Project Accountant at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP in San Francisco, California

Job Description:

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm.  We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration.  Together we can achieve great things.

Success at SOM Means 

• Ideas:  We believe in a meritocracy of ideas.  We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.  




• Knowledge:  We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning.  We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge. 




• Product:  We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work. 




• Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work.  Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.




• Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration.  A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential. 




• Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

Position Responsibilities

• Fully responsible for the proper accounting and financial presentation of his or her projects in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Modified Cash Basis of Accounting, SOM policies and procedures.




• Ensures that appropriate internal controls are in place to protect the firm’s assets and generate an appropriate return on his or her projects, appropriate financial management techniques, tools and resources are utilized in order to achieve or exceed the project’s stated financial goals.




• Assists in fee and expense analysis.




• Reviews contracts from a financial perspective and advises Partners, Project Managers and Central of any unique Firmwide matters, such as foreign currency, taxation or other financial exposures.




• Participates in compliance meetings with the team and reviews the completed compliance form with the Project Manager.




• Designs or assists in the design of the project numbering scheme in accordance with SOM standards.




• Takes responsibility for gathering information and setting up a project for all disciplines as well as providing all qualitative data (functional market, geographical market, etc.).




• Reviews and analyzes the financial condition of each project (accrual and cash) on a monthly basis and advises the Project Manager, Financial Controller as to any material variances.




• Reviews weekly financial reports and brings any significant issues to the attention of the Project Manager.




• Alerts the Financial Controller regarding any internal control problems or questionable practices.




• Assists in identifying the need for additional services and assists in the preparation of the project plan including a profitability analysis and reviews such plan and analysis with PM.




• Updates PM on labor status during regular meetings.




• Maintains "open door" policy by ensuring availability to PM and project teams for any questions regarding where to charge time, project plan allocations, status of hours spent.




• Reviews preliminary invoices for appropriate labor, expense charges, billing rates, fees maximums and makes appropriate changes and reclassifications.




• Updates outstanding receivable statements, billing summaries and consultant summaries that are for client's use.




• Interacts with Client's accounting department counterpart regarding outstanding invoices, billing schedules, invoice approvals and ultimate collection; Client regarding status and analysis of consultants' invoicing; Consultants regarding accounts payable and invoices.




• Accounting colleagues within all SOM office locations to coordinate multi-discipline/multi-office projects.




• Assists with other tasks and responsibilities as may be required.  

Leadership Responsibilities 

• Inspires and leads others by example, participates in staff mentoring and training, clearly defines team member expectations and responsibilities, empowers others, and delegates where appropriate based on team members’ recognized abilities and potential.




• In collaboration with team members, contributes to a clear and consistent work plan to achieve the project budget, deliverables, and schedule.




• Actively engages in internal professional development opportunities.




• Contributes to the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.




• Contributes to the development of standards, policies, and procedures.




• Protects SOM from financial and legal risk.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Degree in Accounting/Business Administration or comparable experience.




• 4 years+ Project or Job Costing experience.




• Experience within the Architecture, Engineering or Construction industries.




• Hands-on, especially in terms of billing, project accounting and contract review.




• Ability to prioritize, organize work flows and juggling conflicting demands.




• Exceptional communication skills (written and oral).




• Ability to interface with project managers, clients and architects.




• Experience with Microsoft Office including but not limited to Microsoft Excel.




• Experience with Deltek Vision software is a plus.

Are you ready to join a team of creative professionals working on transformational projects around the world? Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to build a better future with SOM. 

Our Benefits:

Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance

Savings: 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs

Work/Life Balance: Hybrid/Flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program

Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development 

Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $80,000-$110,000.

Our Culture:

Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. Here, you’ll collaborate with industry experts on some of the most exciting and transformative architecture, engineering, and planning projects in the world.

We believe an inclusive environment improves our teams, our firm, and our communities and are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our DEI Action Plan was created to bring meaningful change to our profession, starting with our own culture and practices.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy as well as additional information such as a privacy notice for California residents and how to apply offline.

For more about SOM: www.som.com

Portfolios must be submitted for all design positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed.  Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.