Accounts Payable Specialist Construction

Job Description

Job Description

Summary

Our client is an established construction contractor seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Specialist to support its accounting operations in Carlsbad, CA . The position will focus on accounts payable activities for a construction and framing operation supporting projects throughout San Diego and Orange County . This individual will be responsible for processing vendor invoices, maintaining accurate financial records, reconciling accounts, and supporting day-to-day accounting activities.

The ideal candidate will have 2–3 years of accounts payable experience , preferably within the construction industry , with a strong understanding of vendor payments, invoice processing, and construction-related accounting procedures. This is an initial 6–8-month, temp-to-hire opportunity , with the potential to transition into a Payroll Specialist position based on business needs and performance.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Accounts Payable Processing & Management

  • Process, review, and enter vendor invoices accurately and efficiently.

  • Verify invoice details, payment terms, approvals, and supporting documentation.

  • Match invoices against purchase orders, contracts, and other applicable records.

  • Maintain accurate accounts payable records and ensure timely processing of payments.

  • Review vendor statements and reconcile discrepancies.

  • Monitor outstanding invoices and payment schedules.

  • Assist with weekly payment processing and accounts payable reporting.

• Construction Accounting & Job Costing

  • Process invoices related to construction materials, subcontractors, equipment, and project expenses.

  • Assign expenses to appropriate construction projects, cost codes, and general ledger accounts.

  • Review subcontractor invoices for accuracy and required supporting documentation.

  • Coordinate with project personnel to verify charges and resolve billing discrepancies.

  • Maintain organized records of project-related expenses.

  • Support accurate job costing and construction financial reporting.

  • Assist with tracking vendor and subcontractor payment information.

• Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination

  • Communicate with vendors and subcontractors regarding invoices, payment status, and account discrepancies.

  • Maintain accurate vendor information, payment details, and supporting documentation.

  • Assist with collecting and organizing vendor compliance documents when required.

  • Resolve invoice discrepancies through coordination with vendors and internal personnel.

  • Respond professionally to vendor inquiries and payment requests.

  • Maintain positive working relationships with construction suppliers and subcontractors.

• Account Reconciliation & Financial Reporting

  • Reconcile vendor statements, accounts payable balances, and related accounting records.

  • Identify and investigate invoice discrepancies, duplicate payments, and outstanding balances.

  • Assist with month-end closing activities and accounts payable reconciliations.

  • Maintain accurate records of invoices, payments, credits, and adjustments.

  • Prepare accounts payable reports and support accounting management with financial documentation.

  • Assist with general accounting and administrative duties as needed.

• Payroll Support & Potential Role Transition

  • Assist with payroll-related administrative activities as needed.

  • Learn company payroll procedures, systems, and reporting requirements.

  • Support the collection and organization of employee timekeeping information.

  • Assist with payroll data entry, verification, and recordkeeping under appropriate supervision.

  • Develop familiarity with construction payroll processes and applicable documentation requirements.

  • Potentially transition into a dedicated Payroll Specialist position following the initial assignment, depending on business needs and performance.

• Accounting Administration & Team Collaboration

  • Maintain organized electronic and physical accounting records.

  • Collaborate with accounting personnel, Project Managers, and construction operations staff.

  • Support accurate documentation and timely communication regarding financial transactions.

  • Assist with improving accounts payable workflows and administrative procedures.

  • Maintain confidentiality of financial, vendor, and employee information.

  • Perform additional accounting support duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Required Experience

  • 2–3 years of accounts payable or related accounting experience .

  • Construction industry experience , preferably with a general contractor, framing contractor, or specialty subcontractor.

  • Experience processing vendor invoices, reconciling statements, and maintaining accounts payable records.

  • Familiarity with construction-related expenses, subcontractor billing, and vendor payments.

  • Ability to review invoices and supporting documentation for accuracy.

  • Experience working with accounting software and electronic financial records.

  • Strong understanding of basic accounting principles and accounts payable procedures.

• Accounting & Technical Skills

  • Knowledge of accounts payable processing, vendor management, and account reconciliation.

  • Familiarity with construction job costing, cost codes, and project-related expense allocation .

  • Ability to process and track invoices accurately while meeting payment deadlines.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and standard office applications.

  • Experience using accounting software or construction financial management systems.

  • Ability to maintain organized accounting records and supporting documentation.

  • Strong numerical accuracy and attention to financial details.

• Professional Skills

  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to manage multiple invoices, deadlines, and accounting priorities.

  • Strong problem-solving abilities and willingness to investigate discrepancies.

  • Ability to work independently and collaborate with accounting and construction teams.

  • Professional approach to vendor communication and confidential financial information.

  • Dependable, adaptable, and willing to learn additional accounting functions.

• Preferred Education & Experience

  • Associate's or bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field , or equivalent practical experience.

  • Previous accounts payable experience with a construction general contractor, framing contractor, or specialty trade contractor .

  • Experience with construction accounting software or job-cost tracking systems.

  • Familiarity with subcontractor invoices, purchase orders, and construction vendor documentation.

  • Previous payroll processing or payroll administration experience.

  • Interest in developing payroll expertise and potentially transitioning into a payroll-focused position.

• Work Environment & Location

  • Position based in Carlsbad, CA .

  • Initial 6–8-month assignment , with potential for temp-to-hire placement.

  • Office-based accounting role supporting construction operations throughout San Diego and Orange County.

  • Expected hiring timeframe of approximately two weeks.

  • Potential opportunity to transition into a payroll position following the initial assignment.