What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Accountant - Pittsburgh position at Higley Construction?
About The Company – Celebrating 100 Years Of Building Community
Higley Construction is one of the most experienced and respected construction firms in the region. This year, we proudly celebrate 100 years in business — a century defined by our unwavering dedication to our core values: people, ethics, respect, commitment, and excellence. Since 1925, we’ve helped our clients bring their goals and visions to life, always guided by honesty, integrity, and mutual respect.
At Higley Construction, we build more than buildings — we build trust, relationships, and communities. From the offices where you work, to the schools where you learn, and the hospitals where you heal, we create environments where people can live, work, and thrive. With every project, we go beyond bricks and mortar to connect people and place, delivering spaces that stand the test of time. We bring the same care and commitment to our team, offering a supportive, values-driven workplace where employees are empowered to grow, contribute, and succeed—both personally and professionally.
Position Overview
Higley Construction is seeking a Project Accountant to join our team. Reporting to the Regional Vice President, with accountability to the Vice President of Finance and Administration, this role plays a critical part in overseeing the financial management of construction projects. The Project Accountant will be responsible for financial analysis, compliance, risk management, and process improvements, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of project financials.
Responsibilities
As part of your employment with Higley Construction, an initial pre-employment drug and alcohol test is required. This is followed by company-wide annual and random drug and alcohol testing for all employees for the duration of your employment. Higley Construction prohibits employees from being under the influence of substances such as drugs or alcohol during work hours. Higley Construction is dedicated to the Safety of all individuals in our offices and our job sites.
Job Requirements
The following outlines the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Activities
This role may require climbing ladders and scaffolding, riding in mobile elevated work platforms at heights of up to 80 feet, and entering and working in confined or tight spaces. It involves remaining in a stationary position—standing or sitting—for extended periods, as well as frequent movement between tasks or worksites, including walking on snow-covered or icy surfaces. The position requires lifting or adjusting objects, including weights ranging from 30 to 50 pounds without difficulty, as well as performing repetitive motions involving the hands, wrists, or fingers. Use of hands and arms to handle tools, equipment, and materials is frequent, and tasks may involve operating spray test equipment, construction site tools, power tools, machinery, and heavy equipment. Employees must be able to wear fall protection gear and respiratory protection.
Environmental Conditions
Work may take place in a variety of environmental conditions, including exposure to high and low temperatures, inclement weather such as rain, wind, and snow, and getting wet during specific tasks. The role may also involve working in dusty environments, areas with extreme noise, poor ventilation, and small or enclosed spaces. In some instances, no adverse environmental conditions are expected.
This list of job requirements is subject to change at any time due to the needs of the business.
Higley Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Higley Construction is strongly committed to a workplace that is free of discrimination for all employees and candidates. It is the policy and practice that Higley Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and candidates for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex, or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, socio-economic status, age, disability, physical and mental ability, genetic information, service in the military, or any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.
Notice to Recruiters & Agencies: Higley Construction does not accept unsolicited resumes from Recruiters or Agencies. Do not send resumes to our jobs alias, website, or employees. We are not responsible for agency or recruiting fees unless we specifically request those services in writing and will treat unsolicited resumes as Higley Construction property.
Higley Construction is one of the most experienced and respected construction firms in the region. This year, we proudly celebrate 100 years in business — a century defined by our unwavering dedication to our core values: people, ethics, respect, commitment, and excellence. Since 1925, we’ve helped our clients bring their goals and visions to life, always guided by honesty, integrity, and mutual respect.
At Higley Construction, we build more than buildings — we build trust, relationships, and communities. From the offices where you work, to the schools where you learn, and the hospitals where you heal, we create environments where people can live, work, and thrive. With every project, we go beyond bricks and mortar to connect people and place, delivering spaces that stand the test of time. We bring the same care and commitment to our team, offering a supportive, values-driven workplace where employees are empowered to grow, contribute, and succeed—both personally and professionally.
Position Overview
Higley Construction is seeking a Project Accountant to join our team. Reporting to the Regional Vice President, with accountability to the Vice President of Finance and Administration, this role plays a critical part in overseeing the financial management of construction projects. The Project Accountant will be responsible for financial analysis, compliance, risk management, and process improvements, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of project financials.
