This post provides exhaustive information on the construction accountant job description, to help you learn the work they do, as well as templates employers can use.
It highlights the key tasks, duties, and responsibilities that commonly make up the construction accountant work description.
It also presents the major requirements individuals seeking the construction accountant job may be expected to meet to be hired.
Please, continue reading to increase your knowledge of the construction accountant career:
What Does a Construction Accountant Do?
A construction accountant can be described as a financial specialist who reviews construction budgets, investigates variances, approves expenses, and ensures that construction billings are issued to clients and payments collected.
He/she is saddled with the responsibility of performing professional-level accounting work in the review and adequate maintenance of fiscal records.
In other words, a construction accountant refers to an individual responsible for the general ledger, bank reconciliations, accounts payable, and job cost.
The construction accountant job description includes maintaining or reviewing accounting files, performing monthly closings, and preparing/organizing various reports, financial forms, and analyses.
He/she works by issuing invoices and purchase orders, as well as paying consultants, vendors, subcontractors, and supplier bills.
Additionally, the construction accountant helps to review and analyze the capitalization of costs and ensures compliance with the policy by managing the process for proper coding of construction invoices/payment applications and lien releases for contractors, subcontractors, and vendor invoices.
He/she also helps to maintain contract documents, including all records of lien releases inappropriate files.
A construction accountant is saddled with the responsibilities of reviewing all construction/project budgets, including work plans, staffing, and fee structures which help to promote the smooth running of the construction.
One of the duties of the construction accountant is also to ensure a steady cash flow by generating, auditing, and sending invoices promptly.
He/she is also saddled with the responsibility of running monthly accounting meetings with their project/construction management team to review and analyze upcoming projections/billings.
He/she is also required to maintain the billing folders for all projects with the appropriate documents, including monthly waivers and invoices.
Additionally, a construction accountant role also includes compiling and gathering information for internal and external auditors, and also creating and submitting government reports and tax returns related to the project following all appropriate guidelines.
Construction accountants must also ensure the approval of the write-off of any project-related billings that cannot be billed to or collected from customers, and also the supervision of two or more staff members to prepare an accurate and well detailed annual review.
They also help to create new operation/accounting procedures to prepare and adequately manage any rapidly growing entity and evolving business structure.
They can also be tasked with communicating routinely with the Construction/Project Managers on a variety of job-related topics, including contract agreements, bonding, and insurance.
To work as a construction accountant, individuals are expected to have leadership skills, time management skills, multitasking skills, problem-solving skills, strong organization skills, excellent business analysis, and cost analysis skills, efficient verbal and written communication skills, and strong accounting skills.
The ideal candidate for the construction accountant job is also required to have sound and effective educational background.
The minimum educational requirement to work as a construction accountant is a Bachelor’s degree after graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in the field of accounting or other related fields.
Most employers prefer at least two years of general accounting experience and a background in construction accounting.
Construction Accountant Salary: The average salary of a construction accountant according to Glassdoor is $62,494 annually.
Construction Accountant Job Description Example/Sample/Template
Construction accountants perform the tasks, duties, and responsibilities:
- Managing the preparation of monthly invoice packages for all billable projects, including all applicable backup
- Running monthly accounting meetings with the construction/project management team to review upcoming projections/billings
- Setting up new projects in Job Cost and the necessary spreadsheets daily
- Investigating the project variances and submitting these variance reports to the management
- Creating and submitting government reports and tax returns related to the construction project
- Overseeing and handling the creation and approval of all project-related billings to customers to foster good communication and avoid issues
- Reviewing project budgets, including fee structures, staffing, and work plans
- Ensuring a smooth cash flow by auditing, generating, and sending invoices promptly.
Construction Accountant Requirements – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Career Success
If you are seeking the job of a construction accountant, here are major requirements employers/recruiters may want you to meet:
- Excellent communication skills towards effective & efficient collaboration and clientele services
- In-depth knowledge of the most acclaimed practices in accounting
- Advanced proficiency in managing account reconciliations, general ledgers, and journal entries
- Exceptional ability to prepare construction/project budgets, tax reports, and financial forecasts
- Efficient and extensive experience in project invoicing and billing to ensure adequate payment services
- Proficiency in electronic accounting systems, such as Free Agent and FINSYNC to aid better accountability
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or in any similar field.
Construction Accountant Job Description Templates
Here are construction accountant job description templates employers can simply edit and use in their job postings to attract the best talents to their companies:
TEMPLATE 1.
Position Title: Construction Accountant
Reports To: Controller / Chief Financial Officer (CFO) / Accounting Manager
Location: [Your Company Location]
Employment Type: Full-Time
Company Overview
[Your Company Name] is a trusted construction and development company specializing in [commercial, residential, industrial, or civil] projects. We are committed to delivering high-quality construction services with integrity, accuracy, and financial transparency. We foster a collaborative workplace that supports growth, learning, and long-term career success.
Position Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented, analytical, and experienced Construction Accountant to manage financial transactions, budgets, cost tracking, and reporting for construction projects. This role requires strong construction accounting knowledge, including job costing, progress billing, contract management, and compliance with industry-specific financial practices.
