Project Accountant Assistant

Reed Construction; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401(k)

Paid parental leave

Paid time off

Disability insurance

Life Insurance

50% Company paid parking

Job summary

A family-owned construction firm in Chicago is looking for a Project Accountant Assistant to support project accounting operations. This role includes preparing subcontractor waivers, processing AP entries, and ensuring compliance with insurance requirements. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, 1-3 years of accounting experience, and proficiency in Sage 300 or QuickBooks. This position offers a competitive salary range of $55,000 - $65,000 with benefits including medical and dental insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years accounts payable or general accounting experience.
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles.
• Ability to work well with various personalities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly subcontractor waiver requests and maintain job documentation.
• Process and reconcile monthly job-related AP entries.
• Serve as backup to Accounts Payable to ensure operational continuity.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in accounting software

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Sage 300

QuickBooks

Microsoft Office

Job description

Reed Construction is a fifth-generation, family-owned General Contractor with over 125 years of experience delivering high-quality construction services. Our reputation is built on reliability, financial discipline, and exceptional client and trade partner relationships.

The Project Accountant Assistant plays a key role in supporting project-based accounting operations. This position works closely with Project Accountants and the Controller to ensure subcontract documentation, job cost reporting, compliance tracking, and payment processing are completed accurately and efficiently.

This role requires strong attention to detail, organizational discipline, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines across active construction projects. In addition to supporting project accounting workflows, this position is cross-trained to provide backup support to Accounts Payable to ensure operational continuity.

The ideal candidate is proactive, process-oriented, and comfortable working in a deadline-driven construction environment where accuracy and responsiveness directly impact project success.

Position Summary

Supports project accounting operations while serving as cross-trained backup to Accounts Payable to ensure operational continuity.

What You'll Do

• Prepare monthly subcontractor waiver requests; verify accuracy and maintain organized job file documentation.
• Process and reconcile monthly job-related AP entries; compare against sworn statements for accuracy.
• Issue weekly trade partner payments per Project Accountant direction.
• Maintain Master AR log daily and provide weekly deposit reporting.
• Serve as primary backup to Accounts Payable (invoice entry, expense reconciliation, credit cards, deposits).
• Set up new projects in AutoDesk and communicate job details to Project Accountant.
• Collect, track, and report Certificates of Insurance; manage job-specific insurance compliance logs.
• Collaborate with Controller on subcontractor prequalification documentation and tracking.
• Process subcontracts, change orders, and purchase orders within 1–2 business days of request, ensuring vendor prequalification.
• Escalate discrepancies or trade partner issues immediately to Project Accountant and Project Manager.

What You Bring

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required
• 1-3 years accounts payable or general accounting experience
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles Job Description
• Excellent communications skills and is able to work well with a wide range of personalities
• A strong sense of urgency and time management
• Goal-oriented – ability to problem solve, react quickly to changing circumstances and still achieve the desired results
• Organized with excellent verbal and written communication skills with keen attention to detail
• Proficiency with relevant accounting software such as Sage 300, QuickBooks, etc.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead in a respected firm with a rich legacy and a vibrant future.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, reflecting your critical role in our success.
• A collaborative environment where every team member is driven to excel.

Featured Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Disability insurance
• Life Insurance
• 50% Company paid parking

SALARY RANGE

$55,000 - $65,000 annually

WORK CONDITIONS

• Onsite
• Some flexibility to work from home

Reed Construction is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other basis protected by law.

In accordance with Illinois law, we may use artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools in connection with the recruitment, evaluation, or screening of applicants. We do not use AI tools in a manner intended to discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all the activities, duties or responsibilities required of this position.*