Project Accountant

Job Description

Apex Clean Energy is seeking a Project Accountant to support all aspects of project cost accounting and financial reporting for Apex’s utility-scale renewable energy projects. This role will focus on financial reporting and analysis for projects in the construction and operations phase, on-going cash management and strategy associated with project financing and investors, lead the annual project budgeting process, understand and review contracts as it relates to the accounting of the project, ensure all contractual financial requirements are met, and work closely with asset management on understanding the operational and financial health of each assigned project.  

This position is central to our projects and critical to tackling challenging and complex accounting and business tasks. Reporting to our Accounting Manager, this role will be joining an innovative and nimble accounting team and be immersed in the full life cycle process of utility-scale wind and solar projects. Working to manage project level financial statements within the construction and operations process, you’ll act as the accounting connection between internal teams and stakeholders.

Our ideal candidate is driven, eager to learn, coachable and excited about the potential of operating independently upon demonstrating measurable results and the ability to add value.  This is an exciting opportunity to elevate Apex's brand as a leader within the industry, amplify project efforts, and help projects from early days to realization.

The right candidate will be a hands-on, hard-working team player who can jump in and support the project accounting team from a variety of angles.  The Project Accountant position requires equally excellent communication and technical skills as well as the ability to work well under pressure, multitask, and be flexible about shifting priorities. A passion for renewable energy is a must.

• Hours: Full Time
• Type: Exempt 
• Department: Accounting
• Travel: 5%
• Office Location: Headquarters in Charlottesville, VA (On-site employees have the ability to work a hybrid schedule - 3 days/week). Open to remote work! 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Support the accounting team with multiple wind, solar or storage projects.
• Understand relevant accounting schedules and GL account reconciliations performed by staff accounting personnel to provide valuable insight, direction, and assistance in preparation and review of accounting schedules on an as-needed basis.
• Read and understand contracts relevant to allocated projects to ensure proper accounting in accordance with GAAP (debt, financial instruments, revenue, etc.).
• Perform monthly income statement budget to actual analysis, monthly income statement trend analysis, and ability to provide detailed explanations for any unusual fluctuations.
• Manage project cash accounts, including but not limited to bank reconciliations, updating cash forecasts, and recommend distributions as applicable.
• Responsible for purchase order and invoice review and approval, ensuring proper coding and accuracy.
• Responsible for preparing weekly accounts payable list in correlation with cash management to determine invoices to pay during weekly wire/check runs.
• Prepare project level financial statements, including consolidated financial statements on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Prepare annual operating budgets in close coordination with the Asset Managers.
• Key role for financial statement audits for assigned projects through providing supporting documentation and explanations to our external auditors.
• Prepare required financial deliverables on a timely basis in accordance with all applicable contracts.
• Assist with reconciling draft and final annual tax returns of assigned projects.
• Support systems implementations and data integrity.

Qualifications

Success Profile

To succeed as a Project Accountant at Apex Clean Energy, you’ll need to excel within the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in accounting, CPA preferred
• 3+ years in a project accounting related role, preferred working with multi-level partnerships
• Strong knowledge and experience with GAAP accounting.
• Strong experience and understanding of financial reporting and multilevel partnership consolidation structures.
• Experienced in financial analysis (Income statement budget to actual analysis, trend analysis, balance sheet ratios, etc.).
• Ability to read and comprehend contracts in detail (revenue contracts, lease agreements, debt agreements, interest rate swaps, etc.).
• A self-starter who takes initiative and has proven ability to work independently.
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet simultaneous deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically strong Excel skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be a good team player who is willing to work in a flexible environment.
• Option to work at our Headquarters in Charlottesville, Virginia or work remotely. 

Additional Information

Work Environment:

Works primarily traditional office hours in an indoor office environment. Flexible work hours allowed when work duties and business operations permit.

How You’ll Grow

At Apex Clean Energy, our professional development plans focus on helping people at every level of their career to identify and use their strengths to do their best work every day. From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there’s always room to learn. We offer opportunities to help sharpen skills in addition to hands-on experience in the dynamic, fast-paced renewable energy industry. From on-the-job learning experiences to a robust multi-week onboarding experience to formal development programs, our professionals have a variety of opportunities to continue to grow throughout their career.

What Apex Can Offer You

• A mission-driven, energetic environment
• Collaborative and driven professional workforce committed to supporting your ideas and feedback and accelerating your potential
• Ongoing support and guidance such as on-the-job learning, hands-on experience, and mentorship
• Training, strategies, and tools to support your personal and professional growth
• Team atmosphere of diverse professionals committed to making an impact as an organization
• Opportunities to volunteer and give back to our local communities
• Exceptional benefits such as medical and dental; 401(k) with corporate match

• Base and bonus commensurate with experience
• Responsible Paid Time Off plus standard company holidays
• Benefits Offered: comprehensive high-deductible health plans, dental and vision insurance plans, short-term and long-term disability, group life insurance, 401(k) corporate matching, flexible spending arrangements, company paid parking and cell phone, fitness and wellness corporate discounts

At this time, Apex will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

Apex Clean Energy, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.