Construction Project Lead Jobs in Chicago, IL

Company Overview

A growing commercial construction company based in Chicago. Specializing in high-quality commercial build-outs, general contracting, and project management. We are seeking an experienced Construction Accountant / Project Accountant to oversee project-level financial operations, owner billings, subcontractor compliance, and payment administration.

Position Summary

The Construction Accountant will be responsible for managing all project-related accounting activities across our portfolio of commercial construction projects. Working closely with Project Managers, Subcontractors, Vendors, and Clients, you will ensure precise job costing, accurate owner progress billings, timely subcontractor pay applications, and full compliance documentation.

The ideal candidate possesses deep hands-on expertise in QuickBooks and Procore, a thorough understanding of AIA billing and lien waiver administration, and a strong eye for financial accuracy and project documentation.

Compensation: $75,000 to $85,000 per year (Based on experience)

Key Responsibilities:

Project Accounting & Job Costing

• Manage all project-related financial and accounting workflows within QuickBooks and Procore.
• Reconcile project costs, maintain budgets, and generate detailed job-cost reports for ongoing commercial projects.
• Monitor accounts payable (A/P) and accounts receivable (A/R) specific to active construction projects.
• Maintain complete, audit-ready project financial records and supporting accounting documentation.
• Assist leadership with month-end and year-end accounting closures and financial reconciliations.

Billing, Pay Applications & Revenue Management

• Prepare, review, and submit Owner Pay Applications (AIA G702/G703 format) and progress billings.
• Review, process, and track incoming subcontractor pay applications for accuracy, scope alignment, and contract compliance.
• Track retainage, change order allocations, and project billing schedules.

Subcontractor Compliance & Payment Administration

• Collect, verify, and maintain primary and secondary Lien Waivers (partial and final releases).
• Track, manage, and verify subcontractor Certificates of Insurance (COI) to ensure continuous compliance prior to payment release.
• Maintain an active compliance log across all project trades and vendors.

Payroll & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Demonstrate a strong foundational understanding of construction Payroll processes.
• Coordinate regularly with Project Managers, Subcontractors, Vendors, and Clients to resolve billing discrepancies and streamline compliance approvals.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 5+ years of dedicated construction accounting or project accounting experience preferred.
• Construction Accounting Background is a must no exceptions
• Software Proficiency: Advanced, demonstrable proficiency in QuickBooks and Procore is required.
• Billing & