Project Accountant

Description

Title: Project Accountant
Department: Operation 1
Location: Ankeny, IA or Teaneck, NJ
Supervisor: Sr. Manager, Project Accounting
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent; Full Time

Work Status: (Remote/Hybrid/In-Office): Hybrid

PROJECT ACCOUNTANT

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Module, Development, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

SUMMARY

The Project Accountant will serve as a vital member of our project teams, supporting the commercial and financial aspects of utility-scale solar and BESS projects. Reporting directly to the Commercial Manager, they will be assigned to one or two projects at a time, providing essential financial oversight and support. This position reports to the Commercial Manager, or another management personnel that the President of the Company may designate.

This position reports to the Ankeny, IA or Teaneck, NJ office, this position is a hybrid role. Working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. Overtime and weekend working hours may be required as needed. This position is expected to travel up to 10%.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate closely with the Commercial Manager and project teams to support commercial and financial administrative aspects of assigned projects.
• Be accountable for the preparation of commercial management trackers for labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and other costs, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company standards.
• Contribute to project cash flows, ensuring timely invoicing and payments in alignment with project milestones.
• Assist in the preparation of reports, including variance analysis, forecasts, and financial statements.
• Support the Commercial Manager in assessing project risks and opportunities related to project finances.
• Assist in the management of project procurement activities, including vendor invoicing and payment processing.
• Collaborate with project teams to resolve financial issues and discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Assist in the preparation of project close-out activities, including final financial reconciliations and reporting.
• Be accountable for daily report reconciliation of labor hours in collaboration with the temporary staffing partner.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of data in tracking and forecast tools, identifying and addressing any discrepancies or issues as needed.
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by supervisor or team lead.
• Regular attendance, in accordance with the company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in accounting or finance, preferably in a project-based environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, CPA or equivalent experience is preferred.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial analysis techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial software applications.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within project teams.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of project management principles and practices is a plus.
• Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and priorities.
• Travel: is up to 10% as needed.

EXAMPLE OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
• Travel: up to 10% as needed

EXAMPLE OF WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at hr-usa@qcells.com.

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.