PROJECT ACCOUNTANT

The Project Accountant is a hands-on member of the accounting team responsible for the full financial life cycle of assigned construction projects, from job setup and progress billing through subcontractor payments, compliance, collections, and project close-out. Working closely with project managers and the broader accounting team, the Project Accountant ensures billings are accurate and timely, costs are properly recorded, public works compliance requirements are met, and project financial information supports sound decision-making. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a strong general accounting foundation, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing deadlines across multiple concurrent projects.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBLITIES:

Project Billing & Revenue

• Prepare, review, and submit accurate, timely owner and progress billings (AIA G702/G703 or public works payment applications) in accordance with each contracts requirements and schedule of values. Use of various software, forms, etc.as each owner/GC will vary.
• Proactively manage billing deadlines, coordinating with project managers to confirm quantities, percentage of completion, and approved change orders.
• Bill and track retention receivable; monitor retention release per contract and statutory terms, including Public Contract Code 22300 escrow arrangements where applicable.
• Bill stored materials and other contract-specific items as permitted.

Subcontractor & Vendor Management

• Review, route, and post subcontractor pay applications and schedules of value; verify against approved budgets and committed costs.
• Collect and track conditional and unconditional lien waivers and releases tied to each progress payment for both vendors and subcontractors.
• Maintain preliminary notice logs to ensure all required lien releases are obtained for each billing period.
• Verify all subcontractor compliance before releasing payment.
• Communicate with vendors and subcontractors to resolve billing issues and discrepancies.

Compliance

• Understanding of public works compliance, including certified payroll and prevailing wage review (DIR electronic certified payroll reporting), apprenticeship, and fringe benefit requirements.
• Collect, track, and maintain project compliance documents; ensure regulatory and contractual compliance throughout the project life cycle.
• Monitor preliminary notices, stop notices, and payment bond requirements as applicable.

Job Cost, WIP & Reporting

• Set up new jobs and customers in the ERP (Viewpoint Vista), according to job set up information documents. Attend new job start-up meetings.
• Assist with the preparation, review, and distribution of accurate, timely reportsincluding billing spread, collections, job cost, and ad hoc analyses.
• Understanding of the monthly work-in-process (WIP) schedule, including under-/over-billing analysis; participate in job cost and WIP review meetings.
• Track change order status, ensuring proper budget and billing impact.

Collections

• Maintain and regularly update collection projections.
• Prepare weekly collection reporting; escalate past-due balances to the appropriate project manager.

General Accounting & Cross-Functional Support

• Determine weekly cash disbursements according to collections from prior week.
• Post all cash receipts into ERP. Prepare weekly collection and disbursement report to accompany weekly check run.
• Cross-train across compliance, accounts payable, and payroll to provide backup coverage and a working understanding of all accounting functions.
• Adhere to company-wide accounting policies, internal controls, and systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Four-year degree in accounting, finance, or business, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Construction cost accounting experience and experience with a union and/or public works contractor is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of job costing, progress billing, WIP, and construction contract documents.
• Proficiency with construction ERP software (Vista by Viewpoint preferred), as well as Microsoft Excel and Word skills.
• Familiarity with prevailing wage / certified payroll, lien/retention, and surety/bonding processes a plus.

• Consistently meets deadlines; self-motivated and self-directed.
• High degree of accuracy and exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong follow-through and organizational skills; able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; collaborates effectively with project and field teams.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• An in-office role with occasional job site visits.