Site Accountant

A Site Accountant for a solar project plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial health and success of the construction phase of the project. This position combines financial expertise with construction project management, focusing on accurate cost tracking, budgeting, and reporting to support the timely and profitable completion of the solar plant.

Job Title:

Location:

Reports To:

Job Summary:

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Operations & Transaction Management:

• Manage day-to-day financial transactions at the project site, including accounts payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR), and general ledger (GL) entries.
• Process invoices, payment requests, and employee reimbursements, ensuring accurate coding to relevant general ledger accounts and cost centers.
• Oversee petty cash management and reconciliation.
• Prepare and process payments to vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers in a timely manner, ensuring all supporting documentation and approvals are in place.
• Record revenues and issue customer invoices as per contractual terms.
• Conduct monthly bank reconciliations for all project-related accounts.

2. Cost Control & Budget Management:

• Monitor project expenditures against approved budgets and identify any variances.
• Work closely with the Project Manager and construction team to track project costs, analyze cost data, and identify potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Prepare and update project budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Manage subcontractor pay applications, review, and post change orders, communicating any financial implications to the project team.
• Perform earned value analysis and reporting to assess project performance.
• Assist in conducting financial analysis to identify trends and areas for improvement.

3. Financial Reporting & Compliance:

• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements, profitability reports, and other financial analyses for the project.
• Generate regular financial reports for internal management and external stakeholders (e.g., lenders, investors, auditors).
• Ensure all financial records and transactions comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and company policies.
• Assist in preparing for internal and external audits, providing necessary documentation and explanations.
• Ensure compliance with local tax regulations (e.g., GST, TDS, income tax) and assist with the preparation and filing of relevant returns.
• Collect and review insurance certificates for accuracy and maintain compliance with Certificates of Insurance (COI).

4. Procurement & Vendor Management Support:

• Assist in setting up new vendors and processing credit applications.
• Reconcile statements from inter-company and third-party vendors and service providers.
• Support the procurement team by ensuring financial terms of contracts are adhered to.

5. Documentation & Record Keeping:

• Maintain organized and comprehensive financial records and documentation at the project site.
• Ensure proper filing and archiving of all financial documents.
• Assist in developing and implementing robust internal controls and financial processes specific to the project site.

6. Collaboration & Communication:

• Act as the primary point of contact for all financial matters at the project site.
• Collaborate effectively with the Project Manager, construction team, procurement team, and head office finance department.
• Provide financial guidance and insights to the project team to support decision-making.
• Attend project meetings (kick-off, progress, closeout) to provide financial updates and insights.

Qualifications:

• Education:

  Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A professional accounting qualification (e.g., CA, CPA, ACCA, CMA) is highly preferred.

• Experience:

  8+ years of progressive experience in accounting or financial management, with at least 5 years specifically in construction project accounting, preferably within the renewable energy (solar, wind) sector.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., SAP, Oracle Financials, QuickBooks, Sage, Tally ERP).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, financial modeling).
• Strong understanding of project cost accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of contract accounting principles, including billing, invoicing, and change order management.
• Familiarity with financial regulations and tax compliance in the region.

Soft Skills:

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive and organized with a strong work ethic.
• Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and work collaboratively in a team setting.

Working Conditions:

• This role is primarily based at the solar project site, which may be in remote locations.
• May require occasional travel to the head office or other project sites.
• Work schedule may vary based on project demands.