Accounting Assistant (Construction)

Accounting Assistant
Location: Tempe, AZ | In-Office
Schedule: Monday - Friday | 8 am - 5 pm
A well-established general contractor is looking for an experienced, detail-oriented Accounting Specialist to support day-to-day accounting operations in their Tempe, AZ office. This hands-on role will have responsibilities across Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, general ledger accounting, sales/use tax, job costing, and month-end close.
We are looking for someone with a strong accounting foundation who understands how transactions flow through the general ledger—not simply someone who processes invoices. The ideal candidate has experience working in a General Contractor or Subcontractor construction project-based accounting environment, can independently research and resolve discrepancies, and is comfortable managing multiple deadlines in a fast-moving office.
This position reports directly to the Accounting Manager and works closely with Project Managers, vendors, customers/general contractors, and the accounting team.
Key Responsibilities
Accounts Receivable & Collections
Prepare and submit accurate customer billings, including AIA progress billings, using platforms such as Textura, Oracle, Procore, or GC Pay
Maintain customer accounts and ensure invoices, payments, retainage, credits, and adjustments are accurately recorded
Post and apply customer payments to the appropriate accounts and jobs
Review AR aging regularly and proactively follow up on outstanding balances
Research and resolve short payments, overpayments, unapplied cash, billing discrepancies, and other account issues
Work closely with Project Managers to resolve billing issues and support timely collections
Communicate professionally with general contractors and customer accounting teams regarding invoices, payment status, and outstanding documentation
Reconcile customer accounts and maintain accurate supporting documentation
General Ledger & Month-End Accounting
Prepare and post routine journal entries and accounting adjustments
Perform general ledger account reconciliations and research discrepancies
Review transactions for accurate GL account, job, cost code, and department classification
Assist with month-end close, including reconciliations, accruals, prepaid expenses, and supporting schedules
Assist with bank and credit card reconciliations, as assigned
Research accounting discrepancies and make or recommend appropriate corrections
Prepare accounting schedules and reports for review by the Accounting Manager
Maintain organized documentation and support internal and external accounting requests
Sales & Use Tax
Assist with the preparation, reconciliation, and filing of sales and use tax returns
Review transactions for appropriate sales/use tax treatment
Reconcile sales and use tax liability accounts to supporting records
Maintain exemption certificates and other tax-related documentation
Research and resolve sales/use tax discrepancies and assist with tax-related reporting as needed
Accounts Payable
Process and code vendor and subcontractor invoices to the appropriate GL accounts, jobs, and cost codes
Review invoices for proper approvals, supporting documentation, and tax treatment
Track purchase orders and subcontracts
Reconcile vendor statements and research and resolve discrepancies
Process payments in accordance with established payment schedules and internal controls
Maintain accurate vendor records and electronic documentation
Job Costing & Construction Compliance
Assist with job setup, including coding structures and budget alignment
Review and track costs by job and cost code to support accurate job-cost reporting
Assist in researching job-cost discrepancies and correcting coding errors
Track lien waivers, preliminary notices, amendments, and releases
Coordinate and maintain Certificates of Insurance and subcontractor compliance documentation
Maintain complete and organized job files and supporting documentation
Work with Project Managers to ensure accounting records accurately reflect project activity
Preferred Qualifications
4+ years of accounting experience, including hands-on Accounts Receivable, general ledger reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end close responsibilities. Sales/use tax experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience with AR aging, collections, account reconciliations, and month-end accounting
Experience preparing or supporting sales and use tax filings and reconciliations
Experience with journal entries and general ledger account reconciliations
Construction, subcontractor, general contractor, or other job-cost/project-based accounting experience strongly preferred
Experience with AIA billing, retainage, lien waivers, preliminary notices, and construction compliance preferred
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent relevant accounting experience
Foundation accounting software experience is a plus but not required
Strong Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with Word and Outlook
Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify, research, and resolve accounting discrepancies
Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines and work effectively in a fast-paced, project-driven environment
Professional communication skills and confidence working with customers, vendors, Project Managers, and accounting teams
What We Offer
$65,000 - $72,000, pay based on experience - paid weekly
Comprehensive benefits including:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k)
Paid vacation
Supportive training and collaborative team environment
Growth opportunity within a well-established construction subcontractor
Work Location:
One location
Work Remotely:
No

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No