The Project Accountant will oversee the financial management of client projects, including budgeting, cost tracking, billing, and financial reporting. Collaborating with project managers, this role ensures accurate financial execution and visibility throughout the project lifecycle.
CAI Overview:
Are You Ready?
CAI is a 100% employee-owned professional services company established in 1996 that has grown year over year to nearly 850 people worldwide. For Life Sciences and Mission Critical industries that need to deliver critical solutions in high-stakes environments, we provide commissioning, qualification, validation, start-up, project management, and consulting services related to operational readiness.
Our approach is simple because our Purpose informs everything we do:
We exist to be the trusted solution for our clients as they strive to build a better working world and improve the human experience.
At CAI, we are committed to living our Foundational Principles, both professionally and personally:
We act with integrity
We serve each other
We serve society
We work for our future
At CAI, we believe in a relentless dedication to excellence, pushing boundaries and surpassing expectations. From the beginning, we’ve challenged ourselves to do what others wouldn’t—not just setting industry standards, but redefining them entirely. We are bold in our thinking and creative in our approach. We operate at the intersection of wisdom and technology and thrive when they come together with humanity. For us, operational readiness isn’t simply a goal—it’s a way of life.
With employee ownership, one person’s success is everyone’s success. We place Team Before Self, demonstrate Respect for Others, and bring a can-do attitude to everything we do. Our collaborative culture ensures our customers benefit from exemplary work across our entire range of professional services, while we invest deeply in professional development and the future of our people.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a detail-oriented Project Accountant to support the financial management of client projects across CAI’s service portfolio. In this role, you will be responsible for the financial oversight of assigned projects, including budgeting, cost tracking, billing, and reporting. You will work closely with project managers and operations partners to ensure accurate financial execution, visibility, and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Project Financial Ownership
Serve as the primary finance partner responsible for the financial performance of assigned projects.
Maintain project budgets, monitor costs, and track revenue to ensure financial accuracy and accountability.
Partner with project managers to review financial status, forecast outcomes, and address variances.
Ensure project financial data is complete, accurate, and up to date throughout the project lifecycle.
2. Billing, Revenue & Cost Tracking
Prepare and support client billing in accordance with contract terms and billing schedules.
Track labor, expenses, and other project costs to ensure proper allocation and timely invoicing.
Support revenue recognition and month-end close activities related to project accounting.
Assist in resolving billing questions or discrepancies in partnership with project managers and finance leadership.
3. Financial Reporting & Systems
Maintain project financials within accounting and CRM systems, primarily using Salesforce and financial platforms such as Sage Intacct, SAP, or QuickBooks.
Generate and review project financial reports, including budget vs. actuals and forecast updates.
Ensure data integrity across project, billing, and financial systems.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Governance
Work closely with project managers, sales, and operations teams to support accurate project setup and financial execution.
Support contract reviews to understand financial terms and billing requirements.
Adhere to internal financial controls, accounting standards, and audit requirements.
5. Process Improvement & Support
Identify opportunities to improve project accounting processes, reporting, and system usage.
Support system enhancements, data cleanup efforts, and process documentation.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that increase efficiency and financial visibility.
Qualifications:
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience).
2–4 years of experience responsible for the finances of projects in a project-based or professional services environment.
Hands-on experience using Salesforce and at least one accounting system such as Sage Intacct, SAP, or QuickBooks.
Working knowledge of project budgeting, cost tracking, billing, and financial reporting.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Solid communication skills and comfort partnering with project managers and cross-functional teams.
Preferred:
Experience in life sciences, regulated environments, or consulting/professional services organizations.
Familiarity with revenue recognition concepts and project-based accounting.
Advanced Excel skills and comfort working with financial data and reports.
We are an equal opportunity employer; we are proud to employ veterans and promote diversity and inclusion in our workplace. Diversity is a strength for our global company. We pledge that CAI will be operated in a way that is fair and equitable to all – our employees, our customers, and the broader society.
This job description is not all inclusive and you may be asked to do other duties. CAI will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Act (FCA) / Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO).
Top Skills
Excel
Quickbooks
Sage Intacct
Salesforce
SAP
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