Entry Level Cost Accountant I – Operational Finance- Huntsville
The Entry Level Cost Accountant supports financial administration and cost accounting activities for construction projects, ensuring compliance with company policies and accuracy in financial reporting. This role involves analyzing project financial data, assisting with audits, managing accounts payable and receivable, and participating in forecasting and project closeout processes. The position offers foundational exposure to construction finance operations and the opportunity to learn and apply AI tools to enhance financial processes.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Accounting & Finance.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is hiring an Entry Level Cost Accountant I to support project accounting and operational finance activities. You will work with project teams and shared service functions to ensure accurate project reporting, timely month‑end close activities, and compliant billing and vendor processes.
- Assist with project accounting tasks and analyze project financial data using company financial systems.
- Support preparation, review and audit of cost reports; identify cost variances and project risks.
- Reconcile client billings to the general ledger and assist with accounts receivable follow-up.
- Review vendor and subcontractor invoices for accurate coding and documentation; support AP transactions with the Shared Service Organization (SSO).
- Verify subcontractor compliance (contracts, insurance, lien waivers) and escalate discrepancies.
- Learn and perform components of month‑end close: post journal entries, reconcile ledger accounts, validate Work‑In‑Place (WIP).
- Support preparation of project billings and final cost reconciliation at closeout.
- Maintain records of project assets and rentals for insurance documentation.
- Participate in cost forecasting (GR/GCs, staffing, labor) and occasional job site visits to gather financial data.
- Coordinate with project teams, SSO, and accounting leads to ensure timely data flow and compliance.
- Contribute to team meetings and help evaluate application of AI tools for financial analysis and process automation.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Construction Management, or related field — or equivalent combination of education/training and experience. Internship or co‑op experience in accounting or finance preferred.
- ~1 year related experience preferred; openness to entry‑level applicants who demonstrate aptitude.
- Basic understanding of GAAP and accounting processes.
- Interest in cost accounting, construction finance, and project‑based financial management.
- Familiarity or willingness to learn financial systems (e.g., SAP) and strong Excel skills.
- Basic knowledge or willingness to learn AI tools applied to financial analysis and data validation.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Good verbal and written communication; ability to work collaboratively and ask clarifying questions.
- Able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines under supervision.
- Limited travel required; ability to perform routine physical tasks (e.g., occasional lifting up to 25 lbs).
Compensation & Employment Type
- Estimated compensation: $55,476 per year (estimated).
- Employment Type: Contract / Full‑time; Salaried, non‑exempt.
- Location: Triana, AL — on‑site with occasional site visits as required.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
The role is primarily office‑based with occasional on‑site project visits. Reasonable accommodations will be made for candidates with disabilities. Typical duties include desk/computer work, occasional mobility for site visits, and periodic lifting of light items (regularly up to 10 lbs; occasionally up to 25 lbs).
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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