Project Accountant

at  Optimal GEO

OVERVIEW

Woolpert Africa, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, offers extensive high accuracy lidar, imagery and remote sensing experience, as well as airborne topographic, hyper spectral, and thermal survey and mapping. We provide mapping services for engineering, infrastructure, mining, mapping, agriculture and environmental sectors in more than 45 African countries.
We believe great companies are built from exceptional people and amazing clients. Because of our growth, we are seeking an experienced Billing Specialist/Project Accountant, primarily responsible for coordinating and executing project billings.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a BCom Accounting (or related) with 6 years related experiences or BCom Honors Accounting with 4 years related experience or 8 years related experience.
• Proficiency with Accounting Systems and various reports required.
• Must be mentally and physically capable of performing all essential duties required of the position.
• Must possess above average Microsoft Office suite skills.
• Must be proficient with Adobe products, database management software and the Internet.
• Must maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally.
• Must work equally well with all levels of management, clients and employees.
• Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to anticipate, understand and respond to the needs of internal and external clients.
• Must be able to work collaboratively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions to enhance organization effectiveness.
• Must demonstrate the ability to undertake self-directed tasks when necessary.
• Must possess strong conflict resolution skills.
• Must demonstrate excellent time management skills.
• Must demonstrate excellent attention to detail.
• Must demonstrate above average analytical skills.
• Must have above average MIS, accounting and financial skills.
• Must demonstrate the capacity to prioritize by assessing situations to determine urgency.
• Must be able to develop a work schedule, set goals, create/implement action plans and monitor progress towards goals.
• Must demonstrate the ability to make clear, timely decisions.
• Must be able to work overtime as needed.
• Must be able to travel occasionally.

• Reviews and approves (according to and/or in compliance with company-wide project fundamentals) project set-ups and assures that contracts, project plans, work breakdown schedules and resource allocations (RP) are in place.
• Prepares accurate and timely billings.
• Reviews contract invoicing/pricing terms and enters accurate billing terms in the Management Information System (MIS).
• Contacts client’s accounting representative for appropriate invoicing requirements before the first invoice is issued.
• Maintains contact with client representative as necessary during project billing duration. Same process for subconsultants as well.
• Transfers misapplied time and expenses to correct projects within the MIS. This includes appropriate coordination on approval of transfers. Documents transfers of project-to-project time in billing file for audit trail.
• Assists project managers with the coordination and monitoring of billings and collections.
• Handles billing voids and write-offs with appropriate approvals as needed.
• Maintains project invoice and project contract files, as well as subconsultant files.
• Assists in completing lien waivers and release of claims forms.
• Initiates project close out to ensure all data in the Management Information System (MIS) record is correct and complete.
• Reviews and monitors subconsultant contracts, invoicing, insurance certificates and other required documents are complete and linked appropriately.
• Assists project management and Risk Management Team as needed in reviewing Woolpert PSA contracts as well as external client contracts.
• Assists project management and Risk Management Team as needed in reviewing Woolpert change orders and providing direct follow up with clients on status of change orders.
• Reviews collection issues, maintains monthly AR Ledger comments and makes direct client contact when applicable. Follows-up with Project Financial Analyst Level if collection attempts are unsuccessful (at 60 days outstanding.)
• Updates unbilled report on monthly basis indicating why WIP was held and/or written off.
• Updates unexecuted status on contract when appropriate contract documentation is linked in the MIS. This includes verifying contract signing authority.
• Ensure the CSP process is being followed.
• Participates in company-wide initiatives as needed, to include quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives.