Project |Staff Accountant in Seattle, Washington at GGLO

GGLO is an award-winning, multidisciplinary design practice specializing in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and urban design. Since 1986, we have created transformative, contextually responsive places that enrich communities across North America. With studios in Seattle and Boise, we operate as one collaborative practice, bringing diverse perspectives together to create thoughtful, integrated design.

We are seeking a full-time Project | Staff Accountant to join our accounting team. This is a highly visible role in which you will work alongside firm leaders and project managers while reporting directly to finance and accounting leadership. Your work will directly shape decisions across the firm while you develop specialized project accounting expertise augmented by a core accounting foundation.

This role is built for a problem-solver—someone who digs into the why behind the numbers, seeks better ways of accomplishing results, and improves processes rather than just running them. You will succeed by discovering ways to optimize systems, experimenting with tools, and implementing new methods that deliver timely analysis and clearer insight.

What You Will Do

Core responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Direct the project accounting function end to end, with full accountability for making it more effective, efficient, and scalable.
• Partner directly with principals, project managers, and subconsultants to deliver timely, accurate, and valuable project insight.
• Drive process improvements across the Accounting Operations and Finance function that sharpen the accuracy, timeliness, and relevance of financial information.
• Collaborate with the accounting team and other stakeholders to research accounting and project-related questions and implement practical, well-supported solutions.

Project accounting responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Lead the project accounting function, improving its systems, workflows, and outputs to strengthen accuracy, find efficiency, and build adoption.
• Collaborate with principals, project managers, and subconsultants to prepare timely and accurate client invoices consistent with contract requirements and project status.
• Monitor project financial performance, including budgets, labor, expenses, revenue, remaining fees, and profitability; identify variances and risks; and communicate actionable insights to project and firm leadership.
• Review contract terms, fee structures, and billing requirements to establish accurate project budgets, billing setups, invoice formats, and revenue assumptions.
• Manage accounts receivable, support collection efforts, and help resolve billing questions, unbilled costs, and client payment issues.

Staff accounting responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Anchor the firm's financial foundation by preparing and posting journal entries and reconciling general ledger and balance sheet accounts; you will investigate the variances you uncover and recommend corrective actions.
• Equip leaders with the full financial picture by delivering recurring and ad hoc financial reports, schedules, and analyses that support management and firmwide decision-making.
• Maintain complete supporting documentation for financial statements, audits, tax filings, and other compliance requirements.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of the firm's payroll by reviewing, reconciling, and approving payroll-related activity and accounts on a recurring basis in coordination with the firm's payroll provider.
• Manage tax compliance activities with external tax advisers, including preparing schedules, responding to information requests, and reviewing related filings and accounting entries.

What You Will Bring

• Demonstrated record of continuous improvement, intellectual curiosity, and accountability; willing to adapt to new workflows, seek out feedback, identify opportunities for improvement, implement solutions, and take thoughtful risks that enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Strong Excel skills, including the ability to structure data to get the most out of a spreadsheet, and a track record of experimenting with tools for data analysis and reporting that improve accuracy, workflow efficiency, and understanding of the data; experience with accounting systems such as Deltek Vision or Vantagepoint is a plus.
• Working knowledge of accounting principles, including debits and credits, general ledger accounting, accruals, financial statements, and GAAP and cash-basis accounting. Understanding of monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting cycles.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently; ability to anticipate issues, explore options, and recommend practical solutions.
• Sound professional judgment and an understanding of how accounting work supports project performance and firm operations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial audiences; strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• CPA designation, progress toward certification, or comparable advanced accounting experience is a plus.

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, with a concentration in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of professional experience in accounting. Experience in A/E/C industry is a plus

Benefits

GGLO offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, professional growth, and overall experience at work. Employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision coverage is provided up to 100% for employees, along with life and disability insurance, an FSA, commuter benefits, a retirement plan with discretionary match, a transit subsidy, a minimum of two weeks of vacation, and nine paid holidays.

You will work from our award-winning, self-designed studio in downtown Seattle—a workplace designed to the highest standards of sustainability, wellness, and inclusivity using LEED and WELL Building principles. The studio is designed to support collaboration, neurodiversity, and an equitable workplace experience. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team in a collaborative studio environment, with flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.

Additional benefits include access to an on-site fitness gym, locker and shower rooms, and day-use bike room, as well as certification and licensure renewals sponsorship and weekly Lunch and Learns that support continued professional development.

About GGLO

GGLO is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive, collaborative team that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We believe great design is strengthened by diverse perspectives and that creating meaningful, high-quality places has a positive impact on people and the world around us. We foster a workplace where every individual is respected, supported, and empowered to do their best work. Employment decisions are made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process may contact Human Resources at HR-Team@gglo.com. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all applicants and employees.