What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Accountant position at Upchurch?
Company Overview
Upchurch is a rapidly growing, full-service building engineering company providing mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services across the southeastern United States. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Horn Lake, MS, Upchurch has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, establishing a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and service excellence. We offer end-to-end solutions—from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and emergency support—helping clients maximize building performance, energy efficiency, and equipment lifespan.
Position Summary
The Staff Accountant is responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial operations of the construction organization. This role ensures accurate financial reporting, effective cost controls, compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements, and strong internal controls across multiple construction projects. The Controller works closely with executive leadership, project managers, and operations teams to support profitable project execution and informed business decisions.
Key Responsibilities
Upchurch Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Upchurch is a rapidly growing, full-service building engineering company providing mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services across the southeastern United States. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Horn Lake, MS, Upchurch has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, establishing a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and service excellence. We offer end-to-end solutions—from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and emergency support—helping clients maximize building performance, energy efficiency, and equipment lifespan.
Position Summary
The Staff Accountant is responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial operations of the construction organization. This role ensures accurate financial reporting, effective cost controls, compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements, and strong internal controls across multiple construction projects. The Controller works closely with executive leadership, project managers, and operations teams to support profitable project execution and informed business decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with day-to-day accounting activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger entries.
- Support job cost accounting by reviewing, coding, and posting project-related costs.
- Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
- Prepare and reconcile balance sheet accounts and bank reconciliations.
- Assist with preparation of work-in-progress (WIP) schedules and cost reports.
- Support progress billings, retainage tracking, and change order accounting
- Maintain accurate and organized financial and project documentation.
- Assist with sales tax, use tax, and other compliance reporting as required.
- Respond to internal inquiries from project teams regarding costs and financial data.
- Support audits and reviews by preparing schedules and documentation.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 1–3 years of accounting experience; construction industry experience preferred but not required.
- Basic understanding of GAAP and general accounting principles.
- Familiarity with job cost accounting concepts is a plus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Ability to work in a deadline-driven, project-based environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with construction accounting software (SAGE and BuildOps preferred).
- Exposure to WIP reporting and percentage-of-completion accounting (preferred).
- Primarily office-based with occasional visits to project sites.
- Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Paid time off and holiday pay.
- Opportunities for professional development and certification assistance.
Upchurch Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.