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Project Accounting Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Farnsworth Group

Director, Project Accounting

Lisle, IL · On-site

$150K - $220K/yr

Farnsworth Group is seeking a Director of Project Accounting. This is a senior-level leader responsible for overseeing all project accounting operations across the firm's architecture, engineering ...

Clayco

Project Accounting Clerk

Chicago, IL

$50K - $65K/yr

The Role We Want You For A Project Accounting Clerk supports Project Accountants with key financial and administrative tasks, including processing invoices, pulling GC backup, booking fees and ...

Clayco

Project Accounting Clerk

Chicago, IL

$50K - $65K/yr

The Role We Want You For A Project Accounting Clerk supports Project Accountants with key financial and administrative tasks, including processing invoices, pulling GC backup, booking fees and ...

Clayco

Project Accounting Clerk

Chicago, IL

$50K - $65K/yr

The Role We Want You For A Project Accounting Clerk supports Project Accountants with key financial and administrative tasks, including processing invoices, pulling GC backup, booking fees and ...

Clayco

Project Accounting Clerk

Chicago, IL

$50K - $65K/yr

The Role We Want You For A Project Accounting Clerk supports Project Accountants with key financial and administrative tasks, including processing invoices, pulling GC backup, booking fees and ...

Clayco

Project Accounting Clerk

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

The Role We Want You For A Project Accounting Clerk supports Project Accountants with key financial and administrative tasks, including processing invoices, pulling GC backup, booking fees and ...

Clayco

Project Accounting Clerk

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

The Role We Want You For A Project Accounting Clerk supports Project Accountants with key financial and administrative tasks, including processing invoices, pulling GC backup, booking fees and ...

Clayco

Project Accounting Clerk

Chicago, IL

$50K - $65K/yr

The Role We Want You For A Project Accounting Clerk supports Project Accountants with key financial and administrative tasks, including processing invoices, pulling GC backup, booking fees and ...

Orion Placement

Mid-Level Project Accountant

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$60K - $90K/yr

Work on complex, rewarding AEC project accounting rather than routine corporate accounting. * Competitive compensation, annual bonus potential, strong benefits, 401(k) with company match, paid ...

Savoye North America, Inc.

Project Accountant

Aurora, IL · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance * 3-5 years of progressive accounting experience, with meaningful exposure to project accounting, job costing, or cost accounting in a project-based or ...

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All JobsProject Accounting JobsProject Accounting Jobs in Chicago, IL

Project Accounting information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.8K

$74.1K

$103.6K

How much do project accounting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for project accounting in Chicago, IL is $74,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,900.00 and $82,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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.

Is project accounting a stressful job?

Project accounting can be stressful due to tight deadlines, complex financial tracking, and the need for accuracy in managing project budgets and costs. It often requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with accounting software, which can contribute to workload pressure during busy periods.

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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Project Accounting jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Project Accounting jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Project Accounting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Accounting job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,141 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Project Accounting Supervisor

Brilliant Financial Search - IL

Westchester, IL • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Project Accounting Supervisor | AEC Industry | $80,000 to $90,000


I’m partnering with a growing architecture, engineering, and construction organization that is looking to add a Project Accounting Supervisor to their team. This is a highly visible opportunity supporting large scale projects and partnering closely with operations, project managers, and leadership.


Key responsibilities include:

  • Overseeing project accounting processes across multiple active projects
  • Reviewing project setup, billing, WIP reporting, revenue recognition, and contract compliance
  • Supervising and mentoring project accountants
  • Supporting month-end close, reconciliations, and financial reporting tied to project performance
  • Partnering with project managers on budgets, forecasting, cost tracking, and profitability analysis
  • Monitoring project cash flow, change orders, and billing cycles
  • Driving process improvements and helping strengthen accounting controls and reporting visibility


Ideal background:

  • 4+ years of accounting or project accounting experience within construction, engineering, architecture, or related AEC environments
  • Prior leadership or supervisory experience
  • Strong understanding of WIP schedules, percentage of completion accounting, and project financials
  • ERP system experience and advanced Excel skills
  • Ability to partner cross functionally with both accounting and operations teams

Company Description

Brilliant is an award-winning direct-hire, contract and consulting practice specializing in accounting, finance and technology for the Midwest and Southeast regions of the U.S. Many of Brilliant’s team members include former accounting, finance and technology professionals who are experts in the fields.