Director of Accounting and Finance

Work Locations acceptable: Wilmington, NC

Position Summary:

Our client, an industry-leading heavy civil construction company, is hiring a Director of Accounting and Finance as part of their recent and project growth. Our client offers diverse construction services, including, but not limited to: heavy civil construction & infrastructure, general contracting, railroad construction and maintenance of way. The company provides comprehensive site development services including site prep, utilities, water, and sewer infrastructure.

This role reports to the Executive Vice President & CFO and will oversee a team of four full-time accounting professionals. The Director will be responsible for managing the accounting lifecycle—including A/P, A/R, payroll, general ledger, tax, vendor setup, reconciliations, payment registers and asset depreciation—as well as treasury and insurance functions. This role will have a focus on operational accuracy, process improvement, and team development.

This is a hands-on leadership role with high visibility, offering a unique opportunity to shape a critical function during a period of growth. Strong people leadership, process discipline, and proactive communication skills are essential.

This role demands a strategic thinker with a strong command of construction accounting practices, proficiency in job cost systems, and the ability to train and elevate team performance. The ideal candidate is a confident communicator, detail-oriented executor, and proactive problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced construction environment.

Absolute Minimum Must Have’s / Experience / Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree in Accounting. CPA desired.
• 7 years of progressive experience in construction (preferably civil/infrastructure) or project-based accounting
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, accounting operations, tax compliance, and depreciation.
• Demonstrated success in banking relationships, treasury, and insurance negotiation.
• Proven experience managing or mentoring accounting staff
• Experience with Job costing, General ledger ownership, Sales tax (accrual-based), Accounting software, Credit card reconciliation, W-9 / 1099
• Hands-on experience setting up and maintaining vendor ACH and new vendor onboarding
• Understanding of W-9s and 1099s
• Strong Excel and spreadsheet skills

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop the accounting team to support company growth
• Oversee all accounting processes: A/P, A/R, GL, payroll, and tax compliance
• Serve as key finance partner to the CFO, with direct visibility to the CEO.
• Maintain strong banking relationships and manage treasury activities including cash flow and liquidity planning.
• Oversee insurance policy negotiation for general liability, property & casualty, and health benefits.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage month-end and year-end close processes.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and coordinate with external auditors.
• Review and approve reconciliations, payment registers, sales tax filings, and project billing.
• Support depreciation schedules and fixed asset accounting.
• Maintain ACH/wire vendor onboarding and 1099 processes.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Provide backup support for AP/AR roles as needed.
• Assist with internal audits and special financial projects.
• Recommend improvements to accounting systems, tools, and procedures.