Project Accountant- Construction

Overview

The Construction Project Accountant is responsible for managing, tracking, and analyzing all financial aspects of construction projects from start to finish. This role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate cost tracking, invoicing, revenue recognition, and compliance with all financial regulations. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, collaborative, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.

• Budgeting & Cost Analysis
  • Plan and monitor construction project budgets in coordination with project managers.
  • Conduct ongoing cost analyses to compare actual costs to budgeted projections.
  • Produce cost models, and project-specific data for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Identify risks and deviations from forecast or budget and advise stakeholders accordingly.
• Billing & Invoicing
  • Generate milestone-based invoices, progress billing, and scheduled draws.
  • Prepare and submit required construction billing forms (e.g., AIA G702/G703, lien waivers).
  • Review project contracts and billing terms to ensure compliance and accuracy.
  • Ensure timely and accurate preparation and submission of all invoices with backup documentation.
• Accounts Receivable Management
  • Record and apply customer payments accurately to corresponding invoices and projects.
  • Follow up on past-due invoices.
  • Regularly reconcile AR accounts, resolve discrepancies, and track outstanding balances.
  • Prepare and maintain weekly AR aging reports and generate cash flow forecasts.
• Project Accounting & Revenue Recognition
  • Track actual costs vs. budget in collaboration with project managers.
  • Track costs to complete to assist with Revenue Recognition at month end.
  • Perform variance analysis and prepare related reports for finance and project management.
  • Assist with project-specific accruals to support monthly financial closing.
  • Review, route, and post subcontractor pay applications.
  • Manage subcontractor and supplier contracts and related payments.
  • Ensure supplier invoices are properly logged, coded, and reconciled.
  • Coordinate with Accounts Payable to ensure accurate and timely disbursements.
• Compliance & Audit Support
  • Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal regulations regarding construction accounting.
  • Maintain complete and auditable records of all project-related financials.
  • Assist internal and external auditors by providing required documentation.
• Contract Review & ERP System Setup
  • Review all project contracts to ensure complete understanding of billing terms, payment schedules, and financial obligations.
  • Interpret contract components to ensure compliance and identify financial or operational risks.
  • Set up new projects in the ERP system with all necessary contract information, billing milestones, budget details, customer data, and compliance requirements.
  • Maintain and update ERP system with contract modifications, change orders, and project adjustments.
  • Enter and maintain accurate project data in the ERP system.
  • Create and distribute down payment and milestone invoices.
  • Interface with the finance team on forecasting, reporting, and financial projections.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with Project Managers, Estimators, Sales, and Contract Administrators.
  • Ensure timely and accurate billing, documentation, and reporting across departments.
  • Attend project review meetings and provide updates on financial status and risks.
  • Support the Sales and Operations teams by ensuring accurate billing of variations and change orders.
• Customer Service & Relationship Management
  • Respond to client inquiries related to billing, documentation, and payment history.
  • Maintain professional relationships with clients, subcontractors, and vendors.
  • Support repeat business through exceptional service and accurate financial reporting.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• 3+ years of accounting experience in the construction industry preferred.
• Experience with AIA billing, lien waivers, and construction contracts is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with project-based ERP/accounting systems (e.g., Sage 500, Microsoft Dynamics).
• Strong understanding of construction project accounting principles.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.