Project Accountant

Papich Construction is currently seeking a Construction Project Accountant to join our team.

Who We Are:

Since 1997 Papich Construction has successfully served clients across California and has helped build communities as a respected full-service General Engineering Contractor. We take pride in successfully owning and managing one of the largest equipment fleets in California as well as being a vertically integrated Heavy Civil Contractor specializing in Road & Highway, Emergency Response, Railway Infrastructure, Utility Infrastructure, Alternative Energy, Airport, Environmental Remediation, and Heavy Equipment Rental.

It is by design that we are known for our expertise and quality. It’s how we are built – with the best people in the industry, with the reach and expertise to help at any and every step of the project, and with an approach that puts quality and safety at the center of everything we do, we’re just built to be better.

Joining the Papich team will provide you with a career that gives you ownership. As a 100% employee-owned company, Papich Construction empowers every employee to take ownership in their future. When we say our value is in our employees, we mean it literally. Building long-term success one project at a time and by working together and owning it, we all share in our successes. Own your future by joining our team at Papich Construction.

What You’ll Do…

Our ideal Project Accountant must have a strong foundation in financial management and job cost accounting. They are responsible for tracking budgets, forecasting costs, and ensuring accuracy in all financial transactions. This requires a deep understanding of construction-specific accounting principles, including billing, progress payments, and retainage. Their ability to analyze financial data and identify discrepancies helps keep projects within budget and aligned with contractual obligations.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Handling all aspects of project accounting and billing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial policies – contract, time and material and extra work.
• Monitoring financial performance and collaborating with project managers and Principals to achieve billing and financial targets.
• Review, prepare and submit job billings in accounting system to ensure all projects are invoiced in a timely manner.
• Act as a liaison between project manager and customer to assist in communications and agreements regarding invoice approval.
• Caltrans ICAS EWB Verification to monitor documents, payment status, bill status, rejections and approvals.
• Audit jobs prior to closeout for unbilled extra work, unbilled quantities, over/under quantities within bid item budgets, unbilled back charges, and various items of discrepancy.
• Prepare and assist with project and accounting audits.
• Make accounts receivable collections calls.
• Track and enter back charges, withholds and stop notices for contracts and subcontracts.
• Analyze project’s financial position monthly and escalate as needed.
• Prepare ad hoc project reporting and analysis as required.
• Review WIP with Controller to analyze cost in excess/billing in excess.
• Manage subcontract payables: schedule of values, approvals, invoice entry and document control.
• Monitor subcontractors required documents (insurance certificates, monthly releases, union compliance letters, etc.)
• Review and approve job related payables ensuring proper coding and allocation.
• Perform weekly cost reviews to find and correct any coding issues.
• Prepare journal entries for cost transfers.
• Resolve lien problems.
• Manage vendor releases.
• Other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For…

Attention to detail is critical in this role, as project accountants handle multiple cost codes, invoices, and budgets simultaneously. They must meticulously review financial reports, ensuring all expenses align with project budgets and contract terms. Their work ensures that subcontractors and vendors are paid correctly and on time, helping maintain strong working relationships across the project team.

Effective communication and excellent collaborator; working closely with project managers, subcontractors, and the finance team to ensure smooth financial operations. Explaining complex financial data in a clear and concise manner is crucial, especially when discussing budget variances, change orders, or potential risks. Their ability to proactively identify financial challenges and propose solutions is invaluable in keeping projects financially sound.

Finally, being successful in this role requires the ability to work under pressure. Construction projects are fast-paced, and deadlines are often tight. Our ideal project accountant remains organized and focused, even when managing multiple projects at once. Their proactive approach to cost tracking, budgeting, and financial analysis helps drive efficiency and profitability for the company, making them an asset to the team.

What You’ll Bring…

Required Qualifications:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Intermediate proficiency with Excel and Word.
• Knowledge of general accounting procedures and accounting software.
• Able to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent attention to detail and proactive work approach.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to collaborate with others.
• Excellent multi-tasking, organization and time management skills.
• Understanding of construction accounting.
• Strong financial aptitude and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn and adapt, following specific procedures.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business management or a related field and 3 years of experience in an accounts receivable position, preferably in a high-volume construction accounts receivable department or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Proficiency in construction accounting software such as Sage 300, Procore, or Viewpoint is also essential for maintaining organized and efficient financial records.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, Monday - Friday
• Weekends as needed

What We Offer:

• Pay: $75,000 - $85,000 per year
• Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• 401(k) with matching
• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings accounts
• Paid time off

Important Notes:

• We are hiring for two positions. One based in Arroyo Grande, CA and the other in San Luis Obispo, CA, and requires full-time, in-office/on-site presence. This is not a remote or hybrid position.

Work Environment:

This position operates in an office environment, with the routine use of standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, and copiers. Frequent sitting, standing, walking and carrying objects up to 25 lbs is required.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters when performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Equal Employment Opportunity

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer - and celebrate our employees’ differences, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, and Veteran status. At Papich, we know that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to a collaborative, inclusive environment that encourages authenticity and fosters a sense of belonging. We strive for everyone to feel valued, connected, and empowered to reach their potential and contribute their best.

We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Papich makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. If you meet the above requirements, we welcome the opportunity to learn more about you. Please apply via this posting and not by contacting our local or corporate office.

We are committed to enhancing the lives of our employees, customers and the communities where we live and work. We place a strong focus on conducting our business in an ethical, compassionate, and respectful way. We seek to hire, develop, and promote a talented and diverse team of professionals. We believe in leveraging the power of our different backgrounds, beliefs, perspectives and capabilities to create value for our company and our communities.

We do participate in E-Verify.