Cost Accountant I – Operational Finance

About the role

The Division: New York is seeking a Financial Administrator to support financial administration and cost accounting activities for assigned projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist with and perform project accounting tasks and analyze financial data for assigned projects using company financial systems.
• Develop foundational understanding of construction operations, contract types, and cost drivers through active project engagement.
• Audit and reconcile client bill against general ledger to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Assist with and support timely Accounts Payable (AP) transactions through Shared Service Organization (SSO), review vendor and subcontractor invoices for assigned projects to confirm accurate coding of costs with required documentation.
• Conduct verification of subcontractor compliance (e.g., contracts, insurance, lien waivers) and escalate discrepancies as identified. Assist with audits and research of vendor accounts and reconciliation of outstanding invoices based on expected monthly expenses.
• Learn and perform assigned components of month-end close activities, including: posting journal entries accurately, reconcile general ledger accounts, validate Work-In-Place (WIP), and resolve or escalate discrepancies prior to close deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records of project assets and rentals for insurance documentation.
• Support preparation of project billings for assigned projects in accordance with contract requirements and company policies, with oversight.
• Monitor accounts receivable status and escalate billing or collection concerns to supervisor (e.g., Cost Accountant or Accounting Manager).
• Participate in forecasting General Conditions/General Requirements (GR/GCs), staff, and labor projections to accurately forecast costs including insurance and taxes.
• Participate in job site visits to observe Finance operations, progress, and gather financial data to understand financial progress of projects.
• Cookbook with project teams and SSO to support accurate and timely financial data flow.
• Assist with project set up and maintenance in financials systems; follow and maintain current and new budget coding and structure.
• Assist with final cost reconciliation and revenue validation during project closeout.
• Support internal and external audit requests, gather required documentation, as directed.
• Attend and contribute to team meetings to understand financial processes, adopt best practices, and evaluate Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool integration.
• Other activities, duties, and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from accredited degree program in Finance, Accounting, Construction Management, or related field of study with minimum 1 years of related experience; internship or co-op experience in accounting or finance preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Basic understanding of General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial processes.
• Demonstrate interest in cost accounting, construction finance, and/or project-based financial management.
• Basic understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for financial analysis, data validation, and process automation desired, and demonstrate willingness to learn how to apply them to improve financial processes for efficiency and accuracy.
• Able to maintain confidential information and adhere to company financial policies, practices, and standard operating procedures.
• Highly organized with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Able to work collaboratively and effectively with team members, ask questions, and flexible to prioritize responsibilities to meet deadlines with direction from supervisor.
• Proficient computer skills, Microsoft Office suite of applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and familiar with financial systems (e.g., SAP), a plus.
• Professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and able to adapt while working in a dynamic environment within financial deadlines.

Benefits

• Flexible benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, financial benefits such as a 401(k) plan, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, wellness benefits, a voluntary legal plan, identity theft, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

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