Construction Accounting Specialist – Tacoma

PATRIOT FIRE PROTECTION INC; Fife (WA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

PATRIOT FIRE PROTECTION INC is seeking a Construction Accounting Specialist in Tacoma to handle A/R, work orders, contract review and billing. You will engage with multiple divisions and gain hands‑on experience with construction accounting at the subcontractor level.

Roles include setting up projects, processing complex billings, and pursuing collections while maintaining client relationships. This full‑time role is on-site in Fife, WA, with pay ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 depending on

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Accounting experience.
• Experience reviewing contracts and detailed billing requirements.
• Highly organized and detail‑oriented with strong follow‑up.

Responsibilities

• Contract & Job Setup: Review subcontract agreements, extract billing terms, retainage, and customer requirements; set up jobs in the accounting system.
• Billing & Accounts Receivable: Prepare, submit, and reconcile contract-based and quick-turn billings; analyze and resolve discrepancies.
• Collections: Own collections from invoice submission through payment; monitor aging and work past-due accounts; clear barriers with documentation.
• Collaborate with project managers and division leaders to resolve billing and payment challenges.
• Identify opportunities to improve billing processes and support special projects; cross-train across accounting functions.
• As growth occurs, take on additional AR functions such as cash application and lien processing.

Skills

Accounting experience

Detail-oriented

Strong communication

Prioritization

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Google Suite

Job description

Construction Accounting Specialist – Tacoma

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.

What You’ll Do:

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 escalated stalled accounts with clear documentation and next steps
• 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

Compensation: $50,000 – $80,000 DOE

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.yer. 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, criminal history, or protected Veteran status.