Responsibilities
- Review client contract analysis to determine billing deadlines, payments terms, billable and non-reimbursable expenses, agreements for insurance and fee billings and approved staff and/or trade labor billing rates.
- Lead client review meetings to establish approved billing formats and ensure alignment with contractual requirements.
- Lead the review meeting with the Project Manager at subcontractors kick off meetings to review the billing process.
- Collaborate with Project Managers to develop and maintain accurate cash flow projections and financial forecasts.
- Work with Project Managers in the preparation, review, and administration of contracts, subcontracts, and change orders.
- Proactively identify financial risks and recommend cost-saving strategies to improve project efficiency.
- Oversee the preparation and compliance of Sworn Statements and Lien Waivers in alignment with contract obligations.
- Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency and accuracy in project accounting and operations.
- Manage the project financial closeout with Project Managers ensuring all contractual and financial documentation is completed before issuing final payments.
- Participate in monthly and quarterly project financial reviews to assess progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Provide training and mentorship to team members and Project Managers on financial procedures and system functionalities.
- Collaborate with external clients and internal teams to resolve any billing or financial discrepancies.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Ability to lead financial discussions with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong analytical skills to assess financial risks and cost efficiencies.
- Advanced knowledge of construction accounting and project financials.
- Proven ability to improve processes for better efficiency and accuracy.
- Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
- Effective communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to complete duties and make decisions independently.
- Collaborates with others in a team environment when necessary.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word).
- Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
- Knowledge of GAAP accounting principles.
- Previous experience with job costing, journal entries, variance reporting, and reconciliations.
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, mathematics, or a related field.
- Experience in leading financial processes and client interactions in a project-based environment.
- At least 3-5 years of experience preferred in a related field.
- 25 days of Paid Time Off
- 9 Paid Holidays
- Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
- Health/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
- 401k Contributions/Match
- Life Insurance/AD&D
- Employee Assistance Program
- Volunteer Time Off & Gift Match Program
- Paid Birthday Leave
- Paid Family Leave
- Short & Long Term Disability
- Years of Service Awards
- $1,500 Referral Bonus
- Capability for up to 16 hours / week of remote work.
- Casual Friday Policy
- Cell Phone Reimbursement
- Apparel Allowance
As part of your employment with Higley Construction, an initial pre-employment drug and alcohol test is required. This is followed by company-wide annual and random drug and alcohol testing for all employees for the duration of your employment. Higley Construction prohibits employees from being under the influence of substances such as drugs or alcohol during work hours. Higley Construction is dedicated to the Safety of all individuals in our offices and our job sites.
Job Requirements
The following outlines the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Activities
This role may require climbing ladders and scaffolding, riding in mobile elevated work platforms at heights of up to 80 feet, and entering and working in confined or tight spaces. It involves remaining in a stationary position—standing or sitting—for extended periods, as well as frequent movement between tasks or worksites, including walking on snow-covered or icy surfaces. The position requires lifting or adjusting objects, including weights ranging from 30 to 50 pounds without difficulty, as well as performing repetitive motions involving the hands, wrists, or fingers. Use of hands and arms to handle tools, equipment, and materials is frequent, and tasks may involve operating spray test equipment, construction site tools, power tools, machinery, and heavy equipment. Employees must be able to wear fall protection gear and respiratory protection.
Environmental Conditions
Work may take place in a variety of environmental conditions, including exposure to high and low temperatures, inclement weather such as rain, wind, and snow, and getting wet during specific tasks. The role may also involve working in dusty environments, areas with extreme noise, poor ventilation, and small or enclosed spaces. In some instances, no adverse environmental conditions are expected.
This list of job requirements is subject to change at any time due to the needs of the business.
Higley Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Higley Construction is strongly committed to a workplace that is free of discrimination for all employees and candidates. It is the policy and practice that Higley Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and candidates for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex, or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, socio-economic status, age, disability, physical and mental ability, genetic information, service in the military, or any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.
Notice to Recruiters & Agencies: Higley Construction does not accept unsolicited resumes from Recruiters or Agencies. Do not send resumes to our jobs alias, website, or employees. We are not responsible for agency or recruiting fees unless we specifically request those services in writing and will treat unsolicited resumes as Higley Construction property.
Salary : $1,500
