Senior Accountant

GHJ • Bakersfield, CA

22h • $100,000 - $125,000

About The Position

The Senior Accountant is responsible for overseeing the company’s general ledger, managing Work-in-Progress (WIP) accounting, and supervising payroll processes within a construction environment. This role ensures accurate financial reporting, job cost integrity, and compliance with GAAP and industry-specific accounting standards. The ideal candidate has strong construction accounting experience, understands percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, and can operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced project-based setting.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in construction accounting.
• Strong knowledge of WIP reporting and percentage-of-completion revenue recognition.
• Experience overseeing payroll, including multi-state and/or union payroll preferred.
• Proficiency in construction accounting software (e.g., Sage 300 CRE, Viewpoint, Foundation, or similar).
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Strong understanding of job costing systems.
• Knowledge of GAAP and construction-specific accounting practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a mid-sized or growing construction company.
• Experience with ERP system implementation or upgrades.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and oversee the general ledger, ensuring accuracy and completeness of financial records.
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Perform and review complex journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal accounting policies.
• Assist with external audits and provide supporting documentation as needed.
• Analyze financial results and provide variance explanations to management.
• Prepare and review monthly WIP schedules.
• Analyze job cost reports and compare budget vs. actual performance.
• Calculate and record revenue using percentage-of-completion or other applicable revenue recognition methods.
• Monitor underbillings and overbillings and ensure proper financial statement presentation.
• Collaborate with project managers to review project status, estimated costs to complete, and change orders.
• Identify potential project cost overruns and financial risks.
• Ensure proper job setup and cost coding within the accounting system.
• Supervise payroll processing for salaried and hourly employees, including union and prevailing wage payroll where applicable.
• Review payroll reports for accuracy, including certified payroll compliance.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• Coordinate payroll-related audits and reporting requirements.
• Oversee benefit deductions, garnishments, and payroll accruals.
• Maintain strong internal controls over payroll processes.
• Develop and maintain internal accounting controls specific to construction operations.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements and regulatory standards.
• Support bonding and banking reporting requirements.
• Assist with insurance audits (workers' comp, general liability).
• Provide guidance and mentorship to accounting staff.
• Partner with project managers and operations leadership to ensure financial transparency.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Support implementation or optimization of construction accounting software.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Performance bonus eligibility.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development support.

What This Job Offers

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