Cost Accountant I – Operational Finance (Austin)

Turner Construction Company is a construction company seeking a Cost Accountant I to support financial administration and cost accounting for assigned projects. The role assists with project accounting, financial reporting, billing, reconciliations, forecasting, audits, compliance, and month-end close activities while coordinating with project teams and shared services.

What you'll do:

• Assist with and perform project accounting tasks and analyze financial data for assigned projects using company financial systems
• Develop foundational understanding of construction operations, contract types, and cost drivers through active project engagement
• Assist with preparation, review, and audit of Cost reports
• Learn to identify cost variances, project risks, and compliance considerations through guided review of project financials
• Audit and reconcile client bill against general ledger to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Assist with and support timely Accounts Payable (AP) transactions through Shared Service Organization (SSO), review vendor and subcontractor invoices for assigned projects to confirm accurate coding of costs with required documentation
• Conduct verification of subcontractor compliance (e.g., contracts, insurance, lien waivers) and escalate discrepancies as identified. Assist with audits and research of vendor accounts. and reconciliation of outstanding invoices based on expected monthly expenses
• Learn and perform assigned components of month-end close activities, including: posting journal entries accurately, reconcile general ledger accounts, validate Work-In-Place (WIP), and resolve or escalate discrepancies prior to close deadlines
• Maintain accurate records of project assets and rentals for insurance documentation
• Support preparation of project billings for assigned projects in accordance with contract requirements and company policies, with oversight
• Monitor accounts receivable status and escalate billing or collection concerns to supervisor (e.g., Cost Accountant or Accounting Manager)
• Participate in forecasting General Conditions/General Requirements (GR/GCs), staff, and labor projections to accurately forecast costs including insurance and taxes

What they're looking for:

• Bachelor's Degree from accredited degree program in Finance, Accounting, Construction Management, or related field of study with minimum 1 years of related experience; internship or co-op experience in accounting or finance preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Basic understanding of General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial processes
• Demonstrate interest in cost accounting, construction finance, and/or project-based financial management
• Able to maintain confidential information and adhere to company financial policies, practices, and standard operating procedures
• Highly organized with accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with team members, ask questions, and flexible to prioritize responsibilities to meet deadlines with direction from supervisor
• Professional verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to learn and able to adapt while working in a dynamic environment within financial deadlines
• Limited travel
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands, talk, and hear. The employee frequently views a computer monitor and frequently uses a computer keyboard. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is occasionally required to be mobile, and the employee occasionally travels both short and long distances via a variety of conveyances. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Basic understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for financial analysis, data validation, and process automation desired, and demonstrate willingness to learn how to apply them to improve financial processes for efficiency and accuracy
• Proficient computer skills, Microsoft Office suite of applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and familiar with financial systems (e.g., SAP), a plus