Senior Construction Accountant
Schafer Construction, Inc. | Brighton, Michigan
Full-time | Hybrid | $70,000–$90,000 annually, based on experience
Own the details. Keep the numbers right. Help us Build Better.
Schafer Construction is a commercial design-build and construction management company based in Brighton, Michigan. We are looking for an experienced, hands-on accounting professional to take ownership of our daily accounting, project billing, and routine financial reporting.
This is a working accounting position—not a role focused primarily on supervising others. You will personally prepare client billings, process payables and receivables, reconcile accounts, maintain project accounting records, and prepare financial reports.
You will work directly with our President and project management team. The right person enjoys both the detailed work and the responsibility of making sure it gets done accurately and on time.
What You Will Own
Client billing and collections
Prepare, check, and submit monthly construction billings, including progress payment applications, schedules of values, cost-plus billings, approved change orders, and retainage. Coordinate with project managers to obtain supporting information and resolve discrepancies before submission. Track payment status, follow up on outstanding balances, and keep leadership informed of collection issues.
Accounts payable and payment preparation
Enter and accurately code vendor invoices and subcontractor payment applications. Verify supporting documentation and required approvals, reconcile statements, resolve discrepancies, and prepare payment runs for management approval. Maintain organized vendor records and track W-9s, lien waivers, and related payment documentation.
Day-to-day accounting and reconciliations
Maintain accurate general ledger records, record receipts and transactions, and reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and relevant balance sheet accounts. Investigate differences and correct underlying issues rather than carrying unresolved balances forward.
Month-end close and financial reporting
Complete routine month-end accounting, prepare necessary journal entries and reconciliations, and produce timely financial statements and supporting schedules. Maintain organized records and coordinate with the outside CPA on year-end work and accounting questions requiring additional review.
Job costing and work-in-progress reporting
Maintain accurate project cost records and prepare work-in-progress schedules using project managers’ approved budgets and cost-to-complete updates. Identify missing costs, coding errors, billing discrepancies, and changes in reported project margins. Help project managers and leadership understand what needs attention.
Cash visibility and dependable processes
Prepare a weekly accounting update covering cash balances, expected collections, upcoming payments, and priority issues. Maintain a short-term cash forecast. Document repeatable billing and accounting procedures, reduce duplicate work, and improve the reliability of existing systems.
What You Bring
At least five years of hands-on accounting experience, including direct experience in construction accounting. General contractor, design-build, or specialty contractor experience is particularly relevant.
Practical construction billing knowledge, including progress billings, retainage, change orders, job costing, and familiarity with work-in-progress reporting.
The ability to execute full-cycle accounting work, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end reporting—not simply supervise those activities.
Strong Excel and accounting software skills, sound judgment with confidential information, and the ability to communicate clearly with project managers, clients, vendors, and leadership.
An accounting degree is preferred, but substantial relevant experience will be considered in place of a degree. A CPA license is not required.
What Success Looks Like
Client billings are accurate, complete, and submitted by contractual deadlines. Accounts are reconciled, financial reports are delivered on an agreed schedule, and project accounting records are current. Outstanding receivables receive consistent follow-up. Leadership has a clear picture of cash and upcoming obligations.
Most importantly, you take ownership of your work, identify problems early, and follow through without repeated reminders.
Why Schafer?
This is an opportunity to make a visible contribution in a close-working construction team. You will have direct access to company leadership, clear responsibility for your work, and the opportunity to improve how the accounting function operates.
We value people who solve problems, communicate honestly, respect their teammates, and take responsibility for results.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a brief description of the construction accounting responsibilities you have personally handled. Please identify your experience with project billing, month-end close, job costing, and accounting software.
Schafer Construction, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits
401(k) 6% Match
Dental insurance
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Health savings account
Paid sick time
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Work from home
Application Question(s):
How many years of QuickBooks Online experience do you have?
Explain what a sworn statement is used for.
Experience:
hands-on accounting: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Brighton, MI 48116