The ideal candidate will work closely with project managers, subcontractors, and leadership to ensure accurate financial reporting and effective project financial controls.
Key Responsibilities
Project & Job Cost Accounting
- Track project costs including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor expenses.
- Maintain job cost ledgers and reconcile accounts regularly.
- Analyze cost variances and provide reports to project managers and leadership.
- Monitor project budgets and forecasts, highlighting financial risks or discrepancies.
Progress Billing & Invoicing
- Prepare progress billings based on contract terms, schedules of values, and project milestones.
- Review subcontractor invoices, lien waivers, and pay applications for accuracy and compliance.
- Coordinate with project teams to verify billable work and resolve discrepancies.
Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for construction projects.
- Assist with budget preparation, cash flow forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
- Conduct profitability analysis and compare actuals against estimates.
Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure adherence to GAAP, industry regulations, and state/federal tax requirements.
- Maintain complete and accurate project financial records, audits, and supporting documents.
- Assist with insurance, bonding, and contract compliance documentation.
- Support external audits and prepare required schedules and documentation.
Accounts Payable & Receivable Support
- Process vendor invoices, match purchase orders, and reconcile payments.
- Track accounts receivable and follow up on outstanding balances.
- Coordinate with suppliers, subcontractors, and internal teams to resolve billing issues.
Payroll & Labor Tracking (If Applicable)
- Support payroll processing, time-entry verification, and certified payroll reporting.
- Ensure compliance with prevailing wage requirements where applicable.
Software & System Use
- Utilize construction accounting software such as Sage 300, Viewpoint, Procore Financials, QuickBooks Contractor, or similar.
- Maintain accurate records in financial systems and generate financial dashboards or reports.
Skills & Qualifications
- Strong understanding of construction accounting principles and job costing.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and financial reporting skills.
- Proficiency with accounting and construction management software.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with project teams.
- High attention to detail and accuracy in financial documentation.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Knowledge of lien waivers, AIA billing, and certified payroll is a plus.
Education & Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
- 3–5 years of experience in construction accounting or project accounting.
- Experience with AIA forms, WIP schedules, and cost accounting systems preferred.
- CPA certification is a plus but not required.
Eligibility to Work in the United States
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer-sponsored work authorization now or in the future.
Work Environment
- Office-based role with occasional visits to job sites for financial review purposes.
- Requires sitting, computer work, and handling financial paperwork for extended periods.
- Occasional overtime may be required around financial reporting deadlines.
Equal Opportunity Statement
[Your Company Name] is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any legally protected category.
Additional Information
- This job description outlines key responsibilities but may be expanded as business needs evolve.
- Some responsibilities may vary depending on company size, project complexity, and accounting structure.
- Reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.
- Pre-employment background checks or financial skill assessments may be required.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and salary expectations to [Insert Application Email or Job Link].
TEMPLATE 2.
Location: [City, State]
Employment Type: Full-Time
About Us
[Your Company Name] is a construction company specializing in [commercial/residential/industrial/civil] projects. We are seeking a detail-oriented Construction Accountant to support project financial operations and ensure accurate cost tracking and reporting.
Job Summary
The Construction Accountant manages job costing, project budgets, progress billing, vendor payments, financial reporting, and compliance for construction projects. This role works closely with project managers, subcontractors, and leadership to ensure accuracy and financial control.
Key Responsibilities
- Track project expenses, labor, materials, and subcontractor costs
- Prepare progress billings, invoices, and AIA payment applications
- Review and process vendor invoices, purchase orders, and lien waivers
- Maintain job cost ledgers, WIP schedules, and financial reports
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and profitability analysis
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, insurance, and contract requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- 3+ years of construction accounting or project accounting experience
- Proficiency with Sage 300, QuickBooks Contractor, Viewpoint, or similar software
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Knowledge of job costing, AIA billing, and construction financial practices
Eligibility to Work in the U.S.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
How to Apply
Submit your resume to [Insert Email or Application Link].
Construction Accountant Job Description for Resume
If you are making a new resume or CV and you have worked before in the role of a construction accountant, or are presently working in that position, you can boost the quality of your resume by highlighting that work experience in it.
You can add the professional or work experience section to your resume/CV to show to the recruiter/employer that you have been successful performing the duties and responsibilities of a construction accountant.
This piece of information can be a great influence on the recruiter/employer to grant you an interview, especially if the job you are applying for requires someone with some construction accountant work experience.
You can use the above construction accountant job description example in making a compelling professional experience section for your resume/CV.
(Learn how to make an effective resume applying the Employer-focused Resume Writing Technique)
Conclusion
This post is useful to individuals interested in the construction accountant career; they will be able to learn all they need to know about the construction accountant job, its duties and responsibilities.
With this information, they will be able to make correct decision about getting into the construction accountant career or not.
This article is also helpful to employers/recruiters needing to find and hire competent individuals for the vacant construction accountant position in their companies.
They can apply any of the construction accountant job description templates provided on this page in making a detailed description of the vacant construction accountant position in their companies for use in the recruitment process.
