What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Accountant position at McAlvain Companies, Inc?
Role Overview:
We are seeking a detail-oriented Project Accountant to join our construction project team. In this role, you will manage the full financial lifecycle of assigned projects — from job cost budgeting and monthly cost audits to billings, collections, and change order management. You'll work closely with project teams, payroll, accounts payable, and project controls leadership to ensure accurate cost tracking, timely billing, and compliant project close-out. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives on accuracy, cross-team coordination, and keeping complex projects financially on track.
Responsibilities:
- Audit job costs monthly, identifying irregularities and presenting issues to the project team
- Perform job cost adjustments as necessary to keep project costs accurate
- Track committed costs and reconcile actuals against commitments
- Coordinate with payroll and accounts payable to ensure correct project charging
- Review monthly payment applications with the project team for accuracy and completeness
- Prepare and collect signatures on owner lien waivers
- Review subcontractor payment applications and lien waivers for accuracy and compliance
- Receive owner payments in the ERP and coordinate approval of associated job payables
- Prepare payment work files in the ERP based on vendor compliance and owner funding
- Review and interface monthly cost and revenue projections with the project team
- Review and interface owner change orders for accuracy and completeness prior to submission
- Review and interface subcontractor change orders for accuracy and completeness prior to submission
- Set up and maintain job cost budgets and schedules of values in the ERP per the standardized cost code structure
- Take initiative to complete project requirements, contributing to the team's success
- Ensure that important tasks and deadlines are achieved
- Support the project team through challenges and adversity that arise in the project life
Critical Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Time management and prioritization
- Attention to detail and organized
- Proficient use of Microsoft Office programs
- Ability to be resourceful and solve problems
- Curiosity and willingness to learn
Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance or an equivalent combination of education and related experience
- Two plus years of experience in accounting for a commercial construction company
- Working knowledge of the construction accounting life cycle
- Experience with Vista by Viewpoint is a plus, but not required