Job Cost Accountant

The Ideal Group • Detroit, Michigan • Full Time

Posted on Tue, Oct 13, 2026

The Job Cost Accountant is responsible for the accurate recording, analysis, and reporting of project-related financial transactions. This role supports project profitability by ensuring job costs are properly allocated, invoices are processed accurately, and financial data is reliable for reporting and decision-making. The position works closely with Project Managers, Operations, Procurement, and Finance teams to resolve accounting issues, improve processes, and maintain compliance with company policies and accounting standards.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform general accounting and job cost accounting duties, including account maintenance, transaction processing, account reconciliations, and audit support activities.

• Process vendor payment requests in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements and departmental procedures.

• Monitor and manage purchase order-related job costs for accuracy and proper cost allocation.

• Prepare and maintain records and documentation to support month-end and year-end close processes.

• Identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies by collaborating with Project Managers, Operations teams, Procurement, and vendors.

• Assist with project cost reporting, variance analysis, and WIP reporting to support decision-making and profitability monitoring.

Requirements

•Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field preferred.

•Three or more years of progressive accounting or cost analysis experience, preferably in construction, manufacturing, or project-based accounting.

Skills/Qualifications

• Strong understanding of full-cycle accounting processes and GAAP principles.

• Detail-focused analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency in Excel and financial software, including ERP systems; Viewpoint/Vista experience preferred.

• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize workload and drive process improvements.

Essential Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lift, handle, and carry materials, equipment, and supplies as necessary up to five (5) pounds.

• Lift five (5) pounds floor to waist, lift five (5) pounds waist to shoulder, lift and carry up to five (5) pounds, and push/pull five (5) pounds.

• Sit, stand, bend, lift, push, pull, stoop, walk, reach, and move intermittently during working hours.

• Coordination necessary to operate computers and office equipment with pushbuttons and/or touch screens.

Essential Communication Skills:

• Read and interpret documents.

• Read a diverse amount of printed and computer material.

• Communicate effectively and listen attentively.

• Speak tactfully and effectively to internal and external contacts in one-on-one situations and small or large group settings.

• Establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with internal and external contacts.

• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

• Exercise independent judgment and maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to balance multiple projects.

Essential Mathematical Skills:

• Perform addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication.

Essential Interpersonal Skills:

• High sense of integrity and ethics

• Trustworthy

• Desire for continuous improvement

• Ability to accept performance feedback

• Goal and deadline oriented

• Ability to adapt to change

• Detail-oriented

• Service-focused

• Team-oriented

Essential Reasoning Ability:

• Remain calm in a demanding environment, assisting a diverse blend of people.

• Solve practical problems in a variety of situations.

General Requirements and/or Disclaimers

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties of personnel so classified. Other duties may be assigned by the direct supervisor and/or designee.

Hours of Employment:

Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at the Ideal Headquarters at 2525 Clark Street, Detroit, MI.

Compensation:

The employee in the Job Cost Analyst role is a non-exempt employee under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act ("FLSA"), 29 USC §§201, et Seq., and as a result thereof is entitled to accumulate or to be paid any compensatory time off or overtime.

Ideal Steel, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of such factors as race, color, age, sex, national origin, religion, citizenship, handicap, height, weight and marital status. Under the State Persons with Disabilities Act and the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act, an employer has a legal obligation to accommodate an employee’s or job applicant’s disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the employer. A person with a disability may allege a violation against an employer regarding a failure to accommodate his or her condition under Michigan law only if the person notifies the employer in writing of the need for accommodation within 182 days after the date the person knew or reasonably should have known that an accommodation was needed.

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