Director of Accounting (Construction)

Cherry Bekaert; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Cherry Bekaert LLP seeks an experienced accounting leader to run operations, close, and project accounting for a fast-growing datacenter construction and systems integration firm in Northern Virginia. Reporting to the CFO, you will manage two Managers and their teams across multiple entities.

You will own the close, project accounting, and internal controls, with focus on accurate financial reporting, audits, and process improvements; in-office four days weekly in Fairfax County.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Construction or project-based accounting experience (job costing, WIP) is required.
• Experience leading a department of at least 5 people and cross-functional collaboration.
• ASC 606 revenue recognition for long-term contracts is expected.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close, financial statements, and general ledger – delivering accurate results on a set calendar.
• Oversee job costing and the monthly WIP schedule, including estimated costs to complete, over/under billings, retainage, and change orders, to determine true project margins.
• Manage the annual financial statement audit and serve as day-to-day contact for outside auditors; enforce internal controls across entities.
• Produce monthly reporting, KPIs, project profitability, and budget-to-actual analyses for CFO and executives.
• Lead improvements to accounting systems, reporting, and workflows; align ERP across entities and standardize close and reporting processes.
• Develop and coach accounting staff; set priorities and timelines for close and reporting calendars.

Skills

Leadership

Project accounting

US GAAP

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Education

BS/BA in Accounting or Finance

Active CPA preferred

Tools

NetSuite

ERP systems

Job description

Director of Accounting (Construction)

$165,000 - $185,000 base salary + annual target bonus + 4% 401k match + full benefits + generous PTO

Our client, located in Northern Virginia, is a fast-growing datacenter construction and systems integration firm, experiencing significant growth through acquisition and ongoing success. Based on the rapid growth and an ongoing product surge, they are looking for an experienced accounting leader (Director/Controller-level) to run the operational accounting and also fully own the close and project (cost) accounting for the company. He/she will handle financial reporting, lead two Managers and their teams, work diligently to strengthen the accounting processes, controls and systems behind a fast-growing, multi-entity business. Reporting to the CFO, the Director will work closely with operations, project management and finance leaders across the company and its subsidiaries. A big focus will be an accurate, timely close, strong project and job cost accounting and a clean annual audit.

This individual is expected to be in the office four (4) days per week (Fairfax County location, West of Tysons Corner/McLean). The company is supportive, boasts a great culture and is understanding for needs outside of work regardless of the requirement.

Role Scope

Accounting Operations & Close

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close, financial statements, and general ledger – delivering accurate results on a set calendar.
• Oversee consolidation and intercompany accounting across the company and its subsidiaries, including the manufacturing arm.
• Oversee payroll accounting, AP, AR, billing and collections, sales and use tax, property tax, and coordination with outside tax advisors.

Project Accounting & Revenue Recognition

• Oversee job costing and the monthly WIP schedule, including estimated costs to complete, over/under billings, retainage, and change orders, so we know true margin by project.
• Apply revenue recognition (ASC 606) to construction and service contracts, and partner with project managers on monthly cost-to-complete reviews.
• Make sure progress billing and pay applications line up with contract terms and project status.

Audit & Internal Controls

• Manage the annual financial statement audit and serve as day-to-day contact for the outside auditors.
• Design, document, and enforce internal controls, approval workflows, and segregation of duties across all entities.
• Maintain accounting policies and procedures and keep them consistent as the company grows and integrates acquired businesses.

Reporting & Analysis

• Produce monthly reporting, KPIs, project profitability, and budget-to-actual analysis for the CFO and executive leadership.
• Support budgets, cash flow forecasts, and reporting for lenders and surety partners.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Lead improvements to accounting systems, reporting, and workflows, including ERP alignment across entities.
• Standardize close, project accounting, and reporting processes across the company and its subsidiaries.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, grow and develop the accounting staff (Seniors, Managers) and those who report to them.
• Set clear priorities, deadlines, and accountability for the close and reporting calendar, and build bench strength as the company grows.

Experience/Qualifications

• BS/BA in Accounting, Finance or related discipline is required.
• An active CPA is preferred but not required.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience is required.
• Demonstrated experience in construction or project-based accounting, including job costing, WIP schedules and over/under billings (required).
• Experience with multi-entity accounting, intercompany transactions an/or consolidations is highly preferred.
• Three or more (3+) years leading an accounting function/dept. of at least 5 and suitable management and leadership decision-making
• Working knowledge of US GAAP, including ASC 606 revenue recognition for long-term contracts is expected.
• Audit support experience is required
• Hands-on ERP experience is preferred (specifically project or construction accounting software is highly preferred).
• NetSuite training is preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills and comfort building reports and models from raw data.
• Clear communicator who can work with project managers, operations leaders and executives.