Position Summary
The Job Cost Accountant is responsible for managing and analyzing project financials with a focus on Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) contracts. This role ensures accurate job costing, contract compliance, and timely preparation of client billings. The ideal candidate has strong construction accounting experience, a deep understanding of GMP structures, and the ability to collaborate closely with project managers and operations teams.
Key Responsibilities
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Maintain and monitor detailed job cost records for multiple construction projects operating under GMP contracts.
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Prepare and submit monthly progress billings, including Schedule of Values (SOV), lien waivers, and supporting documentation.
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Track project costs against GMP budgets, identifying variances, potential overruns, and savings opportunities.
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Manage cost allocations, commitments, subcontractor invoices, and change orders within the job cost system.
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Ensure compliance with contract terms, including allowable costs, contingency usage, and fee structures.
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Reconcile project costs to the general ledger and support month-end and year-end close processes.
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Support audits by providing documentation related to GMP billings, cost back-up, and contract compliance.
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Monitor retainage, subcontractor payments, and lien releases to ensure proper financial controls.
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Identify and implement process improvements related to job costing and billing efficiency.
- Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure efficient and effective processes, completion of projects and smooth operation of department.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
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3–6 years of construction accounting experience, with direct exposure to GMP or cost-plus contracts.
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Strong understanding of job cost accounting.
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Experience with construction ERP systems (e.g., COINS, Sage 300 CRE, Viewpoint, Procore, or similar).
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Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis).
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Knowledge of AIA billing formats (e.g., G702/G703) preferred.
Skills & Abilities
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Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
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Excellent communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.
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Attention to detail and accuracy in high-volume environments.
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Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
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Strong understanding of contract language and financial implications.
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Proactive mindset with the ability to identify risks and recommend solutions.
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Ability to work in a team environment and initiative to work alone.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
This job operates in a clerical office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.
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Requires mobility within an office environment.
- Regularly required to talk and hear. Effectively communicate with others both written and orally, including using the telephone.
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- The employee may be required to walk; reach with hands and arms; and bend.
- May be required to stoop, kneel, and crouch. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
- Possess good hearing, normal or corrected.
- The employee must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- The employee may be required to climb stairs.
- Must be able to work 8 hours a day, 40 hours per week, and overtime as required and night or weekend shifts, as needed.
CEC Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining the best-qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.