Cost Accountant I – Operational Finance

Turner Construction • Indianapolis, IN

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Cost Accountant I assists with financial administration and cost accounting activities for assigned projects. The role supports the implementation of company financial policies and procedures to monitor compliance and accuracy in project financial reporting. Through guided project engagement, the employee develops an understanding of construction operations, contract types, cost drivers, project financial risks, and compliance considerations. The position works with project teams and the Shared Service Organization to support accurate, timely financial data flow, and may participate in job site visits to observe finance operations and gather project financial information.

The role assists with project accounting, cost reporting, accounts payable, client billing, accounts receivable monitoring, month-end close, forecasting, project setup and maintenance, and project closeout. It also supports audits and maintains project financial records, including records of project assets and rentals for insurance documentation. Work is performed with oversight and direction from a supervisor, with other duties assigned as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Finance, Accounting, Construction Management, or a related field, with at least 1 year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Basic understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial processes.
• Interest in cost accounting, construction finance, and/or project-based financial management.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and follow company financial policies, practices, and standard operating procedures.
• Strong organization, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members, ask questions, and flexibly prioritize responsibilities to meet deadlines with supervisor direction.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and ability to adapt in a dynamic environment with financial deadlines.
• Willingness to travel on a limited basis.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including frequent sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, handling objects or controls, reaching, talking, and hearing; frequent computer and keyboard use; occasional mobility and travel; and lifting or moving up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work in compliance with company safety policies, procedures, and applicable laws.

Nice To Haves

• Internship or co-op experience in accounting or finance.
• Basic understanding of artificial intelligence tools for financial analysis, data validation, and process automation, and willingness to learn how to use them to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Familiarity with financial systems such as SAP.

Responsibilities

• Assist with project accounting tasks and analyze financial data for assigned projects using company financial systems.
• Develop foundational knowledge of construction operations, contract types, and cost drivers through active project engagement.
• Assist with preparation, review, and audit of cost reports.
• Learn to identify cost variances, project risks, and compliance considerations through guided review of project financials.
• Audit and reconcile client bills against the general ledger for accuracy and compliance.
• Support timely Accounts Payable transactions through the Shared Service Organization and review vendor and subcontractor invoices for accurate cost coding and required documentation.
• Verify subcontractor compliance documentation, including contracts, insurance, and lien waivers, and escalate discrepancies.
• Assist with vendor account audits and research, and reconcile outstanding invoices based on expected monthly expenses.
• Learn and perform assigned month-end close activities, including posting journal entries, reconciling general ledger accounts, validating Work-In-Place, and resolving or escalating discrepancies before close deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records of project assets and rentals for insurance documentation.
• Support preparation of project billings in accordance with contract requirements and company policies, with oversight.
• Monitor accounts receivable status and escalate billing or collection concerns to a supervisor.
• Participate in forecasting General Conditions/General Requirements, staff, and labor projections, including costs such as insurance and taxes.
• Participate in job site visits to observe finance operations and project progress and gather financial data.
• Coordinate with project teams and the Shared Service Organization to support accurate and timely financial data flow.
• Assist with project setup and maintenance in financial systems and maintain current and new budget coding and structure.
• Assist with final cost reconciliation and revenue validation during project closeout.
• Support internal and external audit requests by gathering documentation as directed.
• Attend and contribute to team meetings to learn financial processes, adopt best practices, and evaluate integration of artificial intelligence tools.
• Perform other activities, duties, and responsibilities as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level