Construction Project Accountant
Job Description
Job Description
Job Title: Construction Project Accountant
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Job Type: Full-Time, 100% Onsite
Compensation: up to $80,000 per year (Depending on Experience)
Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Construction Project Accountant to support company-wide construction operations through advanced accounting functions and financial analysis. This mid- to senior-level position plays a critical role in maintaining accurate records, supporting job cost reporting, and assisting with budgeting and forecasting processes. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of construction accounting, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to work independently while collaborating closely with project managers and leadership. This role reports directly to the Controller.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitor and review job cost reports to ensure financial accuracy and integrity
- Analyze direct and indirect costs, including labor, materials, subcontractors, and overhead allocations
- Collaborate with project managers to reconcile budget vs. actual performance and evaluate profitability
- Prepare and post complex journal entries, accruals, and reclasses
- Perform monthly general ledger reconciliations and resolve discrepancies with minimal supervision
- Support month-end and year-end close processes
- Create internal reports detailing project financials, cost trends, and variance analysis
- Assist with budgeting and forecasting using historical data and job performance metrics
- Identify and recommend improvements to accounting processes and workflows
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and corporate accounting policies
- Prepare documentation and reconciliations in support of internal and external audits
- Review subcontractor documentation including insurance certificates and lien waivers
- Serve as a subject matter expert on accounts payable and receivable best practices
- Review and approve complex vendor invoices and customer billings, including AIA billing formats
- Provide mentorship or guidance to junior accounting staff as needed
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- Minimum 4 years of progressively responsible accounting experience
- Strong understanding of construction accounting and job cost environments
- Proficiency in accounting/project management platforms such as Viewpoint Vista, Sage 300, QuickBooks, or Procore
- Advanced knowledge of GAAP and job cost accounting principles
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent time management and organizational abilities
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion
Preferred:
- Experience with WIP (Work-in-Progress) reporting
- Familiarity with AIA billing, retention billing, and subcontractor compliance
- CPA license or active progress toward CPA certification
Company DescriptionOur Professional Division works with clients as a stakeholder in their hiring strategy and process. We facilitate a solid match for our employees and clients, examining the experience and team dynamics required for a great match. Our professional team was handpicked from 25 years of recruiting and staffing experience to build our Professional team to be the best in the industry. We focus on professional placements in your Executive Placement, Accounting & Finance, Human Resources, and Administrative Support areas. We place candidates leveraging direct hire, contract-to-hire, contingent, and “Smart Hire” modalities.
Company Description
Our Professional Division works with clients as a stakeholder in their hiring strategy and process. We facilitate a solid match for our employees and clients, examining the experience and team dynamics required for a great match. Our professional team was handpicked from 25 years of recruiting and staffing experience to build our Professional team to be the best in the industry. We focus on professional placements in your Executive Placement, Accounting & Finance, Human Resources, and Administrative Support areas. We place candidates leveraging direct hire, contract-to-hire, contingent, and “Smart Hire” modalities.