Project Accountant

Company Overview

Since 1986, Benmax has designed, constructed, and maintained mechanical systems in some of Australia's most intricate buildings. Their prefabrication facility plays a crucial role in delivering cooling systems for Australia's data centers and AI infrastructure, alongside a nationwide commercial HVAC portfolio. The company is experiencing significant growth and is committed to investing in its workforce.

Role Overview

We are looking to hire a Project Accountant who will provide essential financial insights to support informed decision-making within our teams. Reporting directly to the Finance Manager, this position involves managing budgets, forecasts, and margin reports for projects and manufacturing operations. The role requires close collaboration with project directors and operational leaders, translating complex financial data into clear commercial recommendations. This position holds significant influence by delivering analysis that impacts timely decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage project budgets, forecasts, and reporting, encompassing actual figures, commitments, variations, and projected final outcomes.
• Prepare and review work in progress, cost-to-complete, and project margin calculations alongside project and manufacturing teams.
• Support compliance with AASB 15 revenue recognition, maintaining thorough documentation of performance obligations and accounting judgements.
• Analyze project and manufacturing performance, identify variances, and highlight potential cost, commercial, and cash flow risks.
• Collaborate with project directors, project leaders, and manufacturing management on forecasting, productivity, costing, and decision-making support.
• Oversee claims, retentions, variations, billing, and project cash forecasts; escalate overdue or disputed matters as necessary.
• Reconcile project subledgers with the general ledger ensuring accurate coding of project transactions.
• Prepare project reports and audit schedules for finance leadership and external auditors.
• Provide support for configuration, testing, and reporting in Procore and NetSuite platforms, along with manufacturing costing and inventory analysis as operational activity grows.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, commerce, or a closely related field.
• Proven background in project accounting, management accounting, cost control, or a similar discipline.
• Familiarity with AASB 15, work in progress accounting, cost to complete assessments, and project margin reporting.
• Ability to convert detailed financial data into clear and actionable business insights for operational stakeholders.
• Advanced skills in Excel and financial modeling.
• Strong communication capabilities, stakeholder engagement, and ability to meet deadlines consistently.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Experience within construction, engineering, manufacturing, infrastructure, or other complex project settings.
• Knowledge of Procore, NetSuite, or comparable ERP and job costing systems.
• Exposure to project forecasting, work in progress (WIP), revenue recognition, or ERP implementation processes.
• Professional qualifications such as CA, CPA, or CIMA, or active progress toward these certifications.
• Membership or progressing towards membership with professional bodies like CA ANZ, CPA Australia, or CIMA.