Project Accountant

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) seeks candidates for the position of Project Accountant. The Project Accountant is primarily responsible for overseeing project accounting for MAPC and ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely financial processing. This role supports Project Managers and Directors by providing timely and reliable financial information through close monitoring of project budgets and the closeout of assigned grants and projects.

Serving as a subject-matter expert in Deltek project accounting and workflows, the Project Accountant also supports the billing process for the Homeland Security, HMCC (Health & Medical Coordinating Coalition), Shannon Grant, and Public Health departments by monitoring and validating all related billings and activities. In addition, this position plays a key role in the agency’s contract execution process by reviewing, recording, and signing off on Blue Sheets; establishing new project codes for executed contracts; and updating project and overhead codes in Deltek to align with fiscal year-end requirements. This position plays an important role in financial analysis involving labor costs and pass through direct expenses for various state and federal contracts.    

About MAPC:

MAPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in metropolitan Boston. Our strategic priorities are sustainable development and preservation, advancing equity in the region, collaboration across municipal lines, and developing a climate-friendly and resilient region. We are guided by our regional plan, MetroCommon2050: Shaping the Region Together. MAPC’s staff includes approximately 120 full-time employees located in downtown Boston in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office.

MAPC has a hybrid schedule, combining time in the office with remote work. Employees must reside within a commutable distance from MAPC’s Boston office. 

MAPC strongly supports the professional development of each staff person, believing their growth to be consistent with the best interests of MAPC and the region. We encourage all our staff to develop new ideas to make MAPC’s planning and policy work more relevant and impactful, and to adapt to changing times.

This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and innovative environment with professionals who are committed to building a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone who lives and works in Greater Boston. For more information about MAPC or MetroCommon2050, please visit www.mapc.org

About the Department:

The Finance Department, a team of seven under the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), supports MAPC’s mission through strong financial stewardship, transparency, and accountability. We manage budgeting, accounting, a diverse portfolio of federal, state, foundation, and local grants, project finance, payroll support, financial reporting, and internal controls—ensuring resources are used effectively in support of MAPC’s regional impact.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Update Deltek with project codes & overhead codes as needed to comply with fiscal year end changes;

• Monitor project and grant budgets to identify variances, funding risks, and closeout issues;
• Validate grant billing accuracy and supporting documentation for state and federal programs;
• Support timely project closeout in coordination with Project Managers and Finance leadership;
• Provide support to project management in the billing/invoicing process for Homeland Security, HMCC, and the Shannon Grant (reviewing Purchase Orders, combining billing packages, and keeping track of Vendor Web approved payments to be made to MAPC) to initiate payments to third party vendors on time;
• Provide financial analysis for certain state and federal grants;
• Review, record, and upload contract information into Deltek after contracts have been approved and signed;
• Support project managers with creating project codes and project budgets;
• Run and analyze monthly contract reports to be presented to officers; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Evening events, occasional weekend events, and local travel are a responsibility for this position. MAPC does not require that you have a vehicle; however, you must have a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. MAPC provides support for travel, including MBTA passes, a Zipcar account and BlueBikes membership.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience) and

5 plus years of experience in Project Accounting, Grants Management, or Accounts Payable.

Successful candidates for this position will demonstrate all or most of the following:

• Strong knowledge of project and grant accounting principles;
• Experience with accounting systems (Deltek preferred);
• Ability to interpret financial data and communicate findings to non-finance staff;
• High attention to detail and strong internal control mindset;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a cyclical processing environment; and
• Strong interpersonal skills and patience when training or supporting staff.

Preferred:

• Experience with complex accounting systems used to manage job or project accounting and ensure compliance with government funding requirements.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary ranges from $75,000 - $85,000, depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time exempt position. MAPC offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits as well as a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment and a commitment to continued professional development.

How to Apply:

Apply online at www.mapc.org/jobs. The position is open until filled, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. Candidates selected to interview will be asked to submit three (3) references plus a sample of relevant writing or work product. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the USA and a valid driver's license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. MAPC participates in E-Verify, which is a federal program that helps us to determine work eligibility in the United States. MAPC may consider sponsorship on a case-by-case basis. A Criminal Offenders Records Information (CORI) request must be completed if offered this position. A criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at MAPC, but it will be reviewed in light of the position and other elements of an applicant’s resume.

MAPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a staff with a range of perspectives, experiences, and skillsets strengthens our work. We are committed to building a more equitable workplace that allows staff with diverse backgrounds and identities to thrive, grow, and lead. For more information on MAPC’s culture of equity, see our  Equity at MAPC page.