What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Accountant position at Merrill Steel?
Company Information
Merrill Steel is a large-scale market leader in structural steel and heavy plate fabrication with the ability to apply sophisticated paint and fireproofing coatings. The Merrill Steel umbrella encompasses Engineering/Design, Drafting, Manufacturing, Coatings and Delivery via our own workforce and equipment, which ensures the best price and on-time performance all within our control. All manufacturing is completed in our four production facilities - Schofield, WI, Springfield, MO and Camanche, Iowa and new in 2025 Osceola,AR Merrill Steel is made up of approximately 575 nonunion employees.
Merrill Steel is a family business that was founded in 1962 by Roger H. Hinner. The company has grown and prospered over the years, serving the nation’s structural steel needs for companies such as in automotive, with Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Volvo; stadiums and arenas, such as Lambeau Field (Packers), Miller Park (Brewers), the Resch Center, Camp Randall Stadium (Wisconsin Badgers), Soldier Field, U.S. Bank Stadium (Vikings), Kansas City Wizards Stadium, Churchill Downs, Mercedes Benz Stadium, Citizens Bank Park, and the University of Notre Dame; and LNG, Power, and Industrial markets, with projects such as Cove Point (LNG), Mitsubishi(Industrial), Keeyask (Hydro) and Four Corners (Power/Plate).
Position Summary:
Reporting directly to the Vice President of Finance, the position acts as a liaison between Operations and Accounting and aligns with the goals and growth of Merrill Steel.
Personal Characteristics:
Certain personal characteristics, which are inherent and difficult to teach, are necessary for long-term success in this role. These include:
- Technical Writing Skills – This person must have good technical writing skills and be able to communicate technical information concisely.
- Pride in our Work - The products Merrill Steel employees produce and the projects we build are pretty amazing. The person in this role must appreciate that and be passionate about the nature of work we perform.
- Attention to Timelines – In this role, attention to the detail of timelines is critical. The incumbent in this position needs to be the type of person who is naturally well organized and keeps track of even the smallest details.
- Self-Starter – This person must be self-motivated and naturally inclined to get things done without reminders and promptings.
- Good Communicator (written and verbal) – This person must be a natural communicator, with the ability to influence, develop relationships, and follow up as needed.
- Not Afraid of Conflict – This person must feel comfortable having what some might perceive as difficult conversations. High skill in this area allows one to work smoothly and tactfully through these conversations and.
Key Responsibilities:
- Upon Job Award, set up new contract and job cost budget in Vista.
- Attention to detail.
- Time management
- Intermediate to advanced experience working in Excel.
- Good communication skills
- Self-motivated
- Problem solving
- Enter subcontract invoices into Vista and code them correctly – making sure that we do not overpay anyone and that all vendors get paid on time.
- Monitor subcontracts to ensure that we have signed subcontract documents and certificates of insurance so that they comply in Vista.
- Post job invoice accruals monthly.
- Enter project budgets into Vista and monitor expenses on each project.
- Work closely with the project managers and PM Assistants to create monthly invoices that get sent to our customers.
- Create a schedule of values.
- Provide customer with invoice cover sheet, PO Acknowledgement backup, sworn statements, etc. (each project is specific)
- Collect lien waivers from subcontractors monthly.
- Monitor payments from customers on the projects.
- Once a job is complete, make sure subcontracts on the project are left with zero cost and closed out in Vista.
- Intercompany shipping invoice – monitor transit invoices to make sure they get posted in the correct month, and location.
- Participate in project financial meetings.
- Review turnover documents to understand the basis of the project.
- Attend turnover meeting and ask all necessary questions to fully understand project requirements with regards to Sales/use tax, Letter of Credit requirements, Insurance requirements, Retention, payment terms, Lien rights, Minority participation requirements, etc.
Skills, Abilities, and Experience:
- Associate’s degree in accounting or finance preferred.
- Fabrication experience helpful
- Must be able to perform detail orientated and accurate work.
- Must be flexible and be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
- Must have knowledge of contract language and apply this to each project.
- Proficiency in Excel (advanced formulas required), Outlook and StruMIS required.
- Proficiency in Viewpoint/Vista needed.
- Must have a solid understanding of shop fabrication practices, such as cutting, welding, painting, loading, shipping.
If you're ready to make an impact in the fabricated steel industry and grow your career as a Project Accountant at Merrill Steel, we invite you to apply today!
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health savings account
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person