As a seasoned financial professional, I’ve watched the construction accounting field grow exponentially in recent years. Finding the right construction accounting job in your local area can open doors to a rewarding career with competitive salaries and excellent growth potential.
I’ve discovered that construction accounting positions combine traditional accounting principles with industry-specific knowledge, making them uniquely challenging and fulfilling. Whether you’re an experienced accountant looking to specialize or a newcomer to the field, your local market likely offers numerous opportunities in this dynamic sector. From small contractors to major development firms, companies are actively seeking skilled professionals who understand both numbers and construction industry nuances.
Key Takeaways
- Construction accounting jobs combine traditional accounting skills with specialized industry knowledge, offering competitive salaries and growth opportunities
- Top job search platforms for construction accounting positions include Indeed, LinkedIn, CFMA job board, ZipRecruiter, and AGC career center
- Essential certifications like CCIFP, CPA, and CFMA credentials significantly enhance career prospects and earning potential
- Salary ranges vary by region, with senior-level positions earning $90,000-$165,000 annually, plus comprehensive benefits packages
- Experience requirements range from 0-2 years for entry-level to 7+ years for senior positions, with education requirements including bachelor’s degrees and industry certifications
- Success in landing construction accounting jobs requires expertise in specialized software, understanding of industry-specific concepts, and targeted resume highlighting relevant experience
What Is Construction Accounting and Why It’s Important
Construction accounting integrates specialized financial management practices tailored to track costs, revenues and project-specific transactions in the construction industry. I’ve observed how this specialized field differs from traditional accounting through its unique focus on project-based financial tracking and compliance with industry-specific regulations.
Key Responsibilities of Construction Accountants
Construction accountants focus on these essential tasks:
- Manage job costing systems to track labor, materials and overhead expenses per project
- Process contractor payments and manage subcontractor billing cycles
- Monitor project budgets against actual costs in real-time
- Prepare WIP (Work in Progress) reports and percentage of completion calculations
- Handle construction-specific payroll including certified payroll reports
- Process change orders and track their financial impact
- Maintain compliance with construction-specific tax regulations
- Analyze project profitability and cash flow forecasting
- Knowledge of construction billing methods (AIA progress billing, milestone billing)
- Familiarity with construction-specific software (Sage 300 CRE, Procore, Foundation)
- Understanding of construction contracts and change order procedures
- Expertise in job cost accounting principles
- Proficiency in progress billing and retention calculations
- Experience with construction-specific tax requirements (sales tax, use tax)
- Understanding of lien laws and compliance requirements
- Knowledge of prevailing wage regulations and certified payroll reporting
| Construction Accounting Element | Industry-Specific Focus |
|---|---|
| Project Tracking | Job Cost Accounting |
| Financial Reporting | WIP Schedules |
| Billing Methods | Progress & Milestone |
| Software Systems | Construction-Specific |
| Tax Compliance | Industry Regulations |
Finding Local Construction Accounting Positions
Local construction accounting positions are readily accessible through multiple strategic channels. Here’s how to locate these opportunities effectively in your area:
Top Job Search Platforms
I recommend focusing on these specialized platforms for construction accounting roles:
- Indeed.com features dedicated filters for construction accounting positions by location radius
- LinkedIn Jobs offers company-specific searches with salary insights for construction firms
- ZipRecruiter connects directly with local construction companies posting accounting openings
- Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) job board lists industry-specific positions
- AGC (Associated General Contractors) career center displays regional accounting opportunities
| Platform | Key Features for Construction Accounting |
|---|---|
| Indeed | Location-based filters, salary estimates |
| Company insights, professional networking | |
| CFMA | Industry-specific listings, member access |
| ZipRecruiter | Direct employer connections, mobile alerts |
| AGC | Regional focus, contractor relationships |
- Join local CFMA chapters to access exclusive job postings from member companies
- Attend construction trade shows to connect with regional contractors seeking accountants
- Participate in AGC events to meet financial decision-makers in construction firms
- Connect with construction-focused recruiting firms specializing in accounting placements
- Follow local construction companies on LinkedIn for immediate job opening notifications
- Register with specialized construction staffing agencies operating in your area
Qualifications and Education Requirements
Construction accounting positions require specific educational credentials combined with industry-focused certifications. The qualifications vary based on role level and employer requirements.
