Sr. Project Accountant

Position: Sr. Project Accountant

Department: Finance

Reports to: CEO

Location: 566 W. Lake Street, Chicago, IL (Flexible WFH Schedule!)

Employment Type: Full-time benefits eligible

Why Choose Richard?

Culture-First Approach: People and innovation over bottom line

Purpose-Driven Projects: Build structures that truly matter, from critical healthcare facilities to cutting-edge data centers

Rapid Growth: Be part of a company doubling in size while maintaining quality

Collaborative, Caring Culture: Clear communication and proactive problem-solving, while supporting your health, financial wellness, and career growth

Direct Impact: Your ideas shape our projects and company direction

Innovation Freedom: Be at the forefront of construction technology and sustainable practices

At Richard, you're not just a number - you're a crucial part of our mission to transform the construction industry. We're creating efficient, dynamic spaces that advance communities, sustainability, and well-being. With nearly 200 diverse contracts since 2016 and a passionate team across the nation, we offer the resources of a large firm with the agility and personal touch of a boutique operation.

Break free from corporate constraints. Join Richard, Purpose Builders, and be the architect of your career while shaping the future of construction. Here, your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your impact is visible.

The Senior Project Accountant is responsible for overseeing the financial tracking, reporting, and analysis of construction projects from initiation through closeout. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy of project and company-level financials, including the preparation of Work in Progress (WIP) schedules, balance sheet reconciliations, and monthly financial statement packages. The Senior Project Accountant acts as a key liaison between Operations and Finance, supporting both project teams and executive leadership to ensure financial integrity and compliance with company policies, contract requirements, and GAAP.

• Set up and maintain job cost budgets, cost codes, and contract records in accounting/project management systems.
• Track and analyze costs, commitments, and change orders throughout the life of the project.
• Prepare and submit accurate owner billings, including AIA documents and backup.
• Reconcile project financials monthly and support work-in-progress (WIP) reporting.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to review job cost reports and forecast cost-to-complete.
• Monitor subcontractor invoicing, lien waivers, and payment applications.
• Support project closeout by ensuring all financial obligations are met and documentation is complete
• Work in Progress & Month-End Close
• Prepare, calculate, and post monthly Work in Progress (WIP) entries, ensuring accuracy of revenue recognition under percentage-of-completion methodology.
• Conduct comprehensive balance sheet reconciliations (bank accounts, fixed assets, accruals, and liabilities) monthly.
• Maintain detailed supporting schedules for all reconciliations and entries.
• Financial Reporting & Compliance
• Prepare and deliver monthly financial statement packages for joint venture leadership and corporate Finance, including variance analysis and commentary.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, contract terms, and external reporting requirements.
• Assist with audits, internal reviews, and client financial reporting obligations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives for accounting processes, systems, and reporting.
• Collaboration & Leadership
• Serve as a financial partner to Project Managers and executives by providing timely, accurate financial insights to support decision-making.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive construction accounting experience, including direct WIP preparation and month-end close responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, GAAP, and construction financial reporting.
• Proficiency with accounting and project management systems (e.g., Foundation, Sage Intacct, Procore, or similar).
• Knowledge of main Excel Functions (Pivot tables, lookups, conditional formulas, etc.).
• Proficiency with PowerPoint and Adobe Software (Acrobat, Adobe Sign, document preparation, etc.).
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate with both financial and non-financial stakeholders.

At Richard, we believe in showing the same gratitude and care to our team members that we do in our projects. This position comes with a competitive salary to match your level of experience and includes competitive benefits such as:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) option
• 15 days of paid time off (PTO)
• 7 paid holidays
• All employees are immediately eligible for our bonus program where employees at all levels are engaged in the financial and operational performance of the business, enabling them to understand how their contributions directly impact the company's bottom line
• Company 401(k) matching contributions
• Parental leave policy
• We fully cover transportation costs, including parking and train fares, for employees
• Affordable and freshly made breakfast and lunch provided through our on-site meal program (Chicago home office employees only)
• Gym membership reimbursement program (Chicago home office employees only)
• Fully paid two-month sabbatical leave for employees who reach their 10-year anniversary with the company
• All employees immediately have access to mentorship, regular skills-based training, and leadership development programs

Pay Range:

$100,000.00-$110,000.00

The base salary range for this position as of posting is Richard's good faith estimate of the possible compensation for this role. The range for this role takes into account the factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. Richard is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants and employees will receive equal employment opportunities without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.