Accountant @ Aston Carter

Job Title: AccountantJob DescriptionAn established mechanical contractor is seeking an experienced Accountant to lead the day-to-day accounting operations for a growing HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical contracting business. This position plays a critical role in strengthening accounting processes, implementing internal controls, supporting ERP and software initiatives, and providing accurate and timely financial information to leadership. The Accountant oversees core accounting functions including accounts payable, payroll, job costing, project billing, month-end closing, and financial reporting, while partnering closely with operations, project management, service leadership, and executive leadership to enhance financial visibility and support profitable growth.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily accounting operations, including accounts payable, payroll, project billing, cash management, and general ledger activities.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of vendor payments, customer invoices, payroll, and journal entries.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close processes to ensure accurate and complete financial results.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit card accounts, and balance sheet accounts on a regular basis.
• Maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation in accordance with company policies and best practices.
• Manage job costing processes and ensure all costs are properly coded, allocated, and captured in the appropriate cost centers.
• Review project costs, committed costs, work-in-progress schedules, and profitability reporting to support project and business performance.
• Support project managers by providing timely financial information, job cost reports, and analysis to aid decision-making.
• Ensure accurate project setup, cost code structures, and adherence to customer billing requirements.
• Assist with revenue recognition and ensure compliance with project accounting standards and company policies.
• Oversee customer billing processes, including progress billing, time-and-material billing, and service invoicing.
• Monitor accounts receivable, track aging, and assist with collections efforts to support healthy cash flow.
• Manage cash flow forecasting to support operational and strategic planning.
• Administer vendor payment processes and support lien waiver and subcontractor compliance activities as required.
• Develop and implement accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure accurate reporting.
• Improve purchasing, accounts payable, and approval workflows to enhance efficiency and control.
• Support implementation of purchase order controls and job cost management processes across the organization.
• Identify and recommend opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and financial visibility within the accounting function.
• Participate in software implementations and process automation initiatives, particularly related to ERP and accounting systems.
• Supervise and mentor accounting staff, providing guidance, coaching, and support for professional development.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures for the accounting team.
• Partner with outsourced accounting resources and external advisors as needed to support business requirements.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, process discipline, and high-quality financial stewardship.
• Assist with the preparation of monthly financial and management reports for leadership.
• Contribute to budgeting and forecasting processes, including data gathering, analysis, and reporting.
• Provide analysis of financial performance, project profitability, and operational trends to support strategic decisions.
• Assist with the coordination of annual reviews and tax preparation with the external CPA firm.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in construction, mechanical contracting, HVAC, plumbing, or closely related industries.
• Strong knowledge of job costing and construction accounting principles and practices.
• Hands-on experience managing payroll, accounts payable, and project billing.
• Experience leading month-end close and financial reporting processes.
• Proficiency with general ledger accounting and accounts receivable management.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to analyze and manipulate financial data.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in financial records.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with operations, project management, service leadership, and executive leadership.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with construction-focused ERP systems such as BuildOps, Viewpoint Vista, Sage Intacct, Foundation, Acumatica, or similar platforms.
• Experience implementing accounting controls and driving process improvements.
• Experience supervising and developing accounting staff.
• Professional certification such as CPA, CMA, or equivalent is preferred.
• Competence in construction accounting, job costing, and project accounting.
• Strength in process improvement and internal control design.
• Ability to lead and develop teams while fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
• Skill in financial analysis and reporting, including project profitability and operational trend analysis.
• Experience with ERP implementation and optimization initiatives.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Work EnvironmentThe Accountant works in a professional office environment that supports a growing HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical contracting operation. The role involves regular collaboration with project managers, operations teams, service leaders, and executive leadership, often requiring the use of construction-focused ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel for financial analysis and reporting. The environment emphasizes process discipline, continuous improvement, and cross-functional teamwork, with a focus on accurate job costing, project accounting, and financial visibility to support profitable growth. Standard business hours are typical, with periodic additional time required during month-end, year-end, and budgeting cycles. Office-appropriate professional attire is expected.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of West Fargo, ND.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $33.00 - $35.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision

Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital

401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available

Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 12, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in West Fargo,ND.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.