Client Accounting Services (CAS) Manager - Construction and Real Estate
About The Position
We’re looking for an experienced Client Accounting Services Manager to support and expand our growing Real Estate & Construction practice. In this role, you’ll work directly with developers, contractors, project managers, and finance leaders to deliver high‑quality project‑based accounting—while helping shape how our firm serves one of our fastest‑growing industry niches. At Perkins, you’ll collaborate with smart, supportive colleagues who love problem‑solving and making an impact. You’ll have the opportunity to work with complex project environments, mentor a talented team, and contribute to the continued growth of our CAS practice. Expect variety—no two clients, development projects, or construction cycles are the same—and enjoy being part of a people‑first culture that values balance, innovation, and continuous learning. If you thrive in dynamic project environments, enjoy building strong client relationships, and love helping teams succeed, we’d love to meet you. What’s the work arrangement? Our teams work seamlessly across locations either hybrid or fully remote. While we have not required an in office presence, we are requiring this position to be based in the Portland metro or SW Washington area , such that you are available for local, in person client and team meetings. Of course if you want to come into one of the offices on a regular basis, that’s an option too. A culture where balance and impact go hand in hand. As part of our leadership‑track CAS team, you’ll help shape our service delivery model while maintaining a sustainable workload. Our CAS Managers have a target of 1,220 charge hours (2,150 total hours annual), giving you the structure you need, without the burnout. You’ll contribute to weekly management discussions, guide team development, and support niche growth—all in an environment that truly values balance and well‑being.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (required)
- 5+ years of construction or real estate accounting experience, including Job costing and cost code management; SOV preparation and progress billing; WIP schedule preparation and percent‑complete calculations; Retainage, subcontractor compliance, and lien waiver tracking; Development project accounting and cost capitalization
- Experience supervising accounting staff and managing project‑based workflows in a professional services environment (strongly preferred)
- Experience with construction ERPs or project management tools (Procore, Sage, Acumatica, Spectrum, IES, etc.) preferred
- QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Certification (or willingness to obtain within 6 months)
- CPA license a plus
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, revenue recognition for construction, and development‑specific accounting principles
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate financial information into meaningful insights
- A collaborative, solutions‑oriented mindset
Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of construction and real estate development clients, including onboarding, workflow design, monthly close oversight, and delivery of financial packages.
- Train, supervise, and mentor CAS Associates and Seniors, delegating project‑based accounting work and ensuring technical accuracy and ongoing skill development.
- Engage clients in strategic discussions on job costing structures, project workflows, billing processes, internal controls, and reporting best practices.
- Lead client meetings and present financial statements, WIP schedules, Schedule of Values (SOV) billings, project performance reports, and development cost tracking.
- Review and approve general ledger activity, including job cost allocations, cost‑to‑complete updates, budget revisions, retention entries, and capitalization of development costs.
- Support clients in selecting and implementing construction accounting and project management systems (Procore, Sage, Acumatica, Spectrum, IES, etc.).
- Identify construction‑ and development‑specific KPIs—backlog, job profitability, percent‑complete revenue, committed costs, overhead absorption, project cash flow—and translate them into actionable insights.
- Draft financial reports and project‑specific accounting packages, including WIP analyses and job cost summaries.
- Assist clients with internal cash flow and profitability models for construction projects, development pipelines, and capital planning.
- Collaborate with our tax team to identify and elevate tax planning considerations (e.g., 263A, 460, 1031 exchanges, entity structures).
- Contribute to business development—prepare proposals, support scoping conversations, and participate in meetings with prospective clients.
- Attend construction and real estate industry events to maintain technical expertise and expand professional relationships.
- Co‑lead weekly management and team meetings and help foster a positive, collaborative CAS culture.
Benefits
- 401(k) profit sharing plan with immediate vesting
- 14.5 paid holidays, 5 weeks of PTO, Paid Family and Medical Leave
- Incentive plan for sales leads
- In-office perks include paid parking, public transit access, a bike garage, gym, outdoor space, and plenty of snacks
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
