The Accountant is responsible for managing financial records, budgets, and transactions related to construction projects. This role ensures that construction projects are financially compliant, accurate, and within budget. The accountant will work closely with project managers, contractors, and other team members to ensure proper allocation of costs, timely invoicing, and financial reporting.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Financial Recordkeeping: Maintain accurate financial records for multiple construction projects, ensuring all transactions are documented and categorized correctly. Track and manage all project-related expenses, including labor, materials, subcontractor payments, and overhead costs. Monitor general ledger accounts, prepare journal entries, and reconcile accounts related to construction activities.
2. Budgeting and Cost Control: Assist in the preparation and management of construction project budgets, ensuring costs are controlled and forecasts are accurate. Review and track project budgets versus actual spending to identify cost overruns or potential savings. Collaborate with project managers to ensure budgets are adhered to and adjustments are made as needed.
3. Invoicing and Payments: Prepare and process invoices for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers according to contractual terms. Ensure that all payments, both incoming and outgoing, are processed in a timely manner and properly documented. Assist with billing clients and tracking progress payments based on completed milestones or percentage of completion.
4. Financial Reporting: Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for construction projects, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow projections. Provide regular financial updates to project managers, executives, and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accurate financial status. Assist in the preparation of financial statements for overall company reporting.
5. Tax and Compliance: Ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations, including sales tax, payroll tax, and other taxes specific to construction projects. Prepare and file relevant tax returns, including project-related taxes, and ensure accurate documentation for audits. Stay updated on relevant industry financial regulations and assist with audits or inspections as needed.
6. Contract and Change Order Management: Review and track changes in construction contracts, including change orders, to ensure proper documentation of financial impacts. Work with project managers to ensure all contract terms are met and that financial changes are recorded accurately.
7. Cost Allocation and Job Costing: Apply job costing principles to allocate expenses correctly across multiple projects. Maintain detailed records of direct and indirect costs for each project, tracking labor, materials, subcontractors, and overhead.
8. Cash Flow Management: Monitor project cash flows and ensure that funds are available to meet project needs. Forecast cash flow for upcoming construction activities and coordinate with the finance team to ensure timely payments for labor, materials, and other project expenses.
9. Collaboration and Support: Collaborate with project managers, contractors, and vendors to resolve financial discrepancies or issues. Provide financial support and guidance to project managers in decision-making processes, particularly regarding cost management and financial feasibility.
10. Record Retention: Ensure all financial documents, invoices, receipts, and contracts are properly stored and accessible for auditing and reference purposes.
Required Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, or a related field. Experience: 3+ years of accounting experience, with at least 1-2 years in the construction industry. Certifications: CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) certification is a plus but not required.
Skills: Strong understanding of accounting principles, job costing, and financial reporting in a construction setting. Proficient in accounting software Knowledge of construction contracts, change orders, and lien waivers. Excellent organizational, time-management, and multitasking abilities. Strong attention to detail and analytical skills. Ability to communicate financial information effectively to non-financial stakeholders.