Project Accountant

At Gardner, we believe commercial construction should feel as welcoming as it is professional. That's why we don't just build and remodel, we build relationships, rooted in hospitality. Our mission is to set the platinum standard for our clients, partners, and team members by delivering exceptional results while embodying our core values: passion, humility, excellence, empathy, and nimbleness. We bring a hospitality-driven approach to every project, ensuring that every interaction is thoughtful, responsive, and human-centered.

Who You Are

You bring care, precision, and hospitality to your work. You understand that accurate and timely billing is not just an accounting function, it is a contribution to the health and success of every project team. You take pride in being organized and thorough, and you enjoy creating clarity in fast-paced environments.

You thrive in collaborative relationships. You work closely and comfortably with Project Managers, helping them understand costs, capture needed information, and maintain sound financial management throughout the life of a project. You communicate with clients and trade partners in a way that is respectful and hospitable, and you know how to follow up persistently while preserving positive relationships.

You value dependable systems and clean documentation. You understand the importance of job cost accuracy, contract alignment, and consistent billing practices. You are naturally detail-minded and proactive, and you enjoy supporting a team that aims for excellence in everything it does. Most importantly, you bring a steady presence, strong follow-through, and a partnership mindset to your work.

How You'll Contribute

Monthly Project Billing

• Create and submit client invoices according to contract terms and billing schedules, typically forty to fifty each month.
• Capture all costs and ensure change orders are properly executed.
• Prepare pay applications, lien waivers, and required backup documentation.
• Complete job close procedures accurately and timely.
• Review and resolve unbilled work regularly.
• Manage Textura project activity, including trade partner enrollment, support, draw submittals, draw closes, and disbursement initiation.

Partner with Project Managers

• Collaborate proactively with Project Managers to ensure accurate billing and cash-positive projects.
• Confirm all billing information and job costs meet contractual requirements.
• Meet monthly with Project Managers and consistently follow up on outstanding items.
• Train Project Managers on accounting processes and software tools as needed.

Accounts Receivable and Collections Management

• Follow up with owners consistently and professionally on outstanding billings.
• Review and work to resolve overdue payments.
• Provide payment status updates to accounting and project management teams.

Maintain Project Data and Documentation

• Collect and analyze job-related cost and billing data.
• Provide accurate financial information to support budgeting and forecasting.
• Maintain organized and complete accounting files and backup documentation.
• Partner with Project Managers to update and verify financial information for WIP reporting.

Collaborate with the Accounting Team

• Support fellow accounting team members and contribute to a positive, hospitality-driven team environment.
• Participate in process improvements and assist with additional accounting tasks as needed.

What You'll Bring

• 3-5 years of experience in accounting.
• Experience with job cost accounting required.
• Strong attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
• Critical thinking skills related to project and accounting processes.
• Ability to identify inconsistencies and reconcile information.
• Clear communication style with a proactive and persistent approach.
• Capacity to manage multiple tasks while exercising sound judgment.
• Organized and methodical work habits.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Basic knowledge of job costing procedures and construction accounting best practices.

What Will Set You Apart

• At least two years of construction accounting experience preferred.
• Familiarity with lien waivers and pay applications preferred.
• Proficiency with Excel, CMiC (or similar), Textura, and construction software such as Procore preferred.
• Naturally hospitable and an interest in bringing a people-first approach.
• Experience supporting fast-paced commercial project teams.
• Curiosity and a desire to continuously improve processes and systems.

Why Join Gardner Builders?

We are proud to be recognized as:

• 7-Time "Best Places to Work" by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
• 6-Time "Top 150 Workplaces" by Minneapolis Star Tribune
• #1 Top Workplace in Construction by Star Tribune (2023)
• 4-Time "Best Workplace" by Inc Magazine
• "Best Places to Work" by Milwaukee Business Journal

Our culture-first approach encourages personal and professional growth, an EOS-led structure, and a commitment to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, challenged, and loves coming to…