Construction Accountant

Position Summary

The Construction Accountant is responsible for the financial tracking, reporting, and analysis of site development, earthwork, utility, and hauling/trucking projects, with a focus on accurate job costing, revenue recognition, and financial controls. This role supports field operations and company leadership by providing timely financial insights that protect project profitability and support operational decision-making.

This position is responsible for managing day-to-day project accounting, job costing, and work-in-progress (WIP) accounting while supporting the continued growth and maturity of the finance function. Over time, this role is expected to assume greater ownership of the accounts payable, accounts receivable, and month-end close processes.

Reporting Relationships

The Construction Accountant reports to the President or designated financial leader.

This position partners closely with Field Operations, Estimating, Project Management, and Dispatch to ensure accurate job costing, milestone tracking, and customer billing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Project Financial Management

• Prepare, maintain, and review job cost reports for construction projects, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Track labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor costs, and overhead allocations by project.
• Monitor project budgets versus actual costs, identify variances, and communicate issues to management.
• Confirm project milestones with Project Managers, Superintendents, or Foremen before billing.
• Coordinate financial questions related to scope, milestones, and billing with customers, owners, or general contractors.
• Prepare and submit progress billings/pay applications in accordance with project contracts and schedules of values.
• Review owner or general contractor payments to ensure they align with completed work and approved billings.
• Verify compliance with contractual requirements and financial controls.
• Assist in developing and maintaining cost-to-complete estimates throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure proper coding and classification of project transactions within the accounting system.

2. Billing & Revenue Recognition

• Prepare customer billings in accordance with contract terms, including progress billing, milestone billing, retainage, and change orders.
• Review contracts, approved change orders, and additional work prior to invoicing.
• Coordinate with Field Operations and Estimating to verify milestone completion and billing accuracy.
• Record revenue using percentage-of-completion or other accepted accounting methods in accordance with GAAP.

3. Accounts Receivable & Collections

• Monitor project-related accounts receivable and follow up on outstanding invoices.
• Process customer payments and ensure accurate application within the accounting system.
• Work with operations personnel and customers to resolve billing discrepancies.
• Reconcile accounts receivable balances and investigate variances.
• Review aging reports and coordinate collection efforts with management.
• Process necessary adjustments or write-offs with appropriate approvals.
• Ensure timely submission of lien waivers, conditional releases, and other required project documentation.

4. Accounts Payable & Cash Disbursements

• Review vendor and subcontractor invoices for accuracy, completeness, and proper coding.
• Assist with invoice approval workflows and timely payment processing.
• Prepare subcontractor compliance documentation, including lien waivers when applicable.
• Reconcile vendor and subcontractor balances.
• Reconcile accounts payable balances to vendor statements within established month-end timelines.

5. Reporting & Analysis

• Produce timely and accurate weekly and monthly project financial reports for leadership.
• Prepare project cost forecasts and profit margin analyses, identifying financial risks and opportunities.
• Assist in preparing monthly financial reporting packages, including budget-to-actual variance analyses.
• Support leadership with financial modeling and ad hoc reporting as requested.

6. Month-End Close Activities

• Complete month-end accounting activities related to project accounting.
• Reconcile work-in-progress (WIP), fixed assets, and other project-related accounts.
• Review and reconcile project overhead allocations and accruals.
• Prepare revenue recognition and project-related journal entries.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies.

7. Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain organized and auditable project documentation, including contracts, change orders, estimates, billing records, and correspondence.
• Support internal and external audits by providing requested financial documentation.
• Maintain internal controls and recommend process improvements to strengthen compliance.

8. Collaboration & Support

• Serve as the accounting liaison for Field Operations, Estimating, Project Management, and Dispatch.
• Provide guidance on job costing, billing procedures, and financial controls.
• Participate in regular finance and operational meetings to provide financial updates and project performance insights.

9. Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain and optimize the company's accounting software and project cost tracking tools.
• Recommend improvements to accounting workflows, reporting processes, and financial controls.
• Assist with implementation of new accounting systems, software modules, or reporting tools as the organization grows.

Competencies

• Working knowledge of construction job costing, work-in-progress (WIP) accounting, and percentage-of-completion revenue recognition.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
• High attention to detail and ability to meet month-end deadlines.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred. Equivalent construction accounting experience may be considered.
• Minimum of two years of construction or job-cost accounting experience preferred.
• Experience with accounting software such as QuickBooks Online or similar ERP/accounting systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills preferred.