Overview
ZLC is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Construction Project Accountant to oversee all financial aspects of our construction operations. This role is responsible for managing bookkeeping, payroll, HR administration, accounts payable/receivable, project costing, and monthly billing. The Project Accountant will work closely with project managers and leadership to ensure accurate job costing, compliance, and timely financial reporting while driving efficiency and structure across our accounting processes.
The ideal candidate will not only manage day-to-day accounting functions—such as payroll & taxes, workers’ comp reporting, lien releases, and tax filings—but also bring experience and insight from prior roles to optimize how we operate. This includes implementing structured AP systems, establishing clear dashboards with key performance indicators (KPIs), and reducing uncategorized costs.
We are looking for someone who will take ownership of the role, contribute strategic financial insights, and continuously improve our systems. This is not an order-taking position—we want someone who will lead, refine processes, and bring proven best practices that elevate our operations.
Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Job Costing

• Maintain accurate records of all project-related costs, budgets, and forecasts, ensuring all transactions are coded correctly to the appropriate projects and cost codes.
• Perform bookkeeping functions, including entering credit card and bank statements into QuickBooks Enterprise.
• Prepare and analyze job cost reports, identify variances, and recommend corrective actions.
• Track subcontractor and vendor invoices, verifying alignment with contracts and purchase orders and Project Managers.
• Manage accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR), including timely submission of monthly AIA pay applications and customer invoices.
• Monitor and maintain collections for outstanding invoices.
• Process bi-monthly payroll, including prevailing wage payroll and certified payroll reports.
• Enter estimates into QuickBooks Enterprise and bill against the Schedule of Values (SOV).

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly billing forecasts and provide accounting-driven recommendations to the project management team.
• Monitor cash flow and support forecasting of project expenses and revenues.
• Maintain and submit workers’ compensation reports in a timely manner.
• Ensure all payroll taxes and related filings are processed and submitted accurately and on time.
• Oversee preparation and submission of W-2s, 1099s, estimated taxes, and all other required tax forms.

Compliance & Controls

• Ensure compliance with company policies, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with audits, tax filings, and financial reviews.
• Maintain strong internal controls over project accounting processes.
• Manage HR-related tasks, including new hire paperwork, record organization, and tracking of vacation and sick days.
• Apply knowledge of AIA pay applications and construction compliance requirements.

Collaboration & Support

• Partner with project managers, estimators, and operations teams to align financial data with project performance.
• Serve as the financial liaison between field operations, subcontractors, and the accounting department.
• Support the preparation of project budgets, bid estimates, and change order documentation within QuickBooks Enterprise.
• Work with the outside accounting firm to ensure books are closed accurately and on time each month, reviewing reports and providing analysis based on Work-in-Progress (WIP).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5–10 years of accounting experience, preferably within the construction industry.
• Strong knowledge of job costing and project accounting principles.
• Expertise in QuickBooks (Desktop/Enterprise) and Microsoft Excel.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage and track multiple deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience with progress billing, AIA documents, and retainage.
• Knowledge of construction contracts, lien waivers, and compliance reporting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary: $100,000+ DOE (Depending on Experience).
• Retirement plan with employer contribution after one year of employment.
• Paid sick leave and vacation.
• Opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative, supportive team.

Additional Information

• This is a full-time, in-person position based at our office in Concord, CA.
• Preferred start date: October 1, 2025.
• Full autonomy expected by: December 1, 2025 (with full training and support provided).

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off

Work Location: In perso

Please refer the Job description for details