[Hiring] Project Accountant & Payroll Specialist @Harder+Company Community Research

Role Description

Harder+Company Community Research is seeking an experienced Project Accountant & Payroll Specialist to join our collaborative team of researchers, consultants, and corporate staff. This position supports project accounting, client billing, payroll administration, financial reporting, cash management, and employee expense processing.

• Reporting to the Controller.
• Works closely with Project Directors, Human Resources, and colleagues throughout the organization.
• Ensures financial information is accurate, timely, complete, and useful for decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Billing and Project Accounting:
  • Prepare accurate, timely monthly invoices for professional services contracts.
  • Review contract terms, budgets, and billing instructions.
  • Maintain project and contract information in QuickBooks Online and BQE Core.
  • Work with Project Directors to confirm billable time, expenses, and deliverables.
  • Track billing deadlines and move invoices through review, approval, and submission.
  • Research and resolve billing discrepancies.
  • Maintain organized records that support audits and month-end close.
• Payroll Administration:
  • Process biweekly payroll through ADP.
  • Maintain employee payroll records in ADP in coordination with Human Resources.
  • Reconcile payroll reports and payroll-related general ledger entries.
  • Prepare payroll and labor cost reports.
  • Respond to employee payroll questions.
• Financial Reporting, Cash Management, and Expenses:
  • Post cash receipts and prepare weekly cash, accounts payable, invoicing, and accounts receivable reports.
  • Produce recurring and ad hoc reports in BQE Core.
  • Assist with account reconciliations and month-end close.
  • Review, code, and post employee expense reports and reimbursements.

Qualifications

• At least five years of accounting and payroll experience, including project accounting and client billing.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• Government contract billing experience preferred.

Requirements

• Proficiency with QuickBooks Online, Microsoft 365 (especially Excel), and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience with BQE Core or a comparable project accounting system preferred.
• Experience with ADP or another payroll platform.
• The ability to learn new systems quickly.

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet recurring deadlines.
• Sound judgment in spotting discrepancies and risks early.
• Clear, professional communication and effective collaboration.
• Discretion in handling confidential employee, payroll, and financial information.

Commitment to Equity

We value the perspectives employees bring from their personal and professional experiences. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to equity and contribute thoughtfully to an inclusive workplace and to our work with clients and communities.

Compensation and Benefits

• The salary range for this full-time position is $66,712–$100,068, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental coverage.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Retirement benefits and professional development opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Harder+Company values diverse experiences and perspectives and seeks candidates who reflect the communities we serve. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicant Privacy and Security

Harder+Company will never ask an applicant to provide sensitive personally identifiable information by email or telephone during the initial application process.