Senior Project Accountant

BEAR Construction Company; Rolling Meadows (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

BEAR Construction Company seeks a Senior Project Accountant to partner with project managers and operations leadership. You will oversee complex construction budgets, monitor cash flow, and lead monthly billings and forecasting.

The role emphasizes mentoring project accountants and improving accounting processes across projects. Responsibilities include budget setup, cost coding accuracy, and proactive financial analyses to support project decisions and company priorities.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years in project or construction accounting.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Experience with Vista by Viewpoint and Procore preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead project setup, budget creation and financial tracking.
• Review budgets, commitments, and cost coding.
• Analyze project financial performance and identify risks.
• Oversee owner billings, pay apps, retention tracking, and T&M billings.
• Monitor cash flow and assist with forecasting and revenue recognition.
• Provide reporting to Project Managers and Accounting Leadership.
• Mentor Project Accountants and drive process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with policies and contractual obligations.

Skills

Project cost accounting

Financial reporting

Advanced Excel

Budgeting

Forecasting

Communication

Mentoring

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting

Tools

Vista by Viewpoint

Procore

Job description

Position Description

The Senior Project Accountant serves as a key financial partner to Project Managers, Operations Leadership, and the Accounting team. This role is responsible for overseeing complex construction projects, ensuring accurate financial reporting, providing guidance and mentorship to Project Accountants, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives within the Project Accounting department. The Senior Project Accountant plays a critical role in maintaining project financial health through proactive cost management, budget analysis, forecasting, billing oversight, and collaboration with project teams throughout the lifecycle of a project.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead project setup, budget creation, contract administration, and financial tracking for assigned projects.
• Review and oversee project budgets, commitments, and cost coding to ensure financial accuracy.
• Analyze project financial performance and proactively identify risks, budget variances, and cost impacts.
• Prepare, review, and support monthly owner billings, pay applications, retention tracking, and time and material billings.
• Monitor project cash flow and assist with forecasting and revenue recognition activities.
• Provide financial analysis and project reporting to Project Managers, Operations Leadership, and Accounting Management.
• Review subcontract, purchase order, and change order financial impacts and ensure proper system documentation.
• Perform project audits and lead corrective actions for accounting or system-related discrepancies.
• Partner with Project Managers to review project forecasts, work-in-progress schedules, and projected financial outcomes.
• Assist with monthly and quarterly financial reporting, including WIP reporting and projections.
• Support collections efforts by monitoring outstanding receivables and coordinating with project teams.
• Review Accounts Payable transactions, invoice approvals, and subcontractor payment documentation as assigned.
• Serve as a resource and mentor for Project Accountants by providing training, guidance, and support.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, workflows, reporting capabilities, and departmental efficiencies.
• Assist Project Accounting leadership with special projects, software enhancements, and department initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with company policies, client requirements, and contractual obligations.

Position Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5-8 years of experience in project accounting, construction accounting, or a similar financial role.
• Strong understanding of construction cost accounting principles, project billing, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze project financial performance and communicate findings effectively.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including reporting, pivot tables, and financial analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to lead, train, and mentor team members.
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in the commercial construction industry preferred.
• Experience using Vista by Viewpoint and Procore preferred.
• Experience with Work-in-Progress (WIP) reporting and construction forecasting preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer

BEAR Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.