Construction Accounting Manager

About the role

Willdan Group, Inc. (WLDN - Nasdaq) is seeking a Construction Accounting Manager to join their team. This role reports to the Director of Project Accounting and is responsible for managing financial accounting, reporting, and analysis, ensuring compliance with GAAP and corporate policies.

Responsibilities

• Manage financial accounting, reporting and analysis, ensuring compliance with GAAP and corporate policies
• Oversee the preparation of timely and accurate financial statements and reports, highlighting trends and variances
• Maintain accurate project financials, including revenue recognition and expense tracking, ensuring alignment with budgets and contracts
• Ensure accurate project setups and tracking of costs and revenues in compliance with ASC 606 and contract terms
• Perform month-end accounting functions, including accruals, reconciliations, and variance analysis
• Provide actionable financial insights to senior management and project stakeholders
• Support regional Operating Managers in monitoring financial results and regional financial forecasting/budgeting efforts
• Develop and maintain project risk and opportunity matrices for major projects, quantifying financial and schedule impacts, tracking mitigation plans, contingency utilization, and supporting proactive decision making to maximize project performance and profitability
• Plan, delegate, and review work to ensure quality, timeliness, and adherence to company calendar and policies
• Develop and track KPIs for team performance and financial health
• Partner with Operating Unit Managers, senior management, and external stakeholders to optimize financial performance and compliance
• Collaborate with external auditors, clients, and vendors to address financial and operational requirements
• Identify and implement enhancements to financial workflows, leveraging automation and technology for efficiency
• Afford assistance with system upgrades, testing new modules and functionality to align with operational needs
• Proactively identify financial risks in projects and recommend mitigation strategies
• Ensure adherence to internal controls, SOX compliance and audit readiness
• Manage ad-hoc financial analyses and special initiatives as directed by senior leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
• CPA or CMA certification preferred
• 10+ years of experience in project accounting experience within the construction engineering space
• Experience with fixed price percent complete accounting is a requisite
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex financial data and make sound recommendations
• Experience supporting project controls through cost forecasting, cash flow planning, procurement coordination, and schedule driven financial forecasting is preferred
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities, with the ability to collaborate effectively with other members of the management team
• Proficiency in financial software and systems, with the ability to leverage technology to improve financial operations
• Periodic weekend or evening work expected
• Travel to out-of-state offices and project sites is required