accounting. Relevant experience in commercial real estate and/or general contractor field strongly preferred.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS - Ability to read and interpret documents such as contracts, construction pay applications, correspondence, reports, and procedure manuals. Strong written and oral communications
COMPUTER SKILLS - Highly proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word and Excel) Bluebeam, ACC Deck. Demonstrated understanding of automated accounting systems -- MRI, Yardi along with Construction Systems such as Procore, JD Edwards, Trimble and SAGE, etc.
AREP offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your eligible family members, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), life and supplemental life insurance and short and long-term disability insurance. Our package includes Paid Time Off, Parental Leave, 401(k) plan with employer match, Employee Assistance Program and Employee Discount Program.
AREP is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, as well as any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
If you require special accommodation, please email HR@americanrepartners.com.
AREP does not accept unsolicited resumes or identifiable candidate information from third-party recruiters. Any unsolicited information will not be considered for engagement purposes.