Job Cost Accountant / Claims Manager

Position Summary

Paul Davis Restoration, Inc. is a national franchise organization specializing in property damage emergency services, restoration, and reconstruction for residential and commercial properties impacted by water, fire, mold, storms, and other disasters. Since 1966, Paul Davis has helped more than 2 million property owners restore their properties and lives. The Paul Davis Network comprises over 340 franchises and Company-Owned Operations across the U.S. and Canada. Paul Davis Restoration, Inc. is owned by FirstService Corporation, a global leader in the rapidly growing real estate services sector. More information can be found at www.PaulDavis.com.

The Job Cost Accountant / Claims Manager plays a dual role, responsible for managing all aspects of job cost tracking, financial reporting, and budgeting for restoration and reconstruction projects, while also overseeing the intake and management of insurance claims. This position ensures accurate financial data, effective claims processing, and alignment between cost controls and project progress.

Responsibilities and Expectations

Job Cost Tracking & Reporting:

• Monitor and track all project-related costs, including labor, materials, subcontractors, and overhead expenses.
• Prepare and maintain detailed job cost reports for active projects, identifying discrepancies and budget overruns.
• Review and reconcile job cost information against estimates and actual expenditures.
• Assist in the preparation of project budgets, working closely with estimators, project managers, and other stakeholders.
• Analyze cost variances and provide explanations to management for budget discrepancies.

Cost Allocation & Forecasting:

• Ensure accurate allocation of costs to the correct job cost codes and categories.
• Assist with the preparation of cost forecasts and projections to ensure timely completion of projects within budget constraints.
• Track and manage change orders and supplemental requests, ensuring they are accurately reflected in the project's financial reporting.

Financial Reporting:

• Prepare monthly financial statements and cost reports for project stakeholders, including management and the finance team.
• Ensure that all financial reports comply with accounting standards, company policies, and industry regulations.
• Review and report on job cost reports to identify any variances from estimated budgets or schedules.

Collaboration with Project Teams:

• Partner with project managers, estimators, and subcontractors to ensure all job-related costs are captured and documented.
• Assist project teams in interpreting job cost reports and advising on cost-saving opportunities or necessary adjustments.
• Participate in project review meetings to track progress and update financials.

Audit & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures regarding financial reporting and project cost management.
• Prepare records for internal and external audits as needed.
• Maintain proper documentation and backup for all job costs, change orders, and related financial transactions.

Continuous Improvement:

• Work to identify process improvements to streamline job cost accounting, reporting, and forecasting.
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices to improve job cost accuracy and financial reporting.

Claim Processing & Documentation:

• Receive, review, and enter claims data from insurance carriers, homeowners, and commercial property owners into the company's system.
• Ensure all claims are documented accurately and in a timely manner, verifying all necessary information is included for further processing.
• Maintain records of insurance claims and ensure all required documentation, such as loss descriptions, damage assessments, and estimates, are collected.

Insurance Communication:

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the company and insurance carriers regarding claims for restoration projects.
• Communicate with insurance adjusters and other third parties to facilitate the claims process, ensuring all required information is received and processed quickly.
• Collaborate with insurance adjusters to clarify claims details, scope of work, and any policy or coverage questions.

Client Interaction & Coordination:

• Communicate with customers to confirm claim details, schedule inspections, and provide information about the restoration process.
• Work with the project team to ensure accurate scope and cost estimates are included in claims and assist with resolving discrepancies.

Claim Follow-up & Resolution:

• Track and follow up on the status of claims to ensure they are processed promptly and resolve any issues with the claims as they arise.
• Work with insurance companies and clients to clarify coverage details and resolve disputes or delays in the claim process.
• Assist in managing the documentation for any changes, updates, or adjustments to the claim during the project lifecycle.

Compliance & Reporting:

• Ensure compliance with all insurance requirements, policies, and industry regulations throughout the claims intake and processing process.
• Maintain a detailed log of all claims activity, ensuring timely follow-up and resolution in line with company policies.

Collaboration with Internal Teams:

• Work closely with the accounting and project management teams to ensure that claims are processed in alignment with job costs and financial reporting.
• Ensure that project documentation, including estimates and invoices, is aligned with the submitted claim for accurate reporting.

Evaluated On:

• Job Costing Accuracy & Budget Control
• Claims Intake Efficiency & Accuracy
• Financial Reporting & Documentation
• Customer & Stakeholder Satisfaction
• Discrepancy Resolution & Problem-Solving
• Process Improvement & Continuous Development
• Workload Management & Time Management
• Subcontractor and Vendor Coordination

Competencies - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Job Costing & Financial Acumen: Strong knowledge of job cost tracking, cost allocation, and financial reporting within the construction and restoration industry.
• Insurance Claims Knowledge: Understanding of insurance processes, including claims intake, documentation, and communication with carriers.
• Strong Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze financial data, claims details, and cost reports to identify discrepancies and variances.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in entering, tracking, and reviewing financial and claims data.
• Strong Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate with insurance companies, clients, and internal teams.
• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks efficiently while meeting deadlines.
• Customer Service Oriented: Professional and empathetic communication with customers and insurance providers to ensure a smooth process.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple claims and job costs while maintaining accurate records.
• Proficiency in Accounting & Claims Software: Skilled in using accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel) and claims management tools (e.g., Xactimate, RMS).
• Problem-Solving: Ability to resolve discrepancies between job costs and claims, and manage challenges in the claims process.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with various teams, including project managers, estimators, and insurance adjusters.

Education, Certification and/or Work Experience Requirements:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in job cost accounting or claims processing, preferably in the construction, disaster restoration, or insurance industry.
• Knowledge of insurance claim processing and documentation.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, or similar systems).
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Preferred:

• Experience with construction or disaster restoration claims processes, including knowledge of estimating software (e.g., Xactimate).
• IICRC or similar certifications are a plus.
• Experience in customer service or client-facing roles.
• Knowledge of insurance claim management systems or RMS (Restoration Management Software).

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to communicate and converse with customers over the phone and face to face.
• Must be able to stay in a stationary position up to 80% of the time.
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office
• machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, fax machine, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Must be able to observe and perceive information on a computer and documents.

Work Environment:

The primary work in a home office or traditional office environment. Additionally, all restoration staff often work outside the confines of a traditional office setting. They can work in various locations, including construction sites, industrial facilities, residential areas, and remote or rural locations.

Travel Requirements:

Occasional travel to company home office and events.

Reasonable Accommodation for Disability:

Any applicant or employee, who believes that a reasonable accommodation is required for purposes of federal or state disability law is required to contact Human Resources to begin the interactive exchange process.

The ADA defines "reasonable accommodation" as a change or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows a qualified individual with a disability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of a particular job and does not cause an undue hardship for the employer.

Flexible work from home options available.