Project Accountant

Position: Project AccountantLocation: New York, NYType: Full-TimeExperience: 3–5 Years of Accounting ExperienceReports to: Finance DirectorAbout ZebraZebra is a unique global architecture and interior design firm composed of over 325 team members with offices in London, Dubai, Phoenix, New York, Hong Kong, Mexico City, Riyadh and Toronto. Our approach to practice remains one of our most powerful assets. It fuels our entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and enables us to find common ground with clients big or small. Our understanding of what connects us as people shapes the environments we create. Through cutting-edge design, deep cultural knowhow and invested partnerships we create spaces formulated to evoke mood, atmosphere and feeling, delivering the rich, lived experience that enable consumers to connect deeper to brands. We believe in good work-life balance, provide an environment that fosters personal and professional growth and think of ourselves as an extension of the client’s in-house design and construction team.Position SummaryZebra is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Project Accountant to join our Scottsdale office. This role supports the financial management of architecture and design projects throughout the project lifecycle, from initial setup through financial closeout. The Project Accountant will maintain accurate project financial records, monitor budgets and profitability, and provide timely financial information to Project Managers and Finance leadership.The ideal candidate is an analytical, hands-on accounting professional who enjoys collaborating with Project Managers, identifying financial risks, and supporting informed project decisions in a fast-paced, project-based environment.Key ResponsibilitiesProject Accounting & Financial ManagementMaintain accurate project financial records throughout the project lifecycle, from setup through financial closeout.Monitor project budgets, actual costs, labor utilization, expenses, and profitability.Review project financial performance and identify budget overruns, cost discrepancies, and potential financial risks.Ensure project-related financial transactions and records are accurate, complete, and maintained in Deltek Vantagepoint.Project Budgeting & ForecastingPartner with Project Managers to review project financial status, remaining budgets, and anticipated costs to complete.Assist in preparing and maintaining project financial forecasts, including estimated cost to complete and estimated revenue at completion.Analyze variances between project budgets, actual results, and forecasts and communicate findings to Project Managers and Finance leadership.Project Reporting & CollaborationPrepare and review project financial information to support profitability analysis and project management decisions.Collaborate with Project Managers and Finance teams to investigate discrepancies and resolve project accounting issues.Support accurate project reporting and the continuous improvement of project accounting processes and financial controls.QualificationsRequiredBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.3–5 years of accounting experience, preferably in architecture, engineering, construction consulting, or other project-based professional services.Strong understanding of project accounting, revenue recognition, accounts receivable, and financial reporting.Experience working with project budgets, contract values, billing schedules, and profitability analysis.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookups, and financial analysis.Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.Ability to manage multiple projects, competing deadlines, and shifting priorities.Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with Project Managers and Finance teams.PreferredExperience using Deltek Vantagepoint.Prior experience in an Architecture & Engineering (A&E) or professional services consulting firm.Working knowledge of ASC 606 revenue recognition principles, particularly for fixed-fee and multi-phase projects.Experience with percentage-of-completion or cost-to-cost revenue recognition methodologies.Familiarity with work-in-progress reporting, project forecasting, and earned revenue analysis.Experience reviewing professional services contracts, amendments, and change orders.Understanding of project-level financial metrics and profitability drivers.Key CompetenciesStrong financial and analytical acumenOwnership and accountabilityAttention to detail and accuracyProactive identification of financial risksEffective communication skillsProject Manager partnership and collaborationAbility to manage competing prioritiesProfessional integrity and sound judgmentCompensation & BenefitsCompetitive salary commensurate with experience.Employer contribution toward healthcare benefits.Employer-sponsored retirement plan.Generous paid time off and company holidays.Professional development and growth opportunities.Collaborative and supportive team environment.Opportunity to work with a globally recognized design and architecture firm.