Global Group Financial Project Accounting Associate

ERM is the world’s largest global pure-play sustainability consultancy, with more than 50 years of market leadership. ERM uses its unique combination of technical depth and commercial acumen to partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges, and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

With over c8k employees worldwide operating from 170+ offices in 40 countries, ERM is unmatched in its ability to operationalize sustainability across the business lifecycle and at all levels of an organization, which we call our boots to boardroom approach. Backed by KKR, one of the largest private market investors, and informed by deep sector and technical expertise, ERM deploys proven, integrated approaches that meet our clients’ most pressing sustainability needs and address day-to-day EHS and ESG imperatives.

The ERM Foundation was established in 1995 to enable ERM and its employees to provide funding and professional support for non-profit organizations and social enterprises that share our commitment to creating a more sustainable and equitable world. We work in partnership with organizations at the intersection of biodiversity protection, climate action and supporting sustainable livelihoods in order to create a lasting impact.

Job Objective

The Financial Project Manager / Project Accounting (PA) team at ERM is a function that resides within the Finance Department, responsible for closely partnering with ERM's consultant teams to ensure proper administration and financial health of client projects, from inception through close. This highly critical team is vital in ERM reaching important KPIs, including NR, PBBIT/EBITDA, and WIP DSO.

ERM is seeking a Project Accounting Lead, who will both fulfill the Project Accounting responsibilities as well as provide leadership and coaching to the Associate team members on their day-to-day activities, including accurate and efficient project set up within ERM's systems, maintaining accurate financial and administrative records, facilitating the client invoicing process, and proper closure of the project upon completion. As the Lead, this individual would also support the team in resolving escalations and other challenging situations. In addition, the Lead responsibilities include helping recruit, onboard/train, and operationally manage the Associates on the team.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities
- Oversee PA Staff
- Set up projects with accurate structure, budgets, and project team access and billing rates
- Partner with project teams to process method of resolution to clear variances
- Obtain project team approval to ensure accurate invoices, this may involve corrections including transferring of time and rate adjustments
- Reach WIP DSO goals by sending invoices to clients in a timely manner
- Regularly review activity of projects to close projects after completion of work
- Resolve outstanding issues by escalating to PA leadership, other Finance leadership, and/or project teams as needed
- Meet individual and team performance KPIs
- Ensure compliance to ERM policies and procedures

Qualifications:

- High School Diploma (Bachelors preferred)
- Five to eight years of project accounting (billing) experience (professional services experience preferred)
- Ability to work 2nd shift
- In-office during onboarding, then transition to hybrid (3 days/week)
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Professional certification such as CA, CMA, CPA, or equivalent is preferred

Job specific capabilities/skills:

- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with both internal and external customers, across all levels and functions
- Ability to work with mínimal direction and in a highly collaborative manner to meet required deadlines and perform all necessary tasks
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to prioritize tasks effectively and complete them accurately
- Highly motivated with strong work ethic to own and drive tasks to full resolution
- Strong computer skills, including Excel (BST experience preferred)