Project Accountant

Charlotte North Carolina Based General Contractor; North Carolina; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

R.J. Leeper Construction seeks a Project Accountant to ensure accurate financials for assigned construction projects from setup to closeout. You will partner with project teams to support billing, collections, and compliance while driving process improvements.

The role favors candidates with construction accounting exposure or a strong accounting foundation and a willingness to learn. This is a hands-on position in a small team setting seeking ownership and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associates degree in Accounting; equivalent accounting experience considered.
• 3–7 years of accounting experience preferred.
• Experience with Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable required.
• Construction or project-based accounting experience preferred.
• Experience with AIA billing is a plus.
• Experience with construction accounting software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Invoicing and Billing: prepare and process project invoices, pay apps, change orders, and final billings; review costs and supporting docs for billing accuracy; coordinate with PMs for timely billing and collections.
• Accounts Receivable: monitor customer accounts, apply payments, follow up on invoices, assist with AR reporting.
• Documentation and Compliance: maintain organized project accounting records; coordinate COIs, lien waivers, subcontract docs; support closeout and audit readiness.
• Accounts Payable: review, code, and process vendor invoices; match to POs; process lien waivers; maintain vendor files and 1099 docs; reconcile statements.
• Financial and Administrative Support: month-end close support; assist with general accounting functions.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Deadline prioritization

Written communication

Verbal communication

Analytical thinking

Continuous improvement

Independent work with teams

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Associates degree in Accounting

Tools

Construction accounting software

Job description

Job Description

Position Overview The Project Accountant is responsible for ensuring the financial accuracy and administrative success of assigned construction projects from contract setup through final closeout. This role partners with Project Managers, Project Executives, and the Accounting Manager to support billing, collections, subcontractor payments, compliance documentation, and continuous process improvement.

The ideal candidate enjoys working in a small environment, takes ownership of their work, and is always looking for ways to improve processes and create efficiencies. Construction accounting experience is preferred but not required for candidates with strong accounting fundamentals and a willingness to learn.

Key Responsibilities

Invoicing and Billing

• Prepare and process accurate project invoices, pay applications, change orders, and final billings.
• Prepare AIA billing packages when required.
• Review project costs, subcontractor billings, work orders, and supporting documentation for billing accuracy.
• Coordinate with Project Managers to ensure timely billing and collections.

Accounts Receivable

• Monitor customer accounts and collections.
• Apply customer payments accurately.
• Follow up on outstanding invoices.
• Assist with monthly accounts receivable reporting.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain organized project accounting records.
• Coordinate certificates of insurance, lien waivers, subcontract documentation, and other project compliance requirements.
• Support project closeout activities.
• Ensure project files remain complete and audit-ready.

Accounts Payable

• Review, code, and process vendor and subcontractor invoices.
• Match invoices to purchase orders, contracts, and receiving documentation.
• Process lien waivers and vendor compliance documentation.
• Maintain vendor files, including W-9s and 1099 documentation.
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies

Financial and Administrative Support

• Provide support with month-end close as needed.
• Support general accounting functions as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's or Associates degree in Accounting

Equivalent accounting experience will also be considered.

Experience

• 3–7 years of accounting experience preferred.
• Experience with Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable required.
• Construction or project-based accounting experience preferred.
• Experience with AIA billing is a plus.
• Experience with construction accounting software is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

We're looking for someone who demonstrates:

• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• A continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with project teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite

Why Join Us

At R.J. Leeper Construction, you'll become part of a team that leaves lasting impacts on the communities we serve. This position offers the opportunity to expand your knowledge of construction accounting while helping improve the financial processes that support our projects.

Company Description

Charlotte-based Minority General Contractor and Construction Management firm, which has been in business for over 30 years, is expanding to the Wilmington, NC market. Our knowledge of the market and approach to construction has allowed us to deliver successful projects to our clients, time and time again. Building great projects is important to our clients and us, and advancing the growth of great business communities and neighborhoods is equally as significant. Building People and Projects with a Purpose. Build