Cost Accountant - Construction

Highland Consulting Group; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Casual work environment

Flexible hours

Excellent benefits

Competitive compensation

401(k) contributions

Comprehensive family healthcare

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Highland Consulting Group, a partner with a well-established contractor in the Dulles, VA area, seeks an experienced Construction Cost Accountant to join the accounting team.

This role provides essential cost tracking, budgeting, invoice management, and vendor coordination across project teams. Ideal candidates bring several years of AP/AR experience and proven success working with subcontractors and vendors.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in project costing in construction contractor environments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with project management or cost accounting software.
• Degree in Accounting preferred.
• Solid understanding of general ledger and financial reporting.
• Experience in AP, AR, payroll, cost control, or job costing preferred.
• Ability to establish and manage timelines and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project managers to understand scope and requirements.
• Visit construction sites to verify expenses.
• Track project purchases and expenses.
• Verify bills and purchase documentation with project managers.
• Reconcile vendor invoices and maintain records.
• Prepare and deliver financial reports to management.
• Support project reporting with timely data.
• Track compensation and ensure on-time payments to participants.
• Maintain relationships with subcontractors on payment matters.
• Provide regular updates on project financial status.
• Ensure deadlines are consistently met.

Skills

Communication skills

Budget management

Cost accounting software

Time management

General ledger

Project costing experience

Education

Accounting degree

Tools

Project management software

Cost accounting software

Job description

Highland Consulting Group is an executive search firm specializing in recruiting top talent within the construction industry. We are currently partnered with a well‑established Contractor in the Dulles, VA area seeking an experienced Construction Cost Accountant to join their team.

This role provides essential accounting support to project teams, including cost tracking, budget oversight, invoice management, and vendor coordination. The ideal candidate brings several years of experience in an Accounts Payable or Accounts Receivable environment, along with strong communication skills and proven success working directly with subcontractors and vendors.

The company offers a casual work environment, flexible hours, excellent benefits, competitive compensation, and an accounting team known for its professionalism and efficiency. This position reports directly to the Controller and works within an experienced, highly reputable accounting department.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project managers, estimators, and planners to understand project scope and requirements
• Visit construction sites when needed to verify expenses
• Track project purchases and expenses
• Verify bills and purchase documentation with project managers
• Reconcile vendor invoices and maintain accurate records
• Prepare and deliver financial reports to management
• Support project reporting efforts with timely and accurate data
• Track compensation and ensure on‑time payments to all project participants
• Maintain strong working relationships with subcontractors on all payment matters
• Provide regular updates on project financial status
• Ensure deadlines are consistently met

Requirements

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to establish and manage timelines and budgets
• Proficiency with project management or cost accounting software
• Strong multitasking and organizational abilities
• Degree in Accounting preferred
• Solid understanding of general ledger and financial reporting
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in project costing, specifically within a construction contractor environment
• Experience in AP, AR, payroll, account reconciliation, cost control, or job costing is strongly preferred

This company is committed to the well‑being of its employees and their families, offering a comprehensive benefits package designed to support long‑term stability and quality of life.

• Competitive salary and generous bonuses
• 401(k) contributions
• Comprehensive family healthcare
• Paid Time Off