Director of Project Accounting - and North Carolina Markets

Director of Project Accounting - New Jersey and North Carolina Markets

Conti Civil

Edison, NJ 08817

Who We Are:

We are known for our platform of outstanding project execution. Our track record of delivering high impact construction projects to our clients and our extraordinary commitment to our core values, employees, and communities where we work has been the foundation of our success and longevity. We strive to be the company of choice for our employees, clients, and stakeholders and have earned dozens of awards for project excellence, safety performance and as a best place to work.

The Director of Project Accounting will oversee financial performance, compliance, and strategic financial operations for all projects across both the New Jersey and North Carolina markets
. This role serves as the senior leader of the Project Accounting function, responsible for guiding regional Project Accounting Managers and Project Accountants, standardizing financial processes, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring disciplined execution of job cost forecasting, cash flow management, billing, collections, and change management procedures.

The Director will collaborate closely with Project Executives, Project Managers, Finance leadership, and Executive Management to drive transparency, identify risks, and support proactive decision-making across all active projects. This position requires regular travel to jobsites and regional offices in New Jersey and North Carolina to support field teams, conduct financial reviews, and ensure accuracy and consistency in process and performance.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Project Accounting Managers and Project Accountants across both New Jersey and North Carolina, ensuring high performance, accountability, and alignment with company standards.
• Establish training programs, cross-market consistency, and measurable objectives for the Project Accounting team.
• Champion continuous improvement and drive adoption of best practices, tools, and financial systems.

Financial Oversight & Strategic Support

• Oversee preparation and accuracy of quarterly project forecasts and job cost reports to support project financial awareness, financial statement presentation, and effective business decisions by management.
• Lead regional cash flow planning, ensuring accurate projection and proactive management of billings, costs, and percentage of completion metrics.
• Oversee initial budget downloads and ensure timely communication of budget adjustments, change orders, and revisions to project teams.
• Monitor project startup to ensure vendor and subcontractor buyout is completed following company procedures and reviewed for financial accuracy.
• Serve as a strategic partner to Operations and Executive leadership, identifying financial risks and recommending actionable solutions.

Billing, Collections & Change Management

• Ensure all billing invoices for both markets are submitted on time with complete and accurate documentation to expedite payment.
• Oversee and validate cost capture, pricing, submission, and billing of change orders; work closely with project teams to ensure financial accuracy and contract compliance.
• Lead collection strategy reviews and monitor accounts receivable performance, resolving issues that hinder timely payment.

Compliance, Controls & Audit Support

• Ensure project teams maintain accurate documentation including quantity tracking, daily logs, and reconciliations.
• Oversee subcontractor financial compliance, ensuring all documentation is received, reviewed, and executed prior to payment.
• Confirm all project invoices are processed within the correct accounting period or properly accrued to support accurate monthly closings.
• Ensure timely resolution of payroll-related issues across project teams in coordination with the Payroll department
• Oversee completion and accuracy of required compliance reporting including minority participation, affirmative action, and EEO documentation.

Contract & Cost Management

• Review and interpret client contracts for financial sections including invoice requirements, payment terms, sales tax, extra work billing, and change management clauses.
• Ensure weekly Billing & Collections and Watch the Cost meetings are conducted per standard agenda and produce actionable insights.
• Review weekly equipment usage and charge reports, collaborating with project teams to ensure appropriate cost decisions are made in real time.

Closeout & Continuous Improvement

• Drive project financial closeouts, ensuring timely resolution of outstanding items and collection of retainage.
• Identify financial risks across markets and collaborate with leadership to implement corrective actions.
• Lead system enhancements and training initiatives for the broader Project Accounting function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in heavy civil or construction
  , including…