JOB SUMMARY
The Project Accountant is responsible for the comprehensive financial management of construction projects from pre-construction through closeout. This role oversees project setup, budgeting, cost tracking, subcontractor compliance, change order administration, billing, and financial reporting using Procore, eCMS, and related accounting systems. Acting as a key liaison between project teams, subcontractors, owners, and accounting, the Project Accountant ensures financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and timely cash flow. The position also supports operational improvements, system implementations, and onboarding and training of new team members.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare detailed project budget templates based on bid documentation and contract scope.
- Establish projects in Procore and eCMS, including course-of-construction updates, team assignments, and financial structures.
- Create, upload, and maintain project budgets in Procore and eCMS, including cost code setup and additional budget codes as required.
- Prepare and configure direct cost budgets for labor, materials, equipment, and permits.
- Set up Prime Contracts in Procore, including attaching executed Owner contracts and creating project SOVs.
- Enter and manage all project commitments in Procore and eCMS, including setting up commitment contacts for SOV and invoice processing.
- Execute trade contracts and trade change orders on behalf of project managers in accordance with company policy.
- Roll, post, and maintain Owner Change Orders (COs) and Internal Change Orders (ICOs) in Procore and eCMS.
- Ensure all change orders are accurately reflected in budgets, payment applications, and financial reports.
- Coordinate the ordering and review of subcontractor insurance certificates (COIs), bonds, and required compliance documentation.
- Review trade partner compliance documentation with project teams to ensure adherence to contractual and legal requirements.
- Prepare pre-lien information sheets and execute, sign, and notarize project-related documents as required.
- Enter and post accounts payable transactions in eCMS, including subcontractor invoices and direct costs.
- Process cost and payroll corrections through journal entries to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Communicate approved trade payments to the accounting team for check processing.
- Manage AR-related communications, including Owner billing follow-up and collection coordination.
- Process deposits of Owner payments and maintain communication with management regarding cash receipts.
- Prepare, review, and issue monthly Owner Payment Applications, including GMP and non-GMP projects.
- Review and pull approved subcontractor payment applications from Procore and enter them into eCMS.
- Gather, organize, and maintain all required payment application backup documentation.
- Bill permits, reimbursables, and approved change orders to Owners to support timely and accurate billing.
- Prepare and distribute monthly cost reports (detail and summary) and billing reports to internal leadership.
- Reconcile Procore and eCMS monthly and at project closeout to ensure all costs, payments, and contracts are fully aligned.
- Collaborate with project managers to research and resolve financial discrepancies.
- Lead financial closeout activities, ensuring all commitments, payments, change orders, and documentation are complete and accurate.
- Support final audits and reporting requirements.
- Support system implementations and enhancements, including Procore Pay.
- Provide software and hardware troubleshooting support for regional project teams.
- Develop, document, and implement new accounting procedures and process improvements to enhance efficiency and consistency.
- Monitor notification workflows to ensure subcontractors submit required documentation timely.
- Assist with new hire onboarding, paperwork, and training related to project accounting systems and procedures.
- Provide ongoing training, guidance, and best practices to promote consistency across the organization.
- Foster effective communication and collaboration across accounting, project management, and external partners.
- Act as a proactive problem-solver and resource for resolving accounting, system, and process issues.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
- 3–5 years of experience in construction project accounting or a related discipline.
- Proven experience with Procore, eCMS, or comparable construction accounting/ERP systems.
- Strong knowledge of construction contracts, budgeting, cost tracking, change orders, and payment applications.
- Proficiency in accounts payable, journal entries, payroll corrections, and reconciliations.
- Advanced Excel skills with the ability to analyze data and produce detailed financial reports.
- Familiarity with subcontractor compliance documentation, including COIs, bonds, and lien waivers.
- Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Office-based position with flexibility for hybrid or remote work, depending on business needs.
Benefits
Shaw-Lundquist offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Eligible employees working 30+ hours per week can enroll in:
- Medical and prescription drug plans
- Dental plan
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off, holidays, and other paid leaves
- Company-paid life, AD&D, and disability insurance
- Voluntary plans including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, life, and vision insurance
Final compensation is based on experience, skills, and internal equity. This position is also eligible for Shaw-Lundquist’s incentive plan.
About Us:
Fred Shaw founded Shaw-Lundquist Associates Inc. in 1974 with a vision to build better lives, stronger relationships, and thriving communities. Rooted in integrity and PRIDE, SLA has grown into a respected, family-owned construction firm that continues to make a lasting impact.
We believe that our clients, our people, and our projects all contribute to the betterment of one another. This belief drives our commitment to excellence and fuels our continued growth and success.