Project Accountant

Big-Construction; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

BIG Construction in Chicago seeks a Project Accountant to support project accounting operations and the broader accounting function. You will work closely with Project Managers, the Assistant Controller, and the Accounting team to manage financial lifecycle of projects.

This role emphasizes accurate project billing, financial reporting, month-end close support, and maintaining financial records within CMiC.

Qualifications

• BA degree and 3–5 years of accounting experience, preferably in commercial construction.
• Experience with CMiC or construction accounting software is preferred.
• Strong understanding of project accounting, financial reporting, GL maintenance, reconciliations, and month-end close.

Responsibilities

• Manage financial lifecycle of construction projects from kickoff to closeout.
• Process project billing and ensure timely, accurate invoicing per contract.
• Prepare monthly project financial reporting including profitability and unbilled activity.
• Administer AR/AP transactions with high accuracy.
• Prepare journal entries and maintain the general ledger; perform reconciliations.
• Support month-end close and project closeout activities with accurate data.
• Serve as primary accounting contact for clients, vendors, and project teams.

Skills

Accounting

Financial reporting

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related discipline

Tools

CMiC

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Description

How We Build at BIG

BIG Construction is a construction management firm specializing in the interior built environment. Founded and led by millennials, we prioritize right-fit solutions over legacy processes and leverage a high-value network to deliver exceptional results.

Guided by our core values—Drive, Trust, Ideas, and Build—we’re committed to building meaningful relationships by understanding and addressing the needs of all stakeholders.

Our proven process—Ask, Listen & Learn. Align. Budget. Contract. Execute. Retain.—ensures every project is approached with curiosity, collaboration, and precision.

At our core, our brand promise remains simple:

We will ask. We will listen. We will learn. We will deliver.

The Opportunity Ahead

BIG Construction is seeking a Project Accountant to support both our project accounting operations and the overall accounting function. Working closely with Project Managers, the Assistant Controller, and the Accounting team, this role is responsible for project billing, financial reporting, corporate accounting activities, month-end close support, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, collaborative, and thrives in a fast-paced construction environment.

Who Thrives in This Role

• Enjoys digging into financial details while keeping the bigger picture in mind.
• Takes ownership and follows projects through to completion.
• Builds strong relationships with Project Managers and internal teams.
• Communicates clearly and professionally with both internal and external partners.
• Is highly organized and able to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.
• Enjoys solving problems and identifying process improvements.
• Values accuracy, accountability, and continuous learning.

Where You’ll Make Your Mark

• Partner with Project Managers to manage the financial lifecycle of construction projects, providing project accounting support from kickoff through closeout.
• Manage the project billing process, ensuring timely and accurate invoicing and compliance with contractual requirements.
• Prepare and review monthly project financial reporting, including job profitability, account analysis, unbilled activity, and profit fluctuations.
• Process accounts receivable and accounts payable transactions with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness.
• Administer subcontractor pay applications, vendor invoices, lien waivers, and payment processing in accordance with company policies and project requirements.
• Prepare journal entries, maintain the general ledger, and perform bank, credit card, and general ledger account reconciliations.
• Support month-end close activities by ensuring project and corporate accounting transactions are complete, accurate, and properly recorded.
• Facilitate project closeout activities, including accruals, reconciliations, final billings, and profit analysis.
• Serve as a primary accounting contact for clients, vendors, subcontractors, project teams, and business partners, resolving accounting and billing inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain accurate financial records within CMiC and other accounting systems while ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of accounting transactions.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, the Assistant Controller, and the Accounting team to support the financial health of projects, maintain strong internal controls, and continuously improve accounting processes.

What Building Success Looks Like

• Independently managing the accounting responsibilities for assigned projects.
• Delivering accurate and timely monthly billings and financial reports.
• Building trusted partnerships with Project Managers and project teams.
• Identifying and resolving accounting issues proactively.
• Successfully managing project closeout activities with accuracy and minimal outstanding issues.
• Contributing to efficient financial processes that support successful project delivery.

The BIG Basics

This role is expected to consistently demonstrate BIG Construction’s core values:

• Drive – Take ownership of assigned projects, proactively solve problems, and deliver accurate financial information while meeting deadlines.
• Trust – Build credibility through accuracy, accountability, and transparent communication with Project Managers, clients, subcontractors, and internal partners.
• Ideas – Continuously look for ways to improve processes, increase efficiency, and support smarter financial decision-making.
• Build – Foster strong relationships across teams and contribute to the successful financial management and delivery of every project.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Onsite in the Chicago office
• Ability to remain in a seated position for extended periods
• Ability to move about the office to access equipment and supplies
• Occasional lifting of materials or event items (up to 10 lbs)

Final Notes on the Build

This description outlines primary responsibilities but may evolve as BIG continues to grow. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

The Tools You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related discipline.
• 3–5 years of accounting experience, preferably within the commercial construction industry.
• Experience with construction accounting software; CMiC experience is preferred.
• Strong understanding of project accounting, financial reporting, and general accounting principles, including general ledger maintenance, account reconciliations, and month-end close activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related discipline.
• 3–5 years of accounting experience, preferably within the commercial construction industry.
• Experience with construction accounting software; CMiC experience is preferred.
• Strong understanding of project accounting, financial reporting, and general accounting principles, including general ledger maintenance, account reconciliations, and month-end close activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.