Position Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Project Accountant / Payroll Administrator to join our growing electrical contracting team. This position is responsible for the financial administration of multiple electrical construction projects while ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll for both field and office employees. The ideal candidate will have experience in construction accounting, job costing, union payroll, and project financial reporting.
Working closely with Project Managers, Field Operations, Human Resources, and Accounting, this role helps ensure project profitability, payroll compliance, and accurate financial reporting throughout the life of each project.
Key Responsibilities
Project Accounting
- Manage the financial lifecycle of multiple electrical construction projects.
- Set up new jobs, budgets, cost codes, and contract values within the accounting system.
- Prepare and submit monthly progress billings (AIA and owner-specific billing formats).
- Track contract values, approved and pending change orders, allowances, and contingency items.
- Monitor project costs, including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and overhead allocations.
- Review job cost reports and work with Project Managers to identify cost overruns and improve project profitability.
- Prepare monthly Work-in-Progress (WIP) reports and assist with revenue recognition.
- Process subcontractor invoices and ensure compliance with lien waivers, insurance certificates, and contract requirements.
- Track retainage, monitor accounts receivable, and assist with collections.
- Prepare project financial forecasts and assist with project closeout documentation.
- Support month-end and year-end closing activities and financial audits.
Payroll Administration
- Process weekly payroll for union and non-union field employees and office staff.
- Review and verify employee timecards, job cost coding, overtime, and labor allocations.
- Ensure payroll complies with collective bargaining agreements, prevailing wage requirements, certified payroll reporting, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
- Maintain employee payroll records, deductions, garnishments, paid time off balances, and direct deposit information.
- Coordinate payroll changes including new hires, terminations, rate changes, and promotions.
- Prepare certified payroll reports and respond to payroll-related requests from customers and government agencies.
- Reconcile payroll reports, payroll taxes, and benefit deductions.
- Coordinate with Human Resources regarding employee records and benefits.
- Assist with year-end processing, including W-2 preparation and payroll audits.
Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure compliance with union reporting requirements, certified payroll, prevailing wage regulations, and project-specific contractual requirements.
- Maintain accurate project documentation and payroll records.
- Assist with internal controls and process improvements.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working for a union electrical contractor.
Skills & Competencies
- Construction accounting
- Job costing and financial reporting
- Payroll processing and compliance
- Certified payroll
- Union payroll administration
- Microsoft Excel
- Attention to detail
- Analytical thinking
- Time management
- Strong communication and collaboration
- Confidentiality and professionalism
- Knowledge of IBEW payroll and fringe benefit reporting.
- Experience with New York prevailing wage, public works projects, certified payroll, and union benefit reporting.
- Familiarity with lien waivers, insurance compliance, bonding requirements, and subcontract administration.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Physical Setting:
Education:
Experience:
- Payroll: 1 year (Preferred)
- Accounting: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
