Senior Project Accountant Construction

Butterfly Staffing; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Butterfly Staffing is seeking an experienced Senior Project Accountant to support a growing federal construction contractor in the Chicago area. The role covers the full financial lifecycle of construction projects from setup to closeout, collaborating with Project Managers, Operations, Finance, and leadership.

The ideal candidate has a strong construction accounting background, excels in job costing, billing, WIP, forecasting, reconciliations, and project reporting, and demonstrates GAAP

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in accounting/finance or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive construction accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of job costing, WIP, revenue recognition, and close processes.
• Experience with AIA billing and certified payroll preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up projects, budgets, cost codes, contracts, change orders, and billing terms
• Monitor job costs, commitments, subcontract activity, change orders, and overall project performance
• Prepare and manage owner billings, including AIA applications, schedules of values, stored materials, and retainage
• Perform monthly project reconciliations and support WIP reporting and revenue recognition
• Work with Project Managers on job costs, margins, variances, forecasts, and cost-to-complete reporting
• Review subcontractor and vendor invoices and supporting documentation
• Track billing, payments, retainage, and project cash flow
• Support monthly, quarterly, and year-end close
• Maintain accurate project accounting records and ensure transactions are recorded in the correct period
• Support internal and external audits
• Manage the financial side of project closeout, including final billing and outstanding obligations
• Help improve accounting processes, reporting, and project financial controls

Skills

Job costing

WIP

GAAP

Microsoft Excel

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Multi-project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Foundation

Acumatica

Sage Intacct

Procore

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Butterfly Staffing is seeking an experienced Senior Project Accountant to support a growing federal construction contractor in the Chicago area.

This role will manage the financial side of construction projects from setup through closeout, working closely with Project Managers, Operations, Finance, and company leadership. The right person will have a strong construction accounting background and be comfortable handling job costing, billing, WIP, forecasting, reconciliations, and project financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Set up projects, budgets, cost codes, contracts, change orders, and billing terms
• Monitor job costs, commitments, subcontract activity, change orders, and overall project performance
• Prepare and manage owner billings, including AIA applications, schedules of values, stored materials, and retainage
• Perform monthly project reconciliations and support WIP reporting and revenue recognition
• Work closely with Project Managers on job costs, margins, variances, forecasts, and cost-to-complete reporting
• Review subcontractor and vendor invoices and supporting documentation
• Track billing, payments, retainage, and project cash flow
• Support monthly, quarterly, and year-end close
• Maintain accurate project accounting records and make sure transactions are recorded in the correct period
• Support internal and external audits
• Manage the financial side of project closeout, including final billing and outstanding obligations
• Help improve accounting processes, reporting, and project financial controls

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 5+ years of progressive construction accounting experience
• Strong knowledge of job costing, WIP, percentage-of-completion accounting, revenue recognition, and month-end close
• Experience with construction billing, including AIA billing, schedules of values, and retainage
• Experience working closely with Project Managers and Operations on project financial performance
• Strong understanding of GAAP and construction accounting practices
• Experience with construction accounting or project management systems such as Foundation, Acumatica, Sage Intacct, Procore, or similar
• Advanced Excel skills
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines

Preferred

• CPA or progress toward CPA
• Federal construction accounting experience
• Experience with certified payroll, lien waivers, bonds, insurance documentation, and government contract requirements