Ecolab

Project Accountant

Ecolab • $80K — $95K *
Calgary, AB T1Y 7M8In-Person
Finance & Insurance
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Analytics, Information Systems, or related field
  • CPA designation or progress toward designation is a plus
  • 5-7 years of progressive experience in project or financial accounting
  • Experience in manufacturing, technology, engineering, or professional services preferred
  • Strong knowledge of project accounting methodologies and cost allocations
  • Familiarity with ERP systems like NetSuite, SAP, or Oracle
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and analytical capabilities

Responsibilities

  • Manage financial accounting for customer projects from contract execution to closeout
  • Ensure accurate revenue recognition in compliance with U.S. GAAP
  • Support month-end and year-end close activities for project accounting
  • Assist with internal and external audit requests
  • Develop understanding of revenue recognition requirements for various contract components
  • Monitor project costs, including labor, materials, and overhead allocations
  • Lead design and implementation of project accounting processes and workflows

Benefits

  • Vacation and flex days, plus paid company-wide shutdown during holidays
  • Comprehensive health benefits from day one, including Dental and Optical
  • Casual yet professional work environment with a 'Dress for your day' policy
  • Retention rewards that provide additional vacation and bonuses for tenure
Full Job Description
WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Role:

The Project Accountant is responsible for the financial management of customer implementation projects involving equipment installation, commissioning, engineering services, and ongoing service agreements. This role ensures accurate project costing, revenue recognition, financial reporting, and project profitability throughout the project lifecycle.

As a trusted business partner to the Professional Services, Program Management, and Finance teams, the Project Accountant ensures project financials are complete, accurate, and compliant with U.S. GAAP and company policies. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and maintaining scalable Project Accounting and Field Service Management (FSM) processes while driving continuous process improvement, financial visibility, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

Project Accounting
  • Manage the financial accounting for customer projects from contract execution through project completion and closeout.
  • Ensure project revenue and associated costs are recognized accurately in accordance with U.S. GAAP and company accounting policies.
  • Support month-end and year-end close activities related to project accounting, including accruals, work-in-progress (WIP), project reconciliation, and financial reporting.
  • Assist with internal and external audit requests related to project accounting, revenue recognition, and project costing.


Revenue Recognition
  • Develop and maintain a strong understanding of revenue recognition requirements for various contract components, including:
  • Professional Services
  • Equipment Commissioning Services
  • Service Level Agreements (SLA)
  • Extended Warranty Services (EWS)
  • Review customer contracts to ensure revenue is recognized appropriately based on contractual terms and performance obligations.
  • Partner with Professional Services and Program Management to ensure contract structures support accurate financial reporting and revenue recognition.


Project Costing & Profitability
  • Ensure all project-related costs are accurately captured, allocated, and matched to the appropriate projects and revenue streams.
  • Track and monitor labour, materials, subcontractors, travel, freight, installation expenses, and overhead allocations.
  • Support Revenue Management Team with project cost forecasts and estimate-at-completion analyses.
  • Monitor project financial performance throughout execution, identifying cost overruns, missing costs, profitability concerns, and financial risks.
  • Support Revenue Management Team with variances between forecasted and actual project results and recommend corrective actions where appropriate.
  • Partner with Professional Services, Program Management, and Revenue Management Team to improve project financial reporting, cost accuracy, and overall project profitability.


Systems & Process Improvement
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of project and financial data flows within NetSuite and supporting business systems.
  • Serve as the Finance subject matter expert for Project Accounting and Field Service Management (FSM) processes.
  • Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of project accounting workflows and processes.
  • Identify automation opportunities, strengthen financial controls, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of project accounting processes.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on ERP enhancements, system implementations, and process optimization initiatives as it relates to accounting for operations.
  • Collaborate with FP&A and Revenue management team on development of financial reporting, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs) that provide visibility into project performance, profitability, and operational effectiveness.


Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Analytics, Information Systems, or a related field.
  • CPA designation or progress toward designation is considered an asset.
  • 5-7 years of progressive experience in project accounting or financial accounting.
  • Experience within manufacturing, technology, engineering, industrial, or professional services environments is preferred.
  • Experience supporting installation projects, engineering services, or project-based costing is an asset.
  • Strong understanding of project accounting methodologies, cost allocations, and project profitability analysis.
  • Experience with ERP systems such as NetSuite (preferred), SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with strong analytical and financial modeling capabilities.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships across Finance, Professional Services, and Operations.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.


Benefits

We are a company that is full of vibrant, innovative people who love what we do. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
  • Vacation and flex days, and paid company-wide shutdown during the holiday season.
  • Comprehensive benefits including Dental, Drugs, Optical, Paramedical and Health Spending. These costs are covered by CoolIT and are enacted from your first day.
  • Dress for your day - in a casual yet professional environment.
  • Retention rewards like "The Big Coffee Break" that reward tenure with additional vacation time and a monetary bonus.

We thank every candidate in advance, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo background checks including criminal records check and education.

About Ecolab

Ecolab provides comprehensive solutions, data-driven insights, and personalized service to customers in the food, healthcare, hospitality, and industrial markets in more than countries to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies and sustainability.

Ecolab Careers

Join Ecolab's dynamic team today and be part of a global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions. At Ecolab, we are committed to advancing technologies and driving innovation that makes the world cleaner, safer, and healthier.

Work You’ll Do

At Ecolab, you will find job opportunities that promise robust growth and development in a culture that fosters leadership, innovation, and diversity. Our team is composed of over 48,000 dedicated professionals who lead the industry in delivering efficient solutions and services to our customers worldwide.

Professional Growth and Development

Embark on a career path that empowers your ambition. Ecolab offers a myriad of career advancement opportunities supported by comprehensive training programs and professional development courses. Our commitment to your growth is paralleled by our dedication to innovation and excellence in every aspect of our business.

Inclusive and Supportive Culture

Ecolab’s culture thrives on teamwork, respect, and diversity. We believe in creating an inclusive environment that values each individual’s unique background and perspectives. Diversity training and leadership programs are integral parts of our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

Whether you're starting your career or looking to make a change, Ecolab offers a range of employment and internship opportunities that can help you harness your skills and achieve your professional goals. Our hiring process is designed to be transparent and engaging, ensuring that all candidates are given the opportunity to showcase their strengths.

Benefits and Networking

Joining Ecolab means more than just employment; it’s an opportunity to be part of a global network of industry leaders and innovators. Our employees enjoy competitive benefits, including health, life, and dental insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. We also encourage our team to connect and collaborate through various professional networking events.

Explore Job Opportunities

Are you ready to make a significant impact? Explore the various positions available at Ecolab, from entry-level roles to executive positions. Tailor your resume and prepare for interviews with our career experts who are here to support you every step of the way.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players.

SEARCH ECOLAB JOBS

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Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Ecolab. Ecolab is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference in the world while advancing your career in a dynamic and supportive environment. Join us in making the world a better place through dedicated service and innovative solutions.
Learn more about Ecolab
Size
47,000 employees
Market Cap
$41 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
-$1.2 billion
Founded
1923
5 Year Trend
-0.6%
Revenue
$11.7 billion
NASDAQ
ECL
* Ladders Estimates
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