Hybrid Project Accountant III presso Nichols Contracting Inc

Nichols Contracting, Inc. (NCI) is a family-owned and operated Construction and Contracting business headquartered in Columbia, MD with offices in Richmond, VA, Royal Palm Beach and Orlando, FL with a team of 170 employees. NCI is a full-service general contractor focused on providing premier services in all aspects of the construction process, from concept to completion. We manage a broad range of commercial construction projects, including new construction, tenant fit outs, and renovations. NCI services a diverse group of markets including federal, state, and local governments, as well as a variety of corporate and special industry organizations that require complex life safety and critical infrastructure needs.

We are seeking a Project Accountant III to join our Maryland team. This position is aimed at a mid to senior-level role in overseeing financial management for complex and large-scale commercial construction projects. This position supports project teams by managing job cost accounting, contract compliance, and financial reporting. The ideal candidate brings deep industry knowledge and experience with commercial contracts, change order processes, and client billing structures. Duties to include but not limited to:  

Essential Functions:

• Work independently to set up new projects in Sage and Procore per executed contract.
• Process job-related cost invoices and ensure correct cost coding.
• Post journal entries and job cost transactions (as needed) on assigned projects.
• Oversee vendor compliance (COI updates) and maintain credit application documents.
• Post weekly intercompany cost transactions and reconcile accounts.
• Partner with Project Manager to prepare and distribute monthly project billings.
• Review underbilled projects and discuss with project team to maximize revenue.
• Ensure timely management of account receivables and payables.
• Be proactive in working with Project Managers on collection efforts.
• Provide project team with regular financial reports to analyze through job cost tracking and trend reports.
• Investigate profit variances and cost overruns with project team in preparation for the monthly job review.
• Educate project teams on NCI financial deadlines/procedures to ensure a timely monthly close and that all costs/billings are posted in the correct month.
• Assist with reports for project financial closeout.
• Complete special department projects as assigned.
• Provide continuous accounting support for Project Team.
• Act as an integrated and collaborative member of the Accounting Team.
• Other related duties as assigned or needed

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting preferred, or equivalent work experience
• Minimum 3 years prior experience working as an accountant or bookkeeper 
• Experience in the construction industry preferred 
• We are looking for a flexible, detail-oriented, self-motivated team player with the ability to manage multiple tasks, produce quality work, and consistently meet deadlines.  
• Key competencies are Communication, Teamwork, Initiative, and Dependability
• Ability to identify and resolve basic to complex issues
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Excel), Data Entry, Accounts Payable and Receivables, and Vendor Payments
• Experience with financial accounting systems (preferably Sage or similar)

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• The employee is required to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms, at times above head; and talk and hear

Benefits: 401k, Health Insurance, PTO, Employer Paid Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Holidays and much more.

Salary: $80K- $100K plus performance-based bonus incentives

Employee Acknowledgement: I have read the above position description, and I understand and agree with the terms and requirements for this position. I also understand and agree that such requirements may be amended and/or adjusted at any time. 

Persons with mental and physical disabilities as defined by the American’s with Disabilities Act are eligible for this position as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodations are made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible for this position. 

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Nichols Contracting provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state of local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.