Construction Accounting Specialist
Patriot Fire Protection ‚Ä¢ Tacoma, Washington ‚Ä¢ Full Time ‚Ä¢ $50,000–$80,000 / year
Posted on Thu, Jul 23, 2026
About Us:
Since 1990, Patriot Fire Protection, Inc. has been an industry leader in fire prevention systems including design, fabrication, installation, maintenance, inspection and rapid response. With offices in Tacoma, Spokane, and Vancouver Washington, our mission is to provide the highest quality systems and services while protecting the lives and property of our customers. Learn more at www.patriotfire.com.
Why You'll Love This Role:
This is not a routine Accounting position. In this role, you’ll tackle varied elements of the accounting process from A/R to work orders, contract review, billings, and reporting. You’ll work closely with multiple divisions and gain hands-on experience with the complexities of construction accounting on the subcontractor level.
No two days are the same! One moment you may be reviewing a subcontract and preparing a complex billing package, and the next you’re generating a simple fixed price or time & materials invoice.
If you enjoy balancing detailed work with fast-paced tasks, problem-solving, and collaborating across teams, this role offers an excellent opportunity to grow your skills in a supportive, team-oriented environment.
What You'll Do:
Contract & Job Setup
- Review subcontract agreements to extract billing terms, retainage, and customer requirements, then accurately set up jobs in the accounting system
- Identify and organize required billing documentation (e.g., lien waivers, supporting documents, special billing instructions) in structured, audit-ready billing folders
Billing & Accounts Receivable
- Prepare, submit, and reconcile contract-based and quick-turn (fixed price or time & materials) billings in accordance with customer requirements
- Analyze and resolve billing discrepancies with customers and internal teams
Collections
- Own collections from invoice submission through payment received: billing isn’t done until we’re paid
- Monitor A/R aging and work past-due accounts through proactive calls and emails, tracking payment commitments while keeping customer relationships strong
- Research and clear payment barriers such as missing lien waivers, disputed amounts, compliance holds, and escalate stalled accounts with clear documentation and next steps
Collaboration & Growth
- Partner with project managers and division leaders to resolve billing and payment challenges
- Identify opportunities to improve billing processes; assist with special projects and cross-train across accounting functions
- As you grow, take on additional A/R functions such as cash application and lien processing
What We’re Looking For:
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED
- 3+ years of Accounting experience
- Experience reviewing contracts and working with detailed billing requirements
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong follow-up and the ability to prioritize multiple jobs and deadlines
- Confident communication skills for interacting with customers and internal teams
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and Google Suite
Preferred Qualifications
- Construction or subcontractor billing experience
- Familiarity with progress billing, retainage, or contract-based invoicing
- Experience with Viewpoint/Spectrum software
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field
Key Traits for Success
- Ability to interpret detailed documents and translate them into actionable steps
- Comfortable balancing structured processes with urgent, quick-turn requests
- Proactive, dependable, and solution-oriented: the kind of person who follows an invoice through to payment
Additional Information
- Full-time position (40 hours per week) on site in Fife, WA
- Drug screening and background checks will only be conducted after a conditional job offer is made. We evaluate criminal history based on its relevance to the job duties.
How to Apply
Please include a brief description of your experience with contract-based or construction billing in your application.
If you’re ready to take on a rewarding challenge and contribute to a thriving team, apply now to become our next Construction Accounting Specialist!
Patriot Fire Protection, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.