Staff Project Accountant

Staff Project Accountant

Job Overview

We are seeking a Project / Staff Accountant to support day-to-day project accounting operations. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional with strong construction accounting experience who can balance project accounting responsibilities with general accounting functions. You will play a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting month-end close activities, and ensuring efficient financial processes while partnering closely with Project Managers to help keep projects on budget and on schedule.

Our client is a long-established structural steel and fabrication company based in the Detroit area. As a stable, team-oriented organization, they value collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. You’ll join a close-knit finance team where your expertise directly contributes to project success and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Project Accounting

• Collaborate with Project Managers to manage financial administration from project initiation through close-out
• Set up and maintain project records within the accounting system
• Review contracts and proposals to ensure proper project setup and revenue recognition compliance
• Monitor labor and expense charges; perform labor adjustments and journal entries as needed
• Review and record inventory allocations
• Track budgets, forecasts, and actual costs across multiple projects
• Participate in monthly billing and revenue recognition processes
• Prepare draft and final invoices for assigned projects
• Compile required documentation including client waivers, sworn statements, and compliance forms
• Maintain subcontractor files, including certificates of insurance, qualifications, and related documentation
• Review and issue subcontractor agreements
• Initiate subcontractor payments based on contract terms
• Track receipt of waivers and sworn statements from subcontractors
• Partner with Project Managers to review and process change orders
• Maintain knowledge of lien processes, Notices of Furnishing, Notices of Commencement, and certificates of insurance

Reporting & Analysis

• Review weekly project status reports and identify projects requiring additional analysis
• Obtain, review, and update job estimates, projections, and change orders as needed
• Participate in monthly project review meetings to provide financial insight
• Create ad hoc reporting for leadership
• Monitor AR aging and work with Project Managers and clients to resolve outstanding balances

Accounting Operations

• Prepare and maintain monthly general ledger reconciliations and closing documentation
• Manage journal entries and ensure proper supporting documentation
• Review, code, and process vendor and subcontractor invoices
• Ensure timely payments and maintain accurate AP records
• Assist with check runs and payment processing

Payroll Support

• Assist with weekly payroll processing
• Verify timecards, job cost allocations, and payroll deductions
• Coordinate with HR and external advisors to ensure accurate and timely payroll
• Maintain payroll records and support compliance with labor laws and internal policies

Additional Responsibilities

• Support the Controller and finance team with additional accounting and administrative tasks as needed
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to streamline accounting processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 3+ years of accounting experience within the construction industry
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts, AIA billing, and job costing
• Experience with accounting software such as Sage, Spectrum/Viewpoint, Crystal Reports, or similar platforms preferred
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables and VLOOKUPs
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment