Director, Project Accounting

Director of Project Accounting

Farnsworth Group is seeking a Director of Project Accounting. This senior-level leader will oversee all project accounting operations across the firm’s architecture, engineering, and survey practice groups. The role manages a team of 10–15 Project Accountants who provide the primary financial resource for Group Leaders and Project Managers throughout the full project lifecycle from contract set-up and invoicing through revenue recognition and closeout.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in AEC project accounting within a mid‑to‑large firm with annual revenues well in excess of $100 million. Expert‑level proficiency in Deltek VantagePoint or Deltek Vision is essential, as is a demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and retain a high‑performing team while maintaining the financial rigor and accuracy required in complex, multi‑contract project environments.

Posting Locations: Champaign, Lisle, Normal, Peoria, Springfield, IL;
Dallas, TX;
St. Louis, MO;
Waukee, IA

• Lead, manage, and develop a team of 10–15 Project Accountants supporting multiple practice groups and Group Leaders.
• Establish clear performance expectations, conduct regular one-on-ones, and deliver timely, constructive feedback and formal performance reviews.
• Design and deliver structured onboarding and ongoing training programs to build team proficiency in project accounting fundamentals and Deltek VantagePoint/Vision workflows.
• Identify individual development opportunities and support career growth paths for team members at all experience levels.
• Foster a team culture grounded in accuracy, accountability, client service, and continuous improvement.
• Manage workload distribution across the team, balancing assignments to Group Leaders and project portfolios equitably and strategically.
• Recruit, interview, and onboard Project Accountants as the team grows or turnover occurs, partnering with HR on hiring practices.

• Oversee accurate and timely project setup in Deltek VantagePoint/Vision, including contract values, fee structures, billing terms, phases, tasks, and labor categories.
• Review and interpret prime contracts, subconsultant agreements, and task orders to ensure billing plans and revenue structures are configured correctly.
• Ensure all contract modifications, amendments, and scope changes are reflected in the project accounting system promptly and accurately.
• Establish and enforce project setup standards and naming conventions to support consistent reporting across the firm.
• Partner with Group Leaders and Project Managers during contract negotiation to advise on financial terms, billing structures, and fee adequacy.

• Direct the full invoicing cycle for the firm’s project portfolio, ensuring invoices are prepared, reviewed, and issued accurately and on schedule.
• Review draft invoices prepared by Project Accountants for completeness, accuracy, contract compliance, and appropriate backup documentation.
• Manage the invoice approval workflow in coordination with Project Managers and Group Leaders, ensuring timely client delivery.
• Monitor accounts receivable aging across the portfolio; elevate delinquent accounts and support collection efforts in coordination with project leadership.
• Ensure proper handling of retainage, subconsultant pass‑through costs, and reimbursable expenses per contract terms.
• Support the preparation and submission of billing on government, federal, and cost‑plus contract types, including compliance with FAR billing requirements where applicable.
• Oversee monthly revenue recognition for the firm’s project portfolio, ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards (ASC 606 / percentage‑of‑completion).
• Review and approve earned value calculations, percent‑complete estimates, and EAC updates prepared by Project Accountants.
• Prepare and deliver monthly project financial reports to Group Leaders, including contract status, revenue earned, billed‑to‑date, backlog, and profitability metrics.
• Identify projects with financial risk: budget overruns, write‑downs, scope creep, or…