Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant Job Description

The Staff Accountant supports the company’s operations through general ledger analysis, account reconciliations, cash management, customer billing and collections, job-cost accounting, and compliance-related activities.  This position is responsible for maintaining accurate financial and project accounting records, researching discrepancies, and completing assigned responsibilities within established deadlines. 

The Staff Accountant works closely with the Controller, CFO, project teams, and other departments to support timely financial reporting, effective internal controls, and continuous improvement of accounting processes. 

Duties and Responsibilities

General Ledger and Month-End Close

• Analyze general ledger activity to verify transactions are recorded in the appropriate accounts and investigate or correct identified discrepancies
• Prepare daily bank-related journal entries
• Prepare monthly bank and credit card reconciliations, investigate reconciling items, and ensure outstanding items are resolved promptly
• Prepare assigned balance-sheet account reconciliations as part of the monthly close process

Cash Management & Banking

•  Upload positive-pay files to the company’s banking platforms and investigate exceptions
• Monitor daily bank activity and investigate unusual, unidentified, or returned transactions
• Initiate approved bank transfers and maintain supporting documentation
• Monitor outstanding checks, stale-date checks, and returned payments, and coordinate resolution
• Assist with updating actual activity in the 13-week cash-flow forecast

Accounts Receivable & Collections

• Prepare customer invoices for fixed-fee and time-and-material projects in accordance with contract terms, approved billing schedules, and required supporting documentation
• Compile and submit required billing support, including lien waivers, certified payroll reports, and other customer-required documentation
• Assist with collection efforts by contacting customers regarding outstanding invoices and documenting collection activity
• Research and help resolve billing discrepancies, short payments, disputed invoices, and unapplied cash

Compliance, Filings & Prequalifications

• Prepare supporting schedules, reconciliations, and documentation for quarterly and annual payroll tax filings
• Prepare and maintain contractor and customer prequalification applications
• Track prequalifications, certifications, licenses, and registration requirements and coordinate timely renewals
• Coordinate with internal departments to obtain information required for filings, applications, and renewals

Job Cost Accounting

• Enter approved job cost budgets into the accounting system using the appropriate jobs and cost codes
• Enter approved change orders and related job cost budget revisions
• Assist with researching job cost discrepancies and reconciling job cost detail to the general ledger

Financial Analysis & Special Projects

• Assist the controller and CFO with ad hoc financial analysis, accounting projects, process improvements, and other special projects as needed

Requirements

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned responsibilities
• Highly organized with ability to multi-task and meet critical deadlines
• Sound Judgment and critical thinking skills
• Detail oriented with strong analytical skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office – specifically Excel and Word
• High energy, positive disposition
• Professional demeanor with strong people skills and ability to work well with all levels of people
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform prolonged periods of work at a computer
• Must be able to walk construction sites that may have uneven or rough terrain
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information with employees, customers, and other stakeholders
• Must be able to see details of objects that are less than, or more than a few feet away

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting preferred
• Construction industry experience preferred
• Minimum 3 years accounting experience
• Extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
• Proficient in accounting software- Foundation preferred

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Full health, dental, and vision
• 401k
• Group life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid vacation and sick time