Accountant

The accountant owns the accounts receivable cycle, from setting up new jobs to billing, collections, and cash receipts. You'll also serve as backup for payroll and accounts payable, so the finance team keeps running smoothly when others are out.

Reports to: Controller

Location: La Porte, TX – on-site

Employment type: Full-time, exempt

Key responsibilities:

New job setup

• Set up new jobs and customer accounts in the accounting system, including contract values, billing terms, cost codes, and retainage
• Review contracts, purchase orders, and change orders to confirm billing requirements before work begins
• Maintain accurate customer master data, tax status, and insurance/lien documentation

Billing

• Prepare and issue accurate, timely invoices, including progress billings, time-and-material, and fixed-fee billings
• Process change orders and retainage billings; reconcile billed-to-date against contract values
• Coordinate with project managers to confirm percent complete and billable work each cycle

Collections

• Monitor the AR aging and follow up on past-due accounts by phone and email
• Resolve billing disputes and short payments with customers and project teams
• Track and manage lien waivers and preliminary notices where required
• Recommend accounts for escalation, payment plans or write-off

Cash receipts

• Record and apply daily cash receipts (checks, ACH, wire, credit card) to customer accounts
• Prepare bank deposits and reconcile receipts to bank activity
• Investigate and resolve unapplied cash and customer credits

Reporting and month-end

• Reconcile AR subledger to the general ledger each month
• Prepare AR aging, billing and collections reports for management
• Support month-end close, audits and over/under billing (WIP) schedules

Backup – payroll

• Process payroll in the absence of the primary payroll administrator, including timesheet review, deductions, and certified payroll where applicable
• Respond to routine employee payroll questions and maintain confidentiality

Backup – accounts payable

• Enter and code vendor invoices, match to POs and receiving, and obtain approvals
• Prepare check runs and ACH payments; process vendor lien waivers and W-9s
• Respond to vendor inquiries and reconcile vendor statements

Qualifications:

Required

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of experience in accounts receivable, billing, and collections
• Working knowledge of payroll and accounts payable processes
• Strong Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, reconciliations)
• Experience with an ERP or accounting system

Preferred

• Construction or project-based accounting experience, including progress billing, retainage, and job costing
• Familiarity with certified payroll and multi-state payroll
• Knowledge of mechanic's lien laws and lien waiver processes

Skills and competencies

• Close attention to detail and accuracy
• Clear, professional communication with customers, vendors and project managers
• Persistence and tact in collections
• Strong organization and ability to meet recurring deadlines
• Discretion with confidential payroll and financial information
• Team player who can step into other roles when needed

What we offer

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development support