What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Accountant position at Consolidated Electrical Contractors?
Staff Accountant
Department: Administrative Department
Reports To: Controller
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Lansing, MI 48906
Position Summary
The Staff Accountant is responsible for supporting the day-to-day accounting operations of the company, ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining compliance with accounting standards, and assisting with the financial management of electrical construction projects. This role works closely with project managers, payroll, accounts payable, and executive leadership to provide timely and accurate financial information that supports operational and strategic decision-making.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
General Accounting
- Prepare and post journal entries and account reconciliations.
- Maintain general ledger accounts and ensure accuracy of financial records.
- Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes.
- Reconcile bank accounts, credit card accounts, and other balance sheet accounts.
- Prepare financial reports and supporting schedules.
Construction & Job Cost Accounting
- Monitor project costs and assist with maintaining accurate job cost records.
- Review project labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and overhead costs.
- Support project managers with budget-to-actual analyses.
- Assist with work-in-progress (WIP) reporting and revenue recognition.
- Track retainage receivables and payables.
- Ensure proper coding of expenses to jobs and general ledger accounts.
Accounts Payable & Receivable Support
- Review invoices and payment applications for accuracy and proper approval.
- Assist with vendor payment processing and subcontractor compliance documentation.
- Monitor accounts receivable aging and support collection efforts.
- Reconcile customer billings with project records.
Payroll & Compliance
- Assist with payroll processing and payroll account reconciliations.
- Support prevailing wage, certified payroll, and multi-state payroll compliance requirements.
- Prepare reports for union agreements, benefits, and payroll audits as required.
- Support annual audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting.
Reporting & Analysis
- Prepare monthly financial statements and management reports.
- Analyze variances and identify trends impacting profitability.
- Assist with cash flow forecasting and budgeting activities.
- Develop and maintain financial dashboards and key performance metrics.
Internal Controls & Process Improvement
- Maintain accounting procedures and internal controls.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and accuracy within accounting processes.
- Assist with the implementation and optimization of accounting and ERP systems.
Qualifications
Education
- Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
Experience
- 2-3 years of accounting experience required.
- Construction industry or electrical contracting experience strongly preferred.
- Experience with job cost accounting, WIP schedules, and construction revenue recognition preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting principles.
- Knowledge of construction accounting practices and project costing.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis.
- Experience with accounting/ERP software (Foundation, or similar systems preferred).
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across departments.
Physical Requirements
- Primarily office-based work requiring extended periods of sitting and computer use.
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry office materials up to 20 pounds.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
- Performance based bonuses
Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $50,000 - $60,000