Job Description

Project Accountant

Location: Sterling, VA Department: Project Management

Join the Team at Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG)

At Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG), we are always seeking talented individuals to join our growing team. Our commitment to exceptional customer service and innovative solutions drives our success and fuels continuous expansion. We're excited to offer opportunities for motivated professionals who are ready to elevate their careers. When you join VMG, you become part of a close-knit, supportive team that values both its employees and clients. Here, your growth powers our success.

Position Summary

The Project Accountant supports the successful execution of commercial mechanical construction projects by managing project financial controls, subcontractor compliance, and cost tracking. This role partners closely with Project Executives (PXs), Project Managers (PMs), and the accounting team to ensure accurate budgeting, timely billing, and strong cost control throughout the entire project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Subcontractor Compliance & Documentation

• Manage subcontractor compliance requirements across assigned projects.
• Track and verify contractor licenses, business licenses, and jurisdictional requirements.
• Collect, track, and maintain Certificates of Insurance (COIs) specific to each project.
• Maintain organized records of executed Master Service Agreements (MSAs/ASAs) and subcontractor agreements.
• Ensure all subcontractors have signed agreements prior to subcontract issuance.
• Support audit readiness by maintaining complete and accessible compliance documentation.

Project Controls & Cost Management

• Review and maintain project budgets; flag over/under budget concerns to PXs and PMs.
• Monitor job costs and advise project teams of potential cost overruns.
• Review invoice coding to ensure accuracy against budgets and cost codes.
• Assist with project forecasting, cost-to-complete calculations, and financial projections.
• Track commitments and verify accuracy in project management and accounting systems.
• Enter, track, and maintain Subcontract Change Orders (SCOs), Prime Contract Change Orders (PCOs), and PCCOs.
• Maintain accurate change order logs and issue back charges to subcontractors as required.
• Verify invoices have approved Purchase Orders prior to processing.

Billing & Financial Coordination

• Partner with the Accounting team to prepare and submit monthly billings to General Contractors.
• Support forecast accuracy and billing alignment with field progress and contractual terms.
• Review subcontractor pay applications for accuracy, percent complete, and approved change orders.
• Communicate discrepancies and coordinate payment updates with accounting.

Qualifications & Experience

• 3+ years of experience in construction or project accounting.
• Prior experience in commercial mechanical, HVAC, or plumbing construction strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of project budgets, cost codes, commitments, change orders, and pay applications.
• Experience with construction project management and accounting systems (e.g., Procore, Sage Intacct, or similar).
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and follow-up skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with project teams, subcontractors, and accounting staff.

Core Competencies

• Project financial controls
• Subcontractor compliance management
• Cost tracking and forecasting
• Billing and pay application review
• Cross-functional collaboration

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