Director of Accounting (Construction)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual target bonus

4% 401k match

Full benefits

Generous PTO

Job summary

Cherry Bekaert LLP in Northern Virginia seeks a Director/Controller to run operational accounting and own close and project costing for a growing multi-entity construction group. You will manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close, supervise managers, and strengthen controls while partnering with CFO, operations, and finance.

The role requires strong GAAP knowledge, ASC 606, and experience with multi-entity intercompany accounting, ERP systems, and job costing.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Accounting or related field required.
• Active CPA preferred but not required.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Construction or project-based accounting experience required.
• Multi-entity accounting and intercompany experience preferred.
• 3+ years leading an accounting function.
• US GAAP knowledge with ASC 606 for long-term contracts.
• Audit support experience required.
• Hands-on ERP experience; construction/accounting software preferred.
• NetSuite training preferred and advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual close and prepare financial statements.
• Oversee consolidation and intercompany accounting across entities.
• Manage payroll, AP/AR, billing, and tax coordination.
• Oversee job costing, WIP, and revenue recognition per contracts.
• Lead audit process and maintain internal controls.
• Provide monthly KPI reporting and budget-to-actual analyses.
• Drive system/process improvements and ERP alignment.

Skills

Leadership

US GAAP

ASC 606

Advanced Excel

Project accounting

Consolidation

Intercompany

Education

BS/BA in Accounting

CPA preferred

Tools

NetSuite

ERP systems

Costing software

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 (Western Fairfax Co.), 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.

6. 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.

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