Project Accountant/Cost Engineer

David E. Looper & Company; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

David E. Looper & Company seeks a Project Accountant / Cost Engineer to support project cost tracking, forecasting, budget management, and financial reporting across the project lifecycle.

You will partner with Project Management, Operations, Superintendents, and Accounting to provide financial oversight and ensure costs align with company objectives. This onsite role requires field coordination and accuracy in cost documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of construction accounting, cost engineering, project controls, or related construction experience preferred.
• Experience supporting large commercial or industrial construction projects is preferred.
• Strong understanding of construction job costing principles.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills are preferred.
• Experience with Procore and Sage Timberline is strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Monitor project budgets, commitments, and cost reports.
• Generate monthly progress billings and support owner billing activities.
• Track project expenditures and assist with cost forecasting activities.
• Review subcontractor commitments, purchase orders, invoices, and change orders.
• Support owner billings and project financial reporting.
• Maintain accurate project cost documentation and reporting.
• Assist with labor tracking and productivity reporting as needed.
• Participate in quarterly projections and Work in Progress (WIP) reviews.
• Partner with Project Management to proactively communicate cost or schedule impacts.
• Participate in project meetings and collaborate effectively with Operations and Accounting teams.
• Assist with project mobilization and closeout activities.

Skills

Budget tracking

Cost forecasting

Financial reporting

Project controls

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Procore

Sage Timberline

Job description

Job Description

Position Summary The Project Accountant / Cost Engineer supports project teams by assisting with project cost tracking, forecasting, budget management, financial reporting, and project controls throughout the project lifecycle. This role partners closely with Project Management, Operations, Superintendents, and the Accounting team to provide financial oversight across assigned projects, ensuring project costs are accurately tracked, analyzed, and aligned with company objectives.

Essential Responsibilities

• Monitor project budgets, commitments, and cost reports.
• Generate monthly progress billings and support owner billing activities.
• Track project expenditures and assist with cost forecasting activities.
• Review subcontractor commitments, purchase orders, invoices, and change orders.
• Support owner billings and project financial reporting.
• Maintain accurate project cost documentation and reporting.
• Assist with labor tracking and productivity reporting as needed.
• Participate in quarterly projections and Work in Progress (WIP) reviews.
• Partner with Project Management to proactively communicate cost or schedule impacts.
• Participate in project meetings and collaborate effectively with Operations and Accounting teams.
• Assist with project mobilization and closeout activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of construction accounting, cost engineering, project controls, or related construction experience preferred.
• Experience supporting large commercial or industrial construction projects is preferred.
• Strong understanding of construction job costing principles.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills are preferred.
• Experience with Procore and Sage Timberline is strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting large-scale commercial construction projects is preferred.
• Data center or mission-critical construction experience is a plus but not required.
• Experience with subcontractor management, change order management, cost forecasting, and project financial reporting is preferred.

Core Competencies

• Organization and Attention to Detail
• Effective Communication
• Problem Solving
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Time Management

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This position is expected to maintain a full-time onsite presence and will primarily work from the project office located on the active construction site. The role regularly requires walking the jobsite, participating in field coordination activities, navigating uneven terrain, and complying with all project-specific safety requirements, including the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE). Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This description reflects the general scope of the position and may evolve based on business needs. Employment is at-will and does not constitute a contract. David E. Looper & Company is committed to creating an environment where all individuals are treated with respect and considered based on their qualifications and contributions.