Certifications That Matter
Specialized certifications enhance career prospects in construction accounting:
- Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) demonstrates expertise in construction financial management
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) validates advanced accounting knowledge
- Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) certifications prove industry-specific expertise
- American Institute of Constructors (AIC) certification shows construction management competency
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification adds value for senior-level positions
Experience Level Expectations
Experience requirements align with position levels in construction accounting:
Entry-Level Positions:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
- 0-2 years of general accounting experience
- Basic knowledge of construction terminology
- Proficiency in accounting software platforms
Mid-Level Positions:
- 3-5 years of construction industry accounting experience
- Advanced expertise in construction-specific software
- Understanding of job costing systems
- Experience with WIP reporting
- Knowledge of construction tax regulations
- 7+ years of construction accounting experience
- Track record of managing complex projects
- Expertise in construction contract review
- Advanced financial analysis capabilities
- Team leadership experience
| Position Level | Years of Experience | Education Required | Key Software Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | 0-2 | Bachelor’s Degree | Basic ERP Systems |
| Mid-Level | 3-5 | Bachelor’s + Certifications | Construction-Specific Software |
| Senior-Level | 7+ | Advanced Degree/Multiple Certifications | Advanced Financial Systems |
Salary and Benefits in Construction Accounting
Construction accounting professionals earn competitive compensation packages that vary based on experience level location size of the construction firm. The field offers comprehensive benefits packages including healthcare retirement plans paid time off professional development allowances.
Regional Pay Variations
Construction accounting salaries fluctuate significantly across different regions in the United States:
| Region | Entry-Level | Mid-Level | Senior-Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | $55,000-$70,000 | $75,000-$95,000 | $100,000-$150,000 |
| West Coast | $60,000-$75,000 | $80,000-$110,000 | $115,000-$165,000 |
| Midwest | $48,000-$65,000 | $70,000-$90,000 | $95,000-$135,000 |
| Southeast | $45,000-$62,000 | $65,000-$85,000 | $90,000-$130,000 |
Key factors affecting regional pay:
- Local construction market activity
- Cost of living adjustments
- Competition for skilled professionals
- Size of construction projects
- Economic conditions
Career Growth Potential
Construction accounting offers clear advancement paths with increasing responsibilities compensation:
Entry-Level Progression:
- Junior Accountant to Staff Accountant (1-3 years)
- Project Accountant to Senior Project Accountant (3-5 years)
- Department Supervisor to Controller (5-8 years)
- CFO or Director of Finance (8+ years)
Salary Enhancement Opportunities:
- Obtaining CCIFP certification (+15-20% salary increase)
- Managing multiple project portfolios (+10-15%)
- Specializing in cost engineering (+12-18%)
- Developing expertise in construction software systems (+8-12%)
- Leading teams departments (+20-25%)
- Annual performance bonuses (5-15% of base salary)
- Profit-sharing programs
- Stock options in larger firms
- Enhanced healthcare coverage
- Increased paid time off
- Company vehicle allowances
- Remote work flexibility
Tips for Landing a Construction Accounting Job
Landing a construction accounting position requires strategic preparation. These targeted strategies enhance the chances of securing a role in this specialized field.
Building a Targeted Resume
A construction accounting resume demands specific industry focus. Here are key elements to include:
- Highlight construction-specific software proficiency in programs like Sage 300 CRE, Viewpoint or QuickBooks Enterprise
- Showcase experience with AIA billing formats work-in-progress (WIP) reporting
- List quantifiable achievements in project cost tracking cost coding systems
- Feature relevant certifications like CCIFP CPA or industry-specific credentials
- Include keywords from construction accounting job descriptions to pass ATS systems
- Detail experience with construction-specific tasks like job costing prevailing wage compliance
- Emphasize knowledge of construction billing methods change orders retainage
- Research the construction company’s project portfolio current contracts size
- Practice explaining construction-specific accounting concepts like:
- Over/under billings
- Job cost allocation methods
- Revenue recognition for long-term contracts
- Change order processing
- Prepare examples of:
- Managing multiple project budgets
- Implementing cost control measures
- Resolving billing disputes
- Coordinating with project managers
- Review common construction accounting software interfaces
- Study the company’s financial reporting requirements bonding capacity
- Prepare questions about:
- Project accounting systems
- Month-end closing procedures
- Compliance requirements
- Team structure reporting relationships
Landing a construction accounting job near you offers an excellent opportunity to blend financial expertise with the dynamic construction industry. I’ve seen firsthand how this specialized field continues to grow with promising career prospects and competitive compensation packages.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career I encourage you to take advantage of local networking opportunities certifications and industry-specific training. The construction accounting field welcomes professionals who are ready to tackle unique challenges and grow with the industry.
Ready to start your journey? Your next construction accounting role could be just around the corner. Take that first step by updating your resume exploring local opportunities and connecting with industry professionals in your area.