Accounting Specialist ll - Construction Accounting Experience Required

Company Profile: 

At J.W. Design & Construction, we have proudly demonstrated our capabilities across various construction realms, solidifying our reputation as a versatile and proficient organization for over 47 years.  In all aspects of construction, from small, interior improvements, to large wineries,  professional office buildings, light manufacturing and multi-residential buildings,  J.W. Design & Construction brings professionalism, quality, safety and dedication to every project team we serve. 

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Controller, the Accounting Specialist II, a mid-level to senior-level role, will be responsible for performing complex and analytical accounting functions in support of company-wide construction operations.  This position plays a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with GAAP, supporting job costing reporting and assisting in forecasting and budgeting efforts.   

Duties / Responsibilities: 

Monitor and review job cost reports for accuracy and financial integrity;

Analyze labor, materials, subcontractor costs and overhead allocation;

Collaborate with project managers to reconcile budgets vs. actuals and assess profitability;

Prepare and post complex journal entries, accruals and reclasses;

Perform monthly GL reconciliations and resolve discrepancies independently;

Assist in month-end and year-end close processes with limited supervision;

Prepare internal reports for leadership on project financials, cost trends and variance analysis;

Support budgeting and forecasting activities with historical financial data and job performance metrics;

Identify inefficiencies / areas for process improvement within financial workflows;

Ensure compliance with GAAP standards, internal controls and company policies;

Support preparation for internal and external audits, including documentation and reconciliations;

Review subcontractor compliance documentation, including insurance and lien waivers;

Serve as a subject matter expert on AP/AR best practices;

Review and approve complex vendor invoices or customer billings, including AIA formats;

Provide guidance to junior accounting staff / clerks, as needed. 

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline;

4+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience within the construction industry;

Advanced knowledge of construction accounting principles and job costing;

Proficiency in accounting/project management software, i.e., Viewpoint Vista, Sage 300, QuickBooks and/or Procore;

Experience with WIP (Work in Progress) reporting, a plus;

Familiarity with AIA billing, retention billing and subcontractor compliance, a plus;

Excellent MS Office skills for financial tracking and reporting;

Astute oral and written communication and interpersonal skills;

Exceptional organizational, analytical, time management, problem-solving, multi-tasking and attention to detail skills;

Ability to work effectively alone and within a team environment.  

Compensation:

$70,000 - $80,000 annual base salary range, DOE, for this full-time exempt position. 

Benefits:

Medical premiums paid 100% by employer for employee through the Bronze Blue Shield Plan with buy-up options for the Silver and Gold Plans;

Dental, vision and life premiums paid 100% by employer for employee;

Cafeteria Plan to include AFLAC coverage premiums paid by employee pre-tax;

Profit Sharing after 1 year of employment;

401(K) Retirement Plan after 500 hours of employment, not company matched;

10 days of annual paid sick days allotted in an annual lump sum;

5 days of accrued paid annual vacation time during 1st year, with an additional day added each year thereafter, capping at 20 days;

9 paid public holidays annually. 

Working Hours:

8:00AM -4:30PM, Monday – Friday 

Location:

San Luis Obispo, CA – onsite position