Project Accountant - Rail Construction

Job Description

Rail and Transit PracticeWhether moving people or freight, future rail and transit solutions will be shaped by energy costs, urban growth, and environmental priorities. Michael Baker International helps freight railroads, transit authorities, and state DOTs address these challenges through services focused on state of good repair, capacity, safety, asset management, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. By partnering closely with our clients, we deliver innovative, practical, and cost‑effective solutions that support the successful delivery of complex rail and transit projects.What We're Looking For:We are seeking a Project Accountant – Rail Construction for our Rail & Transit team in Alexandria, Virginia! This role will provide critical financial and project controls support for large, complex rail and transportation programs, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with contractual and funding requirements. In this role, you will work closely with program management, project controls, document control, and finance teams, supporting accurate billing, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance across multiple projects and funding sources. This opportunity is well‑suited for an experienced construction accountant with a strong understanding of construction cost accounting, contract‑based billing, and public‑sector infrastructure projects!What You'll Do:

• Perform detailed reviews of vendor invoices and pay applications, compiling and summarizing consolidated reimbursement invoice packages
• Review draft invoices prepared for billing to ensure accuracy and compliance with contract requirements, funding agreements, and client guidelines
• Identify required corrections, finalize invoice submittals, and track payment status and progress
• Reconcile project payables and receivables to approved project budgets
• Develop a thorough understanding of project agreements, pay rates, allowable charges, and document any exceptions or variances
• Maintain quality control standards and procedures to ensure accurate, complete, and well‑documented project financial records
• Utilize Oracle, spreadsheets, and related software tools to support financial tracking and reporting
• Support the Program Document Control Specialist in meeting regulatory and compliance requirements related to data integrity, documentation standards, monitoring systems, and record retention

What You Need to Succeed:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in private or public accounting in support of construction or rail infrastructure programs
• Strong working knowledge of construction cost accounting and related financial procedures
• A working understanding of the construction industry
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly and professionally
• Strong analytical, organizational, and mathematical skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe, with intermediate to advanced Excel skills required
• Experience with Oracle Accounting software preferred (CMiC experience is a plus!)
• Ability to travel locally on occasion as needed

Compensation:The approximate compensation range for this position is $100,000 to $155,000 per year. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting.  Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.Why Choose Us:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
• Professional and personal development
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter and wellness benefits

About Us

Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.

Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.

We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.

We Make a Difference.
Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.

EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.
*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.