Ralph Appelbaum Associates

Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA) is seeking a full-time, London- or Berlin-based Project Accountant to support the financial management of projects in our London and Berlin studios. The role reports directly to the Corporate Controller in the United States and works closely with project managers. Our London and Berlin studios work with museum and corporate clients across the UK and Europe.

The role is responsible for project setup, budget and forecast review, billing, consultant and vendor cost accounting, revenue recognition, receivables monitoring and financial reporting. The Project Accountant provides timely analysis to help teams manage budgets, margins and cash collection throughout the project lifecycle. Primary responsibility is for projects in London and Berlin, with support to New York as directed by the Corporate Controller.

This position requires attendance in the studio on a regular basis. Attendance days and flexible working arrangements will be determined by RAA according to studio and business needs and is dependent on which studio the selected candidate will be hired out of.

Nearly a half century ago, Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA) pioneered a new approach to learning in public. RAA is now the world’s largest practice dedicated to the planning and design of museums and narrative environments.

Today, we work on commissions of all sizes to use physical space as a medium for communication and dialogue. Our comprehensive creative and technical offerings uplift the missions and ideas of our clients. Past and current projects include many of the world’s most recognizable cultural attractions. Our studios are diverse and interdisciplinary: we draw together designers, architects, artists, historians, educators, media-makers, technologists, writers, and poets that are passionate about encouraging a mindful connection to the world around us.

Our work has been honored with every major award for design and communication, including the first-ever National Design Award for Communications Design. Connective and transformative experiences in public spaces are essential for individuals, communities, cities, and nations — now more than ever.

More than 75,000,000 people encounter our work every year.

• Set up projects in the accounting system using approved contracts, budgets, fee structures and billing terms, and maintain accurate project financial records
• Review budgets, staffing plans, and fee structures; compare actual costs with budgets and forecasts; provide analysis to help project managers manage approved budgets and profitability targets
• Monitor and record project costs, including consultant and subcontractor costs, prepayments and accruals, and reconcile supporting records to the general ledger
• Prepare project invoices in accordance with contractual billing terms and milestones, obtain project manager approval and issue approved invoices; monitor receivables and support collection of overdue balances with project managers and clients
• Record consultant, subcontractor, vendor and supplier invoices accurately; route invoices and payment requests through the project manager approval workflow and applicable RAA approval procedures
• Maintain financial records of approved contract amendments, change orders and fee adjustments, and reflect their impact in project budgets and forecasts
• Prepare monthly revenue recognition entries and schedules, including deferred revenue, unbilled revenue and work in progress where applicable, in accordance with RAA accounting policies and subject to Corporate Controller review
• Prepare timely project financial reports and month-end reconciliations, highlighting budget variances, margin risks and billing or collection issues to project managers and the Corporate Controller
• Prepare and submit UK VAT returns following Corporate Controller review, maintaining supporting reconciliations and documentation
• Coordinate with local tax advisers on VAT compliance documentation for Berlin
• Administer, reconcile and post company credit card transactions and employee expense reports, and review and post timesheet entries for accurate project cost allocation

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline
• 2–5 years of experience as a Project Accountant or in a comparable accounting role
• Proficiency in Deltek Vision or Deltek Vantagepoint
• Demonstrated experience in project invoicing, billing, cost reporting and revenue recognition
• Advanced proficiency in general ledger accounting, journal entries and account reconciliations
• Practical knowledge of UK VAT return preparation, VAT documentation for German projects, and cross-border invoicing
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for financial analysis and reconciliations
• Proficiency in Google Workspace
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial controls, with attention to accuracy and supporting documentation
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with project managers, clients and colleagues across studios
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken English
• Written and spoken German proficiency at a minimum of C1, sufficient to review contracts, invoices and financial information
• Excellent problem solving and negotiating skills
• Excellent time and task management and organisational skills
• Ability to work independently and within teams
• Ability to work efficiently across a wide range of activities and projects

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Working knowledge of German architectural and exhibition-design fee frameworks, including HOAI and HOAS, and relevant construction and procurement contract terms affecting project accounting and billing
• Working knowledge of the RIBA Plan of Work and its relationship to project planning, fee structures and billing milestones
• A professional accounting qualification, such as CIMA, ACCA, ACA, CMA or equivalent, is preferred but not required
• Experience supporting multi-currency projects and cross-border billing across Europe

Qualified candidates will be contacted via email regarding our interview process. To apply for this role, please send a cover letter, CV, and portfolio to humanresources@raai.com.

RAA is an equal opportunity practice that is committed to furthering diversity and inclusion in our studio. RAA does not discriminate in employment or access to its programs or activities on the basis of: race; color; creed; religion; gender; gender identity or expression; sex; sexual orientation; national origin or ancestry; citizenship status; health or genetic information; age; marital status; mental or physical disability; pregnancy; political affiliation; arrest record; past, present, or future service in the uniformed services; or any other legally protected status. Our policy of non-discrimination applies to all personnel practices, including, but not limited to, recruitment, project assignments, professional development, compensation, or any other employment practice. We strongly encourage women, people of color, and candidates from other underrepresented communities to apply.