Staff Accountant - Construction

Collins and Wright, Inc.; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Growth opportunities in a hands-on, no

Job summary

Collins and Wright, Inc. is seeking an experienced Full Charge Staff Accountant to own the financial backbone of our construction operations in Columbia, SC. You will work directly with project managers, catch budget problems early, and deliver the monthly close that leadership relies on.

This hands-on role focuses on project cost accounting, general ledger, A/P & A/R, and payroll compliance, ensuring accurate financial statements and tight internal controls across multiple projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (preferred).
• 1-3 years of accounting experience; construction or real estate industry experience is a plus.
• Solid foundation in GAAP.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze project expenses (labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor fees) against budgets.
• Identify budget overruns early and flag them to project leadership.
• Build accurate WIP schedules and variance reports that tell the real story.
• Prepare and post journal entries with precision.
• Reconcile bank statements and maintain balance sheet lead schedules.
• Own the month-end close process and prepare monthly financial statements.
• Process subcontractor invoices and verify lien waiver compliance.
• Prepare progress billings (AIA G702/G703).
• Manage cash flow with timely disbursements and receipts.
• Process weekly payroll accurately by project.
• Submit payroll tax liabilities on time.
• Prepare audit schedules and support tax filings.
• Ensure internal controls and compliance standards are met.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Ownership / accountability

Education

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

Tools

Sage 50/100/300 CRE

Viewpoint Vista

Procore

QuickBooks Contractor

Job description

If you're an accountant who loves seeing projects finish on time and under budget-and wants to be the person making that happen—this is your role. As Full Charge Staff Accountant at Collins and Wright, you'll own the financial backbone of our construction operations. You'll work directly with project managers, catch budget problems before they become disasters, and deliver the monthly close that leadership depends on.

This is hands-on accounting work that matters. No busy-work, no endless meetings. Just real projects, real deadlines, and real impact.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Job Costing & Project Finance

• Monitor and analyze project expenses (labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor fees) against budgets
• Identify budget overruns early and flag them to project leadership
• Build accurate WIP schedules and variance reports that tell the real story

General Ledger & Close

• Prepare and post journal entries with precision
• Reconcile bank statements and maintain balance sheet lead schedules
• Own the month-end close process and prepare monthly financial statements

Accounts Payable & Receivable

• Process subcontractor invoices and verify lien waiver compliance
• Prepare progress billings (AIA G702/G703)
• Manage cash flow with timely disbursements and receipts

Payroll & Compliance

• Process weekly payroll accurately by project
• Submit payroll tax liabilities on time
• Prepare audit schedules and support tax filings
• Ensure internal controls and compliance standards are met

WHO YOU ARE

Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (preferred)
• 1-3 years of accounting experience; construction or real estate industry experience is a plus
• Solid foundation in GAAP

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with construction accounting software (Sage 50/100/300 CRE, Viewpoint Vista, Procore, or QuickBooks Contractor)
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, SUMIFS)
• Fluent in Microsoft 365
• Familiarity with project billing structures and subcontractor compliance

Core Strengths

• Clear communicator who can translate financials for project managers and field personnel
• Detail-oriented organizer managing multiple project timelines
• Analytical problem-solver who catches errors and prevents budget creep
• Someone who takes ownership and asks good questions

WHAT WE OFFER

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Work with a team that values skill, effort, and real accountability
• Opportunity to grow in a company that invests in people who want to learn

Collins and Wright is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team of skilled, hardworking professionals. We believe in hiring people who want to grow, have the courage to ask questions, and take pride in their work.