Project / Staff Accountant

Position: Project / Staff Accountant

Salary Range: $75,000 – $90,000

Location: Detroit, MI

Job Overview:

We are seeking a Project / Staff Accountant to support day‑to‑day project accounting. This role is ideal for a detail‑oriented professional with strong construction accounting experience who can balance project accounting and GAAP accounting responsibilities . You will play a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting month‑end close, and ensuring efficient processes while collaborating with Project Managers to keep projects on budget and on schedule.

Ross Structural Steel, Inc. is a long-established steel fabrication company based in Detroit, Michigan. As a small, well-structured business, we value collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. You’ll join a close‑knit finance team where your expertise directly supports project success and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Accountant:

Collaborate with Project Managers to manage financial administration from project initiation through close-out
Set up and maintain project records in the accounting system
Review contracts and proposals to ensure proper project setup and revenue recognition compliance
Monitor labor and expense charges; perform labor adjustments and journal entries as needed
Review and record inventory allocations
Track budgets, forecasts, and actual costs across multiple projects
Participate in monthly billing and revenue recognition processes
Prepare draft and final invoices for assigned projects
Compile required documentation such as client waivers, sworn statements, and compliance forms
Maintain all subcontractor files, including certificates of insurance, qualifications, and other required information
Review and issue sub-contractor contracts Review and record inventory allocations
Initiate sub-contractor payments based on terms
Track receipt of waivers and sworn statements needed from subcontractors
In conjunction with Project Managers, review and process change orders
Knowledge in Lien processes, Notice of Furnishing, Notice of Commencements, and Certification of Insurance

Reporting & Analysis:

Review weekly project status reports and identify projects needing further analysis
Obtain, review, and update job estimates, projections, and change orders as needed
Attend monthly project review meetings to provide financial insights
Creating ad hoc reporting for management
Monitor AR aging and work with Project Managers and clients to resolve outstanding balances

Accounting Operations:

Prepare and maintain monthly general ledger reconciliations, as well as closing documentation
Manage journal entries and ensure proper documentation for all transactions
Review, code, and process vendor and subcontractor invoices
Ensure timely payments and maintain accurate AP records
Process Check Run

Payroll Support:

Assist with weekly payroll processing
Verifying timecards, job cost allocations, and payroll deductions
Coordinate with HR and advisors to ensure accurate and timely payroll
Maintain payroll records and support compliance with labor laws and internal policies

Other Duties:

Support the Controller and finance team with additional accounting and administrative tasks as needed
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to streamline accounting processes

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field
3+ years of accounting experience in the construction industry
Strong knowledge of construction contracts, AIA billing, and job costing
Proficiency in software (e.g., Sage, Viewpoint/Spectrum, Crystal Reports, or similar are preferred)
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP
Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

Benefits: