Project Accountant

Job Description Parsons Brinckerhoff Africa (Pty) Ltd – Finance Department is seeking a Project Accountant to provide project control and contract administration on projects and bids within the divisions, in particular: Contract Administration, Planning & Scheduling, Cost Control, Billings & Collections. The incumbent will also be accountable for monitoring the progress of projects and investigating variances in cost and revenues as well as working directly with Project Managers, Bid Managers and Divisional Directors in delivering projects on time and within budget. Provide Commercial/Financial sign off to confirm accuracy and compliance with process and policy, ensuring projects have valid forecast PFS’s prior to period end. Actively strive to reduce DSO, raise legitimate VO’s on existing projects and ensure financial governance within Project Accounting. Reporting to the Project Accounting Manager. Application Process To apply for this position kindly e-mail your updated CV in MS Word format to and indicate the job title AND reference number in the subject line. Closing Date For Applications 29 April 2015 Position Project Accountant – Consulting Services Company Parsons Brinckerhoff Africa (Pty) Ltd – Finance Department Company Profile Parsons Brinckerhoff is a professional engineering consultancy with 14,000 employees who work in approximately 150 offices around the world. We assist public and private clients to plan, develop, design, construct, operate and maintain critical infrastructure projects globally. Parsons Brinckerhoff is owned by WSP Global Inc. In Africa we have 5 offices and employ approximately 400 people. Geographic Location Bryanston, Gauteng province, South Africa Industry Engineering Consulting and Power Generation Duration Permanent Position Summary Responsibilities include contract administration, planning and schedule control, cost control, billings and collections, quality assurance, reporting, health and safety compliance, internal and external contacts, authority levels, remuneration, disclaimer and basic requirements, and qualifications, competencies and experience. Responsibilities Contract Administration Review of contract Monitor contract compliance Project setup within Oracle, maintenance, reporting and closure With the assistance of a Financial Analyst, ensure that each project is funded in accordance with signed contracts Preparation of sub-consultant agreements and inter-company task orders Assist in preparation and periodic review and updating project risk registers Regular client interface Planning and Schedule Control Preparation of Schedule and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) in conjunction with Project Managers, contract and system requirements Monitor schedule throughout project, highlighting deviation from plan Assist in preparation of Work Breakdown Structure and financial forecasts for bids Cost Control Analyse all project costs, ensuring the correct allocation of such costs, taking action to correct any misallocated items Work with Project Managers in updating “forecast cost to completion” on projects on a periodic basis Develop robust project financial projections in conjunction with the Project Manager for each period end, as well as for annual budgets and quarterly forecasts Ensure a valid finance summary/PFS is available for own portfolio of projects Monitoring project financial performance against budget and identify potential Variation Orders Assist in negotiation of Variation Orders Review cost/revenue variations on projects and report reasons for change Perform variance analysis of actual performance against budget/forecast and provide business reasons for variances Billings and Collections Track unbilled costs Preparation of invoices in line with payment terms within contract Produce invoice schedules Monitor cash flow and expedite aged debt directly with clients Confer with Receivables staff regarding unpaid contract billings Actively monitor and co‑coordinate efforts to reduce DSO within the business area Quality Ensure compliance with PB Business Management System through the life cycle of the project Internal project audit Provide details for external audit Reporting Regular reporting to Project Managers and Divisional Directors, including but not limited to: Review and update of WIP schedule each period Monitor and report on projects Review and update of aged debt reports, outlining key actions Monitor and report on projects with high level of WIP Report financial risks and opportunities on business areas portfolio of projects Co‑ordination of in‑month review data from Project Managers Health and Safety Role model standards for SHEQ performance and behaviour consistent with the company’s health, safety, environmental and quality vision and policies by influencing those around you Contribute to the identification of SHEQ risks and driving processes to achieve Zero Harm Embrace, display and promote the company values and ensure a safe working environment is maintained at all times Maintain BBGAP/DNV certification and ensure full compliance in line with your job level Internal Contacts PBA Finance Director Project Accounting Manager PBA Finance Manager – Management Accounting PBA Finance Manager – Financial Accounting Business Unit Managers and staff All Project Managers Finance Staff External Contacts Client Staff External Auditors Authority levels In accordance with the PB Authorities Manual and relevant Business Unit Procedures. Remuneration Market related and highly negotiable TCTC Disclaimer And Basic Requirements South African citizenship is a pre‑requisite Relevant previous experience is essential Communication will be with short‑listed candidates only – if you do not receive any feedback on your application within 3 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful Parsons Brinckerhoff Africa reserves the right not to proceed with an appointment of any advertised role All appointments will be made in line with Parsons Brinckerhoff Africa’s Employment Equity Plan and Policies All enquiries and applications will be treated confidentially No enquiries or unsolicited resumes from recruiting agencies or head hunters will be acknowledged or considered, unless they were mandated by Parsons Brinkerhoff Africa to assist with this requirement Qualifications, Competencies And Experience Degree or other relevant academic qualification (Business & Finance/Accounting/Commercial) would be advantageous CIMA would be advantageous Relevant project and financial experience, preferably within a commercial or financial background Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook (Intermediate to Advanced) Sound knowledge and relevant experience of Oracle Project Accounting Knowledge of the project structure in a client/consultant business environment Be commercially conscious, detail orientated and able to offer commercial guidance and support to directors, project and bid managers, having an advanced knowledge of PB Systems, processes and policies. Strong service orientation Good inter‑personal skills, work well with teams, and have strong organizational skills Good team player, demonstrating flexibility and commitment Confident, forward‑thinking and be able to facilitate relationships Proven ability to communicate at all levels, both internally and externally, coupled with good presentation skills Good time management, with the ability to multi‑task and achieve goals, deliverables and strict deadlines with minimal supervision Ability to work independently, take initiative, set priorities and see projects through to completion An excellent work ethic, with integrity and above‑average resilience #J-18808-Ljbffr