Lead Accountant / Project Accountant

Description

Position Overview

The Lead Accountant / Project Accountant manages daily accounting operations and project accounting across multiple entities. This is a hands-on role responsible for bank and general ledger reconciliations, month-end close activities, accounts payable and payments, and construction billing.

The position requires someone who can independently reconcile accounts, resolve discrepancies, prepare journal entries, and keep accounting and project deadlines on track.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations & Month-End Close

• Perform bank, credit card, and general ledger account reconciliations; investigate and resolve outstanding differences.
• Reconcile AP, AR, payroll, intercompany balances, and project accounting records to the general ledger.
• Prepare journal entries, accruals, prepaid expense schedules, allocations, and corrections with appropriate support.
• Own assigned month-end close tasks, review account balances and financial activity, and maintain schedules for financial reporting and year-end review.
• Review GL postings and employee reimbursements for accurate expense recognition and job allocation.

Project Accounting

• Maintain project budgets, contracts, commitments, and approved change orders.
• Prepare monthly pencil drafts, pay applications, and billing backup in coordination with project managers.
• Review job costs and labor allocations; resolve missing costs, coding errors, and unbilled items.
• Prepare and reconcile WIP schedules and support reviews of project forecasts, profitability, and over/under billings.
• Manage final billing, retainage reconciliation, and project accounting closeout.

Coordination & Accountability

• Maintain billing and close schedules, follow through on open items, and escalate issues promptly.
• Guide accounting staff as assigned and improve procedures, documentation, and reconciliation practices.

Accounts Payable, Receivables & Payments

• Process and review vendor invoices and subcontractor pay applications for correct coding, documentation, and approval.
• Reconcile vendor statements, resolve discrepancies, and prepare and process approved check and ACH payment runs.
• Record customer receipts, monitor aging, follow up on collections, and provide payment and collection updates for cash planning.
• Maintain vendor records, lien waivers, and supporting documentation; assist with year-end 1099 reporting.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Five or more years of progressive accounting experience; construction and multi-entity experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to independently complete bank and balance sheet reconciliations, prepare journal entries, and execute month-end close responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of general ledger accounting and how transactions affect financial statements.
• Experience with job costing, WIP, progress billing, and retainage.
• Strong Excel skills and proficiency with Sage 300, Sage Intacct or comparable accounting software.
• Organized, analytical, and accountable, with clear communication and consistent follow-through.
• Accounting or finance degree preferred; equivalent relevant experience considered.