Director of Project Accounting

Job Details: Job Location: Aventia Madison NJ - Madison, NJ, Salary Range: $135000.00 - $160000.00Salary, Who We Are:

At Aventia, we provide a comprehensive suite of environmental consulting, field services, and technology-driven solutions designed to help clients navigate increasingly complex environmental and operational challenges. Established in 2022, Aventia is built on a commitment to creating a better future for our clients, our communities, and our employees.  At Aventia, every employee plays a vital role in helping clients succeed while contributing to a more sustainable future.

As part of our Team, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals on meaningful projects that positively impact communities, industries, and the environment. As a growing organization, we offer the chance to expand your skills, advance your career, and make a visible contribution to our continued success.

Position Summary:

The Director of Project Accounting leads all aspects of project financial operations from project setup and budgeting through forecasting, invoicing, reporting, and project closeout.  This role provides strategic leadership overall project-level financial operations ensuring accurate revenue recognition, contract compliance, and actionable financial insight across project lifecycles. This role partners closely with Project Managers, Finance, and Operations leadership to optimize project performance and support firm-wide profitability.

Position Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight

Drive the continuous evolution of the project accounting function, aligning financial operations with business goals and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability
Lead and develop the project accounting team, in partnership with the CFO, setting performance standards, and providing mentorship
Support the development of financial acumen within project and operations teams through coaching, training, and ongoing business partnership
Establish and enforce project accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls aligned with GAAP and FAR.
Drive consistency in revenue recognition, IP analysis, and percent-complete methodologies across all projects and offices

Project Financial Management

Oversee project setup, budgeting, forecasting, billing, and close-out processes
Monitor project profitability, backlog, and cash flow; identify risks and recommend corrective actions
Review and approve complex contract terms, change orders, and billing arrangements
Ensure timely and accurate invoicing in compliance with contract requirements (T&M, lump sum, cost-plus, etc.)
Oversee estimates-at-completion (EAC) processes and project forecasting to ensure accurate assessment of project financial performance and margin attainment

Partner with operations and finance leaders to improve billing efficiency, collections performance, and overall DSO metrics

Reporting & Analysis

Deliver predictive project performance analytics that identify emerging risks and opportunities and support achievement of profitability targets
Support month-end and year-end close processes related to project revenue and unbilled/deferred revenue
Partner with CFO and FP&A on forecasting, budgeting, and long-range planning

Business Development

Partner with Operations and Business Development teams to support project pricing, fee development, and contract profitability analysis

Collaboration & Process Improvement

Collaborate with Business Unit leaders to improve project profitability, forecasting accuracy, and operational decision-making
Serve as a strategic advisor to Business Unit Leads and Project Managers on financial performance, contract compliance, and risk mitigation
Champion continuous improvement in processes, systems and tools
Own the automation and dashboard roadmap for project financial reporting, partnering with FP&A and IT on execution
Support audit requirements related to project accounting
Lead the integration and standardization of project accounting processes across acquired businesses and operating companies
Develop and implement training programs that enhance project accounting capabilities across the organization.

Qualifications: Experience/Education Requirements:

Required:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
10+ years of progressive project accounting experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
Experience in A/E, consulting, or professional services project accounting
Strong command of revenue recognition, contract accounting, and WIP management
Experience with ERP systems (Deltek Vision/Vantagepoint preferred)
Proven ability to lead, develop, and scale a high-performing team

Preferred:

CPA or MBA
Experience with government contracting and FAR/DCAA compliance
Familiarity with multi-entity or multi-office operations

Skills & Attributes

Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Partners with Operations while serving as an independent voice for financial discipline
Builds business acumen across project and operations teams, not just within Finance
Excellent communicator who is  able to translate financial data into actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven
Collaborative leader who builds trust across departments
Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving change in a growing organization

Physical Requirements:

Ability to perform work in a professional office environment, including prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Ability to use standard office equipment, including a computer, keyboard, mouse, telephone, scanner, copier, and printer.
Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and retrieve or file documents in an office setting.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move office materials or files weighing up to fifteen pounds.

Work Environment & Travel

Occasional travel or in-person meetings may be required based on business needs.
The role may require flexibility during month-end, billing cycles, or other deadline-driven finance activities.

What You Will Get:

This is a full-time role with compensation commensurate with experience and expertise. Aventia offers a robust and competitive benefits package that includes a 401(k) with company match, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending account options.

You’ll also benefit from a generous paid time off program that includes nine paid holidays annually, vacation time, and wellness leave, along with strong support for continuing education and professional development.