Construction accountant

Position summary

The construction accountant is responsible for managing the financial health of multiple construction projects, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting for management and project teams. This role demands meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and expertise in construction-specific financial procedures. 

Key responsibilities

• Project financial management: Set up and maintain project budgets, cost codes, and contracts. Track commitments, change orders, and actual costs against the budget.
• Cost analysis and control: Analyze project-related expenses, including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors, to ensure accurate tracking. Generate cost reports and investigate significant variances.
• Billing and receivables: Prepare and submit monthly progress billings, often in AIA format. Track accounts receivable and manage collections to ensure timely payments.
• Accounts payable: Process and review vendor and subcontractor invoices, matching them against purchase orders and ensuring proper documentation, including lien waivers.
• Financial reporting: Prepare comprehensive financial statements and reports, such as Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules, income statements, and cash flow statements.
• Payroll: Manage construction-specific payroll requirements, such as certified payroll for government contracts, union rules, and prevailing wage regulations.
• Compliance and auditing: Ensure all financial activities comply with accounting principles (GAAP), company policies, and industry regulations. Prepare documentation for internal and external audits.
• Cash flow management: Forecast cash flow needs for current and future projects to ensure sufficient liquidity.
• Stakeholder collaboration: Act as a financial liaison between project managers, clients, subcontractors, and vendors. 

Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Experience: 3 years of experience in accounting, with specific experience in the construction industry.
• Software skills: Proficiency with construction-specific accounting software such as Sage 300 Construction and Viewpoint, Spectrum or Procore. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential.
• Specialized knowledge: Deep understanding of construction cost accounting, including job costing, percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, and contract types.
• Other skills: Excellent analytical, organizational, and time-management skills. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. 

Work environment

• Schedule: Primarily works standard business hours in an office setting. However, extended hours may be required to meet month-end or project-specific deadlines.
• Travel: Occasional travel to project sites may be necessary for financial review meetings or to gain a better understanding of project operations