Senior Construction Project Accountant

CLT Recruiters

Senior Construction Project Accountant

New York City, NY
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Senior Project Accountant

    Full-Time | On-Site

    Role Overview

    We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Project Accountant to lead the financial management and integrity of complex, high-standard construction and service-based projects. This role requires deep construction-accounting expertise, strong analytical capability, and the ability to partner closely with project and field teams.

    As a senior member of the accounting function, you will own cost control, project financial reporting, compliance monitoring, and process improvement. You will serve as an essential strategic partner—ensuring accuracy, transparency, and fiscal discipline across multiple active projects.

    Key Responsibilities

    Advanced Financial Oversight & Controls

    • Lead monthly reconciliations for project accounts and general ledgers.
    • Ensure precise cost coding aligned with budgets and work-breakdown structures.
    • Monitor committed costs versus actual expenditures and identify variances proactively.
    • Prepare complete, audit-ready draw packages (invoices, lien waivers, backup documentation).
    • Strengthen and enforce internal controls, including invoice workflows and documentation standards.
    • Create and maintain advanced templates for cost tracking, change orders, budgeting, and payment schedules.

    Process Optimization & Systems Leadership

    • Review existing financial workflows to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements.
    • Champion best practices in documentation, compliance tracking, and accounting procedures.
    • Support enhancements to accounting software, integrations, and reporting tools.
    • Ensure all financial processes maintain clean and defensible audit trails.

    Cross-Functional Collaboration & Problem Solving

    • Partner closely with project managers, superintendents, and operational teams to support project success.
    • Provide calm, solution-driven financial guidance in complex or time-sensitive scenarios.
    • Promote clarity, consistency, and transparency in all accounting communications and interactions.

    Compliance, Reporting & Contract Expertise

    • Monitor and enforce subcontractor compliance (insurance, licenses, waivers).
    • Support accurate financial management across contract types: cost-plus, lump-sum, and hybrid structures.
    • Maintain detailed project financial records aligned with internal and external reporting requirements.

    Qualifications & Experience

    • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
    • 5+ years of construction accounting experience, ideally with complex or high-end projects.
    • Strong expertise in job costing, budget oversight, financial reporting, and ledger management.
    • Advanced Excel skills and experience with construction-oriented accounting platforms.
    • Highly organized, detail-driven, proactive, and able to operate with significant autonomy.
    • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to support multiple project teams.

    Ideal Candidate

    You will excel in this role if you:

    • Thrive in collaborative, design-aware, quality-focused environments.
    • Bring a solutions-first, calm approach to challenges.
    • Communicate with clarity, professionalism, and discretion.
    • Value craftsmanship, accuracy, and high standards.
    • Operate with accountability, discipline, and continuous-improvement mindset.

    Compensation & Benefits

    • Competitive salary range: $135,000 to $165,000, depending on experience.
    • Performance-based bonus potential.
    • Health insurance.
    • 401(k) with employer match.
    • Generous paid time off and holidays.
    • Support for professional development and certifications.