Project Accountant

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency providing Content, Creative, Digital Technology, Management & Delivery, and Data & Insights services. Operating as a full-service agency partner or through embedding specialist talent into client teams, FIRST brings brands and people together through creative, connected experiences.FIRST works with clients across various industries, including financial services, technology, new & traditional media, aerospace, healthcare, and professional services. FIRST has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 150 Event Organizers & Agencies in the USA by Eventex, being listed among the "200 Top Marketing Agencies" in 2023, 2022 & 2021 by Chief Marketer, being recognized as one of the "50 Top Event Companies" by Special Events, being included in the Top 100 "Best Places to Work in NYC" by Crain's New York Business, and being listed as one of the "1000 Companies to Inspire Britain" by The London Stock Exchange Group.The Project Accountant supports business in financial management of projects. The role is responsible for facilitating project financial planning, reconciling and reporting of project P&L, identifying budget vs actual variances, and monitoring of project profitability. The role will collaborate closely with the delivery teams, business analytics, and corporate accounting to ensure timely close of Revenue and Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) at month end.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESJoint ownership with the accounting team for reporting of revenues and cost of goods sold at month end closeReconcile revenue and costs in SAP against approved budgets, commercial models, POs, and trackers at project level, inform and resolve discrepancies with Client Services and Commercial teamProvide assigned Project Manager (and clients) with timely financial reports and reconciled budget for final review and approval, address follow up inquiriesRaise client invoice based on client or budget requirements (incl. deposit, monthly billing, final invoice or credit, commission), upload to client portal when required, and monitor payment statusPrepare and post adjustments for revenue, COGS, and cross-office transactions during month-end and year-end closes (accrual, deferral, or reclass), review with accounting team to ensure accurate postingBuild exceptional relationships and provide the highest level of operational support to internal teams (Event Delivery, Client Services, Business Analytics etc.)Support the full cycle of the pitch process, assist Client Services and Delivery Team in building a financially sound client budget, and monitor budget realizationOrganize and attend periodical meetings with project managers and account directors to discuss project updates, review project P&L, and follow up on outstanding client receivable and POCoordinate with senior project accountant and regional controller, compile information for external auditors, as requiredPerform administrative tasks such as prepare project upload template, update project info in Salesforce and SAP, and maintain project-related recordsAssist Tax and Accounting in regulatory filings (ex: Corp. Tax, VAT, GST, etc) and alert finance to correct VAT postings when applicable.Handle ad hoc requests from business related to skill set as and when requiredParticipate in the development of standardized global project accounting policies and procedures, and improve regional alignmentSupport project accounting manager to promote automations in reportingPartner with commercial business partners and lane leaders to monitor profitability metrics for assigned projectsSupport the regional budget and forecast process in close coordination with regional controllership and Business AnalyticsAssist in follow up with client services (and clients) on unpaid billings that are overdueAssist cash flow forecast process, as neededSKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS1-3 years of experienceMust have a good understanding of general accounting.A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or accounting is preferable.Prior experience in a creative industry such as Marketing/Advertising, Events, Fashion, Hospitality, etc. is preferable.Accounting software experiences in SAP, Salesforce, and Concur are a plus.Advanced skills in Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.Proactive multi-tasker that works well under pressure.Proven ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines.Demonstrate excellent time management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines.Excellent oral and written communication skills.Demonstrate ability to collaborate with colleagues at all levels and work independently as well as part of a team to meet professional challenges.Strong attention to detail and highly organized.#LI-TS1 FIRST is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. FIRST is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We stand firm: FIRST will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. If any candidate feels that they are unable to meet the requirements of the role, please get in touch to discuss adjustments or other suitable roles.
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