Accounting Manager - Construction Industry

Accounting Manager – Construction Industry

LHH is partnering with a growing construction organization in the Chicagoland area to identify an experienced Accounting Manager for a contract opportunity with strong potential for long-term employment. This position will play a key role in overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, construction project accounting, and financial reporting. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in the construction industry, including experience with job costing, retainage, lien waivers, subcontractor compliance, and project-based financial analysis.

If you have a passion for improving processes, mentoring staff, and supporting operational decision-making through accurate financial reporting, we'd love to connect with you.

Position Details

Title: Accounting Manager

Industry: Construction

Position Type: Contract

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days onsite per week)

Location: Chicago, River North area

Pay Rate: $45/hr.- $50/hour (DOE)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements and supporting schedules
• Oversee general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, accruals, and journal entries
• Manage construction accounting activities, including job costing, WIP schedules, retainage tracking, and project profitability reporting
• Review and process subcontractor compliance documentation, including lien waivers, certificates of insurance, and vendor agreements
• Monitor project budgets, change orders, committed costs, and contract billing activity
• Prepare and analyze work-in-progress (WIP) reports for executive leadership
• Partner with project managers and operations teams to provide financial insights and support project performance
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and company accounting policies
• Support annual audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting requirements
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes and improve reporting efficiencies
• Assist with cash flow forecasting and financial planning initiatives
• Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibilities
• Prior construction accounting experience required
• Strong understanding of job costing, WIP reporting, retainage, construction billing, and subcontractor compliance
• Experience managing lien waivers, AIA billing, change orders, and project-based financial reporting
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and financial modeling
• Experience with ERP systems and construction accounting software preferred
• Thorough knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting best practices
• CPA designation is a plus but not required
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment

Benefit offerings include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and 401K plan. Our program provides employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. Available paid leave may include Paid Sick Leave, where required by law; any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law; and Holiday pay upon meeting eligibility criteria.