Senior Project Accountant

Senior Project Accountant

McGough is a respected partner that brings six generations of experience to high profile, unique and complex construction projects. We take great pride in our people and their extraordinary expertise in planning, development, construction and facility management. McGough employee tenure reflects the commitment and pride we share in our work. Ask anyone who knows us - the caliber of our people sets us apart.

The Senior Project Accountant partners with project teams to provide accurate, timely, and insightful financial reporting, analysis, and guidance throughout the lifecycle of assigned construction projects. This role is responsible for overseeing all project accounting activities—from project setup and preconstruction through project closeout—while ensuring financial transactions are accurate, compliant, and aligned with company policies, contractual requirements, and accounting standards.

Serving as a trusted advisor to Project Managers and operational leaders, the Senior Project Accountant exercises independent judgment in reviewing and interpreting financial information, resolving complex accounting issues, identifying financial risks, and recommending solutions that support sound business decisions. In addition to managing project financial performance, this position mentors Project Accountants and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives within the Accounting and Finance teams.

Qualifications

Required

• 4-7+ years of accounting or finance experience.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and account reconciliation.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with an emphasis on Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to organize multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and professional judgment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred

• 7+ years of accounting or finance experience
• Construction Industry experience
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Business

Skills

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and professional judgment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrates strong financial and analytical acumen by interpreting project financial data and providing meaningful business insights.
• Applies sound judgment to evaluate financial issues, identify risks, and recommend practical solutions.
• Communicates financial information clearly and professionally to project teams, leadership, and business partners.
• Builds collaborative relationships and serves as a trusted financial resource for project managers and operational teams.
• Maintains exceptional attention to detail while producing accurate, timely, and high-quality work.
• Effectively manages multiple priorities and consistently meets deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Maintains proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and adapts quickly to new technologies and accounting systems.
• Models professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and a commitment to outstanding internal customer service.
• Coaches and mentors team members by sharing knowledge, providing guidance, and supporting professional development.

Responsibilities and Tasks

Project Financial Management

• Manage all project accounting activities from project setup through final closeout for assigned construction projects.
• Review and monitor project financial performance, including budgets, costs, billings, cash flow, committed costs, and profitability.
• Prepare, analyze, and distribute accurate financial reports to project teams and leadership.
• Review project financial activity for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies and accounting standards.
• Identify financial risks, unusual trends, or discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.

Financial Analysis & Business Partnership

• Serve as the primary accounting partner for assigned Project Managers and operational leaders.
• Provide financial guidance to support project planning, forecasting, and decision-making.
• Analyze project performance and explain budget variances, cost trends, and financial results.
• Assist project teams with contract interpretation as it relates to financial requirements, billing, retainage, and change orders.
• Collaborate with Operations and Finance to improve project financial performance and reporting accuracy.

Leadership & Team Development

• Mentor and provide guidance to Project Accountants, supporting technical development and knowledge sharing.
• Assist with onboarding and training new team members.
• Lead department meetings or project accounting discussions in the absence of the Accounting Manager.
• Serve as a subject matter resource for project accounting processes and best practices.

Continuous Improvement & Professional Contribution

• Participate in Accounting and Finance department initiatives focused on process improvement and operational excellence.
• Support Lean construction principles and continuous improvement efforts that enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Foster positive relationships with project teams by delivering responsive, value-added financial support.
• Attend required company meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
• Follow established company policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Office and Travel

This position requires full-time, in-office work for the first 3–6 months to support onboarding, training, and relationship building. After that, employees may transition to a hybrid schedule of 3–4 days in the office and 1–2 days remote.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands outlined here are representative of those required for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

This position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a workstation or during meetings and travel (by plane or car). The employee must be able to lift up to 20 pounds as needed, demonstrate dexterity to write and use a computer keyboard and mouse, and possess the ability to hear, speak clearly, and distinguish colors on graphs and charts.

The role also requires occasional visits to construction sites, where the employee may be exposed to dust, dirt, uneven surfaces, outdoor weather conditions, and extreme temperatures.