The Valerin Group, Inc. (Valerin) is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Senior Accountant in the Tampa Bay area.
The Senior Accounting Manager is responsible for the day-to-day accounting operations of the firm and serves as the primary steward of our project-based and government contract accounting. Reporting to the COO, this role runs the monthly close, manages project cost accounting and client billing across a portfolio of agency contracts, maintains the compliance infrastructure required for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) prequalification and FAR-compliant indirect cost rates, and partners with project managers to keep contracts financially healthy. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role. You will be preparing journal entries and reviewing invoices as well as improving the processes behind them. Success requires someone who is equally comfortable in the details of a job cost report and in a conversation with a project manager about why a task order is trending over budget.
The selected candidate will join a talented group of Valerin communications, creative and technical professionals supporting projects, programs and initiatives for public agencies such as the FDOT, municipalities, counties, expressway and transit authorities, and planning organizations.
Your Impact:
Project & Contract Accounting
- Own job cost accounting for all active contracts, task orders, and work authorizations, setting up projects and budgets in the accounting system, verifying labor and expense coding, and maintaining accurate work-in-process and unbilled balances.
- Prepare and review client invoices across multiple billing structures: cost-plus-fixed-fee, lump sum, time-and-materials, and unit cost, including detailed backup packages required by public agencies.
- Track and reconcile subconsultant contracts, purchase orders, invoices, retainage, and pay-when-paid arrangements.
- Produce monthly project profitability, effective multiplier, and earned value reporting; review results with project managers and flag budget, scope, and revenue recognition issues before they become write-offs.
- Support contract administration by setting up projects for job-cost accounting based on compensation terms of proposals, agreements, amendments, and supplemental agreements, and by assisting with cost proposals and rate schedules for project/contract pursuits.
Government Contract Compliance
- Maintain an accounting system that meets FDOT and federal-aid requirements including segregating direct and indirect costs, capturing labor and expenses by project, and supporting a compliant indirect cost rate.
- Serve as the liaison for the external CPA firm on the annual FAR overhead audit and for agency auditors, assembling schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
- Administer timekeeping compliance including accurate time recording, approval workflows, corrections documentation, and the internal controls and written policies auditors expect to see.
General Accounting & Financial Close
- Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close: journal entries, accruals, prepaid and fixed asset schedules, and balance sheet reconciliations, delivered on a predictable calendar.
- Prepare internal financial statements and management reporting packages, with variance analysis against budget and prior periods.
- Manage accounts payable, employee expense reimbursement, corporate card programs, and vendor relationships.
- Manage client invoicing in accordance with contract schedules, accounts receivable, and collections, including aging review, client follow-up, and cash application.
- Support the annual budget and periodic reforecasts in partnership with the CEO/COO and practice leaders.
- Coordinate with outside CPAs on the annual financial statement engagement and on federal, state, and local tax filings.
- Process or oversee semi-monthly payroll through the firm's Intuit Payroll Elite, including PTO accruals, bonuses, benefit deductions, retirement plan contributions and reconciliations, and multi-jurisdiction registrations as the firm grows.
- Serve as administrator and power user of the firm's accounting and project management systems (QuickBooks Online); drive automation and eliminate manual workarounds.
- Document accounting policies and procedures and build the repeatable processes a growing firm needs.
- Train and support project managers and staff on time entry, expense policy, budget management, and billing review.
- Partner with HR and operations on onboarding, benefits administration, and other shared administrative functions typical of a firm our size.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Seven or more years of progressive accounting experience, including at least three years in a senior or supervisory role. SMB experience a plus.
- Demonstrated project-based accounting experience in a professional services environment such as A/E, engineering, planning, environmental, communications, or a comparable consulting firm.
- Direct experience with government contract accounting and billing, indirect cost rate development, and support of overhead audits.
- Strong working knowledge of GAAP, month-end close, and internal controls.
- Advanced Excel and QuickBooks Online skills and hands-on proficiency with a project-based (job-cost) accounting system.
- Proven ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues and to work directly with project managers.
- High attention to detail with sound judgment about materiality, deadlines, and priorities in a small-firm environment where everyone wears multiple hats.
- Can reliably report to the Valerin office located in the Northdale area (just north of Carrollwood)
Preferred Qualifications:
- CPA license or CPA candidate; CMA also considered.
- Experience with FDOT contracts, prequalification, and audit requirements, or with comparable state DOT programs.
- Familiarity with the AASHTO Uniform Audit & Accounting Guide (2024 edition) and Government Auditing Standards engagements.
Additional Details
- Travel Required: Not required
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Primary Office/Work Location: Tampa (Carrollwood/Northdale area) – this in-person position will report to the Valerin office in Carrollwood
About Valerin
Valerin provides a flexible, agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At Valerin, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to our team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
Valerin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
