Project Accountant

Description

Department:
Accounting

Reports To:

Controller

FLSA Status:
Exempt

About Us

Strata Clean Energy is a leading renewable energy company specializing in the development, construction, and operation of large-scale solar and battery Energy storage systems (BESS). We are committed to driving the clean energy transition while upholding high standards of compliance, financial stewardship, and employee experience.

Position Summary

The Project Accountant is responsible for supporting accounting and financial compliance activities with a specific focus on Prevailing Wage & Apprenticeship (PWA) requirements under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This role focuses on coordinating prevailing wage administration, labor standards enforcement, and regulatory compliance for solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) construction projects, supports treasury and accounting operations.

• Coordinate and facilitate prevailing wage compliance activities across multiple solar and BESS projects throughout project life cycles
• Partner with field project manager(s) to coordinate project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation plans
• Coordinate closely with payroll department to align all wage-related compliance activities
• Manage relationship with compliance consulting firms to maintain process used to ensure alignment with Davis-Bacon Act, IRA PWA requirements
• Resolve data gaps for wage classifications, fringe benefits, and apprenticeship utilization for eligible clean energy projects.
• Ensure all projects comply with federal Davis-Bacon Act and applicable state prevailing wage laws
• Maintain documentation for PWA compliance audits and tax credit eligibility.
• Coordinate reporting of payroll and prevailing wage data to customers, auditors, and other relevant stakeholders
• Monitor changes in federal PWA regulations and support process updates as needed.

• Oversee accounting close process for multiple entities
• Prepare or review journal entries, account reconciliations and periodic financial reports
• Assist with audit, tax and accounting compliance
• Participate in reviewing business contracts such as leases and service agreements
• Identify process improvements and support evolving business needs
• Take on additional projects and responsibilities as assigned

• Perform administrative tasks related to bank account management and corporate credit cards

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in accounting, operational compliance or audit, project management or related function.
• Knowledge of Prevailing Wage, Davis-Bacon Act, or IRA PWA compliance requirements.
• Experience with certified payroll reporting in a construction or project-based environment.
• Proficiency with payroll systems and Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, etc.).
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and deadline orientation.

Preferred:

• Experience in the renewable energy, construction, or energy project finance environment.
• Familiarity with Treasury and cash flow concepts.
• Experience with multi-entity and multi-state payroll.
• Experience with multi-entity and intercompany accounting.
• Experience with construction accounting, inventory accounting, and job-costing or manufacturing accounting
• Knowledge of apprenticeship utilization requirements under the IRA.

• Strong analytical and quantitative ability
• Compliance-focused and detail-oriented
• Financial acumen and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration

Compensation is competitive and based on experience, typically aligned with market rates for project accountants in the renewable energy sector. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

This role is based on site at our Durham, North Carolina office and may require periodic coordination with field teams and project sites.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.