What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bookkeeper & Financial Specialist position at Cogent Talent Solutions?
POSITION OVERVIEW
Job Title: Bookkeeper & Financial Specialist
Reports To: President
Job Summary: The Bookkeeper & Financial Specialist of a contractor holds a vital role, overseeing the financial actions of the company. This position involves strategic planning, risk management, record-keeping, and financial reporting to enhance the company's financial health and stability. Here are the roles and responsibilities:
\n- Act as liaison to prospective and current clients or 3rd party owners for any financial issues or reporting.
- Serves as a resource for assisting project team questions / concerns, including office, field and shop regarding financial or accounting concerns or clarifications.
- Communicate professionally, effectively, and within a timely manner with prospective and current clients and staff. Available via phone, email or in person meetings.
Financial Leadership and Strategy:
- Advises the Leadership key members of senior management on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, investment priorities, and policy matters.
- Serves as a key member of the executive leadership team, participating in pivotal decisions regarding project financing and corporate governance.
Financial Planning and Analysis:
- Oversee budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow for construction projects, administration, and the organization at large.
- Conducts profitability analysis of the company to ensure financial prudence and efficiency.
- Implement rigorous systems to develop controls and monitor for effectiveness.
- Analyzes industry trends and the company’s financial data to forecast future financial conditions and develop proactive strategies.
Financial Reporting and Compliance:
- Ensures timely and accurate reporting of all financial transactions and performance metrics to the company’s owners and external entities such as the bond company, bank loans or project pre-qualifications.
- Oversee the preparation of all financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and statements of cash flows.
- Coordinates with external auditors and legal departments to meet audit requirements and address findings.
Capital Management and Investment Decisions:
- In conjunction with the Stakeholders, manages the company’s capital structure, determining the best mix of debt, equity, and internal financing to fund corporate activities.
- Oversee the company’s fiscal activities.
Internal Controls and Efficiency:
- In conjunction with the Stakeholders, establishes and maintains robust internal controls to manage and reduce financial risks.
- Streamlines accounting processes and financial management systems to increase efficiency and accuracy.
- Implements technology solutions for financial operations, improving data analytics and real-time financial reporting capabilities.
- Reviews and improves financial and operational systems to enhance performance metrics across the company.
Financial Recording and Reporting:
- Maintains accurate records of all financial transactions related to construction projects and general company finances.
- Prepare financial reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, to provide a clear view of the company’s financial status.
- Ensures that all financial reporting complies with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and industry regulations.
Budget Management:
- Coordinates with the Owners in preparing detailed budgets for the overall company budget.
- Provides regular budget reports and financial forecasts to help management make informed decisions.
Payroll and Expenses:
- Oversee the payroll process, ensuring that all employees are paid accurately and on time.
- Manages reimbursement procedures for expenses incurred by project teams and company staff.
- Ensures accurate classification and recording of all payroll and expense transactions.
- Supports company compensation and benefits programs from a financial input standpoint.
- Review monthly expense reports for company credit cards and provide validations/approvals.
Tax Compliance:
- Coordinate with outside accounting firms to prepare and file all required tax returns accurately and on time, including federal, state, payroll, corporate, and sales tax, where applicable.
- Keeps up to date with tax laws and regulations to ensure full compliance.
- Works with tax consultants and auditors as needed to handle audits and complex tax matters.
- Ensure all real estate and building property taxes are accurately and timely paid.
Accounts Receivable and Payable Management:
- Manages the accounts receivable process to ensure timely collection of payments from clients.
- Ensure project monthly progress billings are submitted accurately by job costing by the deadline dates.
- Oversee and manage AR retainage for accurate and timely projections and to ensure it does affect AR aging.
- Oversee the accounts payable process to ensure timely payment to suppliers, subcontractors, and other vendors, maintaining good relationships and credit terms.
- Reconciles both accounts regularly to maintain accurate financial records.
Cash Flow Management:
- Monitors and analyzes the company’s cash flow, ensuring sufficient funds are available for ongoing projects and operations.
- Manages banking relationships and arranges for necessary financing or credit facilities as required.
- Implement effective cash management strategies to optimize liquidity and reduce financial costs.
- Utilizes the appropriate BMT-CMS tools to ensure accuracy, timing and decision making of cash flow with the President.
Internal Controls and Audit:
- Develops and maintains an effective system of internal controls to safeguard the company’s assets and ensure the integrity of its financial data.
- Coordinates with external auditors during annual audits to provide necessary documentation and explanations regarding financial reports and practices.
- Identifies potential areas of financial risk and implements preventive measures.
Financial Analysis and Decision Support:
- In conjunction with the owners, conducts financial analysis to assess the profitability, efficiency, and cash flow of various projects.
- Provides detailed financial insights and recommendations to management to aid in decision-making regarding project financing, investments, and other business operations.
- Evaluates financial implications of contracts and agreements, advising management on financial planning and risk management.
- Populate and manage WIP schedules monthly.
- Updates and utilizes additional financial tools (overhead absorption, break-even, labor burden, budget) to ensure accuracy, timing and decision making of financial data.