Project Finance Associate

Position Summary:

The Project Finance Associate serves as a vital link between internal Finance and Client Facing Teams, fostering collaborative efforts to guarantee the consistent, high-quality execution of project-related financial and contractual activities. Operating in alignment with Duke CE policies and procedures, this role meticulously ensures that these matters are handled with precision, timeliness, and a dedicated commitment to compliance. Through proactive engagement, the associate offers indispensable support to client teams by managing and maintaining project financials, thus contributing significantly to the overall success and financial integrity of projects undertaken.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Owns and nurtures relationships with client groups to ensure that we are acquiring the timely and accurate data required by the business.
• Assists with the maintenance of invoicing schedules with client teams; follows up on the issuing of client invoices for fees and expenses in a timely and accurate manner.
• Utilizes standard reports (unbilled revenue, expenses) to advise client teams on actions required to ensure timely and accurate financial management of projects.
• Regularly reviews projects in D365 with the client-facing team to ensure that project data is complete and accurate.
• Maintains strong relationships with Accounting, Contracting, and Tax & Regulatory functions and knows when to consult with the appropriate party.
• Monitors appropriate client and educator contracts to ensure these are completed, signed, and on file accurately and in a timely fashion.
• Is a power user of financial and business systems, including D365 and Epicor.
• Identify and communicate potential financial issues to the Finance Team prior to initiating action.
• Engages with project audits.
• Assists Finance team with PowerPoint slides and other reporting.
• Performs other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

Position Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Basic knowledge and understanding of accounting and financial principles.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with experience using advanced functions such as pivot tables, lookups, etc.
• Exposure to ERP systems (i.e. SAP, Oracle, Solomon); expsoure to D365 and Epicor an advantage.
• Ability to anticipate, identify, resolve and effectively communicate complex financial issues.
• Must have problem-solving and project management skills.
• Must have a well-developed sense of urgency and follow-through.
• Must be detail oriented with the ability to see how details relate to the big picture.
• Must have excellent customer service, communication and interpersonal skills appropriate for a global, culturally sensitive environment.
• Must be able to work independently with limited supervision; takes full ownership of assigned responsibilities and seeks out new opportunities rather than waiting to be asked.
• Must be able to communicate effectively across functions and/or geographies within the organization.
• Must be able to work flexible hours to meet the demands of a global accounting function, which may require early mornings, late evenings, or an occasional weekend or holiday.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment that experiences frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Ability to think critically; is comfortable asking questions and "pushing back" to challenge the status quo in a respectful and productive manner.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in finance, accounting, business or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of 2 years experience with fundamental project management, budgeting, professional services/consulting, project financial analysis, or financial concepts.
• Demonstrated experience accurately analyzing financial reports and presenting results and recommendations, as appropriate, to stakeholders.