Construction Project Accountant

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment firm is seeking a Construction Project Accountant in New York, NY to manage the financial lifecycle of multiple construction projects, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in construction accounting, strong leadership skills, and be proficient in job cost accounting. Responsibilities include managing project billings, overseeing job costs, and providing insight into financial performance. This role offers an opportunity to influence outcomes in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in construction or project-based accounting.
• Advanced knowledge of job cost accounting and construction financial operations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead the financial management of multiple active construction projects.
• Prepare, review, and approve monthly project billings.
• Identify, analyze, and communicate financial risks and cost variances.

Skills

Construction accounting expertise

Leadership capabilities

Job cost accounting

Advanced Microsoft Excel

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Sage 300 CRE

Viewpoint

Procore

JD Edwards

Job description

The Construction Project Accountant oversees and manages the full financial lifecycle of multiple construction projects, ensuring accurate job cost reporting, contract compliance, and timely financial analysis. This role serves as a strategic partner to project managers and leadership, providing insight into project performance, risk exposure, and profitability. The ideal candidate brings deep construction accounting expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to operate independently in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the financial management of multiple active construction projects from setup through closeout
• Oversee complex job cost accounting, including labor, materials, subcontractors, retainage, and overhead allocation
• Prepare, review, and approve monthly project billings, including AIA, cost-plus, GMP, and change orders
• Partner with project managers to monitor budgets, forecasts, cash flow, and cost-to-complete analyses
• Identify, analyze, and communicate financial risks, cost variances, and margin impacts to leadership
• Review and approve subcontractor pay applications, lien waivers, insurance, and compliance documentation
• Ensure compliance with contract terms, company policies, internal controls, and GAAP (percentage-of-completion)
• Manage project-related reconciliations and support month-end and year-end close activities
• Provide leadership, training, and guidance to junior project accountants and AP staff as needed
• Support audits, bonding requirements, and lender reporting with accurate project financial data
• Drive process improvements, system enhancements, and best practices within project accounting

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive experience in construction or project-based accounting
• Advanced knowledge of job cost accounting and construction financial operations
• Strong experience with construction accounting systems (e.g., Sage 300 CRE, Viewpoint, Procore, JD Edwards, or similar)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Proven ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously
• Strong communication skills with the ability to partner cross-functionally and influence outcomes

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA or CMA preferred
• Experience with AIA billing, cost-plus, GMP, and percentage-of-completion accounting
• Prior experience mentoring or leading accounting staff