Construction Cost Accounting Manager

Overview

The Construction Cost Accounting Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the continued increased valuation of the company by overseeing the construction project accounting, cost accounting and asset capitalization processes, and providing analytical insights to support business decision-making. This role involves managing cost accounting for construction telecommunication fiber installation projects, and the associated creation of capital fixed assets. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

 

Reports To:               Vice President of Finance/Controller

Department:               Finance

Job Status:                Exempt

Responsibilities:

Project / Cost Accounting

• Monitor and control costs for fiber network construction and customer installation projects to ensure alignment with financial objectives and budgets.
• Conduct regular financial analysis to identify variances and recommend corrective action.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and other departments to track Construction in Progress (CIP) from planning through execution, capitalizing CIP at the completion of the project.
• Provide financial guidance and support to project teams.
• Prepare and present financial reports to senior management, project managers, and stakeholders.
• Identify financial risks related to projects and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Evaluate financial implications of changes in project scope or timelines.
   

Capital / Fixed Asset Accounting

• Track and monitor company-owned assets from initial purchase throughout the asset life cycle including all additions, adjustments, disposals and/or transfers.
• Ensure accuracy of the asset specific information such as in service date, location, quantity, cost, disposal date, etc.
• Track Company's capital spending in relation to its budget, as well as management authorizations.
• Monitor cash flow related to capital fixed asset additions.
• Perform annual physical of fixed assets.
• Develop and implement financial processes and systems to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Continuously improve capital fixed asset accounting practices and procedures.
• Train and mentor accounting staff on capital fixed asset accounting best practices.

Compliance and Audit

• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and internal controls.
• Coordinate with auditors during financial audits and provide support for fixed asset related inquiries.
• Stay updated on changes in accounting regulations and industry trends related to capital accounting.
   

Grant Accounting / Compliance

• Maintain post award grant files including grant awards, budgets, project cost summaries and all necessary supporting documentation.
• Run internal reports throughout the grant lifecycle to ensure data accuracy, adequate progress compared to spend, and performance.
• Provide support in periodic state/federal compliance audits.

Process Improvement

• Identify inefficiencies in the cost accounting and capital accounting processes and recommend improvements or automation solutions.

Leverage technology tools and systems to optimize capital fixed asset accounting processes and enhance reporting capabilities.
 

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or related field. MBA, CPA and/or CMA designation is a plus.
• Proven experience (5 years) in cost accounting, capital accounting, financial analysis, or related roles.
• Ability to work and excel in a highly collaborative team environment required.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and generate actionable insights.
• Solid understanding of accounting principles, financial regulations, and best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., NetSuite), Microsoft Excel, and other financial analysis tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Power Automate (robotic process automation) a significant plus
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and quality.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Experience with C.F.R Part 200, establishing uniform administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for Federal awards to non-Federal entities, is a plus.
• Experience with process improvement methodologies is a plus.

Requirements:

• Must be willing to take a drug test as part of the selection process.
• Must have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States.
• The position is based in Naperville, IL, with the expectation that the candidate will be on-site 4-5 days each week.
• Ability to travel to Surf’s offices throughout the region.

Salary : $95,000 - $105,000