Project Lead Accountant

WEST is excited to open internally a full-time Project Lead Accountant position- in our Cheyenne, Wyoming or Laramie, Wyoming office. This position requires working full-time from one of these office locations. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of Vantagepoint, project contracts, and project accounting, working with the project accountants, senior managers, ACL leadership team and the project managers at WEST.

WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data. Since its founding in 1990, the WEST team has shaped the foundation of what we do, and what we believe in through our core values and key principles. Our work matters to our clients, communities, and the environment. Join WEST and discover a company of passionate, committed, and highly motivated individuals.

Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

Key Details:

• Salary: $65,000 to $75,000, plus additional annual profit-sharing bonus potential. Salary will vary based on education, knowledge and experience.

Job Description:

The successful candidate will have experience and expertise in WEST accounting practices, specifically Vantagepoint, excellent Microsoft Office skills, and advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills. The Project Accountant Lead will work individually and with our accounting team, support staff, project managers, and Finance and Accounting Managers. The purpose of this position is to provide project coordination, tracking, reporting, and high-level financial assistance to our project managers and senior managers on the performance of projects. The position will serve as a bridge between project managers and project accountants on project performance.

Responsibilities include:

• Review client invoices in accordance with contract requirements, project kick-off meetings, project performance reports, leadership reports and prepare Board and Executive/Director presentations.
• Assisting project managers with contract budget questions, monitor expenses, and analyze financial performance.
• Generate financial reports for management, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and contractual obligations. This includes preparing detailed cost accounting jobreports and profitability analysis.
• Investigate billing discrepancies and perform quality control activities.
• Research and handle inquiries from internal and external clients in a prompt and professional manner.
• Train employees in job duties, company policies, and Vantagepoint software application.
• Assist with monthly and yearly project close tasks.
• Assist contracts department in maintaining volume client discount(s) and other special requirements.
• Coordinate billing of promotional hours.
• Ensure Purchase Orders for projects are billed to projects in a timely manner.
• Coordinate the compilation and assist with updates to the Project Manager Manual.
• Participate in regular meetings to communicate status and relevant project updates.
• Engage others as necessary to problem-solve issues.
• Contribute towards improvement initiatives.
• Maintain process documentation.
• Assist with special projects and other tasks as assigned/needed.

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of the duties which may be associated with this position.

Requirements:

The Project Accountant Lead we are seeking has a great opportunity to help WEST's ACL team take the next step in our growth and providing assistance to project managers and senior managers on project performance. The successful candidate must be a self-starter who possesses:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Business or relevant experience.
• 7-10 years of accounting/business/project management experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Understand the invoicing lifecycle.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Highly collaborative work ethic with a track record of maintaining positive relationships with coworkers, clients and stakeholders.
• Advanced experience with Vantagepoint is a plus.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately while meeting deadlines.
• Apply strong attention to detail, analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to appear for work on time and regular attendance, sit for long periods of time, follow instructions from managers and accept guidance and constructive criticism.

After an offer of employment is made, the candidate must successfully pass a pre- employment background check, drug screening, and a DMV records check that meets WEST's minimum criteria to operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company. A valid driver's license will be required.

WEST provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, genetics, and any protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Further, WEST takes affirmative action to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly, and without discrimination, for recruitment, selection, advancement and every other term and privilege associated with employment.