Senior Project Accountant

RSS, LLC.•Sacramento, CA

1d•$31 - $46•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Project Accountant is responsible for managing the financial operations of construction projects, with a focus on accurate billing, cost control, and adherence to accounting standards. This role is vital to maintaining the financial health of each project by working closely with project managers, finance teams, and external partners to ensure timely reporting and compliance with contractual obligations. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, the ability to manage complex financial data, and a deep understanding of project cost management. They must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and proficient in financial software systems to streamline billing, reporting, and reconciliation. This role also includes overseeing project-related insurance, including the enrollment and administration of wrap-up insurance programs, and safeguarding lien rights through the timely filing of preliminary notices and related documentation.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of project accounting experience, preferably in a project-based environment
Experience managing a high volume of projects simultaneously
Proficiency in MS Excel (intermediate level), including data analysis, LOOKUP, Pivot Tables and reporting
Strong data entry skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
Experience with project-based accounting
Solid understanding of construction billing procedures and compliance requirements
Proven ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple deadlines.
Strong multi-tasking skills with the ability to meet deadlines and maintain accuracy
Excellent customer service and communication skills, both written and verbal
Experience with Dynamics AX Accounting or other ERP systems for financial management
Proficiency in working within a networked computer environment, including accounting and ERP systems
Ability to verbally communicate: convey detailed and accurate instructions and information.
Ability to hear with or without correction in order to receive and interpret detailed information.
Required to sit at a desk work station for long periods of time.
Push, pull, lift, carry at least 10 pounds and occasionally lift/move up to 35 pounds.
Occasionally required to walk and stand for short and long periods of time.
Required to have visual acuity with or without correction in order to read contract documents, analyze data, view a computer monitor, and proof-read documents to identify errors.
Required to use fingers and hands: type using a computer keyboard, handle, feel, and reach.
May occasionally be required to stoop, kneel, and crouch.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working in a team environment with at least five accounting staff
Background in a large construction company, with an understanding of industry-specific accounting practices

Responsibilities

Lead the preparation of monthly progress billings, including lien releases, ensuring accuracy and compliance using MS Excel, MS Dynamics AX, Textura, and other third-party systems.
Partner closely with project managers to ensure precise and timely project billing, including invoice preparation and thorough review.
Prepare and analyze over/under billing summaries, providing key insights and collaborating with management to ensure accurate project financial reporting.
Process monthly invoices and issue miscellaneous invoices directly to customers, ensuring full accuracy and alignment with project terms.
Review and approve change order budgets, ensuring financial accuracy and alignment with project scope.
Oversee project startups by ensuring all required documentation is complete and accurate. This includes billing setups, contract details, preliminary notice filings to secure lien rights, and insurance certificates—such as enrollment in wrap-up insurance programs when applicable.
Maintain well-organized and accurate billing files, ensuring they are complete and easily accessible for financial reporting and audit purposes.
Ensuring all financial obligations are met, budgets finalized, and compliance with project closeout requirements. Collaborate with project managers to resolve outstanding issues promptly.
Maintain up-to-date records of sub-tier and supplier release logs, addressing and resolving disputes with the Accounts Payable team and project managers to prevent delays in payments.
Ensure strict adherence to billing schedules, with accurate invoice preparation and timely collections. Oversee lien releases for project billings and sub-tier and suppliers, ensuring compliance with legal and contractual requirements. Proactively address any skipped or short-paid invoices, promptly notifying the project manager of any disputes to prevent delays in payment processing.
Conduct job cost analysis and reallocate job costs as needed to ensure accurate financial reporting and project budgeting.
Reconcile project accounts by ensuring all financial transactions are accurately recorded, and independently identify and correct discrepancies as needed to maintain accurate project financials
Collaborate with external auditors to provide necessary financial data and ensure compliance with accounting standards, company policies, and contract requirements.
Work with the General Ledger team to audit On Accounts transactions, identify discrepancies, and document corrective actions for management review, along with corrective actions taken.
Accurately record all incoming ACH, credit card, and cash deposits into the company's accounting system, ensuring that all deposits are properly categorized and allocated to the appropriate project within the accounting system, making sure funds are correctly applied.
Conduct credit checks on new customer accounts, providing risk assessments to inform decision-making and reduce financial exposure.
Assist with ACH payment setup forms and customer onboarding to ensure a smooth integration of new accounts.
Maintain and update the billing log regularly by tracking all billable items, including invoices issued, adjustments, and project milestones. Document reasons for any projects with no billing activity and verify that retention amounts are accurately recorded and aligned with the project account.
Liaise with project managers, operations teams, and finance staff to resolve discrepancies and ensure financial accuracy across all project-related activities.
Identify opportunities to streamline billing and reporting processes, contributing to enhanced efficiency and accuracy within the project accounting function.
Proactively monitor billing activity to ensure accuracy across all assigned accounts. Maintain up-to-date billing and contact information for each account and ensure alignment with project terms. Process annual, quarterly, and monthly invoices, and manage collections to ensure timely receipt of payments.