Construction Accounting Specialist

Patriot Fire Protection; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Patriot Fire Protection, Inc. in Washington state is seeking an experienced accounting professional to handle A/R, work orders, contract review, billing, and reporting.

This role collaborates across divisions to understand complex billing requirements for construction projects. The successful candidate will balance detailed, precise tasks with fast-paced deadlines, review subcontract terms, prepare billing packages, and work with customers to resolve discrepancies, ensuring timely payments and

Qualifications

• Experience with contract review and detailed billing requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to deadlines.
• Experience with A/R processes and collections.
• Experience in construction or subcontractor billing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review subcontract agreements to set up jobs and billing terms in the accounting system.
• Prepare and reconcile contract-based and quick-turn billings.
• Own collections from invoice submission to payment and reduce past-due accounts.
• Collaborate with project managers to resolve billing challenges and improve processes.
• Expand A/R functions such as cash application and lien processing as needed.

Skills

Accounting experience

Contract review

Billing processes

Customer communication

Detail oriented

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Tools

Viewpoint/Spectrum

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Google Suite

Job description

About Us:

Since 1990, Patriot Fire Protection, Inc. has been an industry leader in fire prevention systems including design, fabrication, installation, maintenance, inspection and rapid response. With offices in Tacoma, Spokane, and Vancouver Washington, our mission is to provide the highest quality systems and services while protecting the lives and property of our customers. Learn more at www.patriotfire.com.

Why You'll Love This Role:

This is not a routine Accounting position. In this role, you’ll tackle varied elements of the accounting process from A/R to work orders, contract review, billings, and reporting. You’ll work closely with multiple divisions and gain hands-on experience with the complexities of construction accounting on the subcontractor level.

No two days are the same! One moment you may be reviewing a subcontract and preparing a complex billing package, and the next you’re generating a simple fixed price or time & materials invoice.

If you enjoy balancing detailed work with fast-paced tasks, problem-solving, and collaborating across teams, this role offers an excellent opportunity to grow your skills in a supportive, team-oriented environment.

Contract & Job Setup

• Review subcontract agreements to extract billing terms, retainage, and customer requirements, then accurately set up jobs in the accounting system
• Identify and organize required billing documentation (e.g., lien waivers, supporting documents, special billing instructions) in structured, audit-ready billing folders

Billing & Accounts Receivable

• Prepare, submit, and reconcile contract-based and quick-turn (fixed price or time & materials) billings in accordance with customer requirements
• Analyze and resolve billing discrepancies with customers and internal teams

Collections

• Own collections from invoice submission through payment received: billing isn’t done until we’re paid
• Monitor A/R aging and work past-due accounts through proactive calls and emails, tracking payment commitments while keeping customer relationships strong
• Research and clear payment barriers such as missing lien waivers, disputed amounts, compliance holds, and elevate stalled accounts with clear documentation and next steps

Collaboration & Growth

• Partner with project managers and division leaders to resolve billing and payment challenges
• Identify opportunities to improve billing processes; assist with special projects and cross-train across accounting functions
• As you grow, take on additional A/R functions such as cash application and lien processing

What We’re Looking For:

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• 3+ years of Accounting experience
• Experience reviewing contracts and working with detailed billing requirements
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong follow-up and the ability to prioritize multiple jobs and deadlines
• Confident communication skills for interacting with customers and internal teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and Google Suite

Preferred Qualifications

• Construction or subcontractor billing experience
• Familiarity with progress billing, retainage, or contract-based invoicing
• Experience with Viewpoint/Spectrum software
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field

Key Traits for Success

• Ability to interpret detailed documents and translate them into actionable steps
• Comfortable balancing structured processes with urgent, quick-turn requests
• Proactive, dependable, and solution-oriented: the kind of person who follows an invoice through to payment

Additional Information

• Full-time position (40 hours per week) on site in Fife, WA
• Drug screening and background checks will only be conducted after a conditional job offer is made. We evaluate criminal history based on its relevance to the job duties.

Patriot Fire Protection, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.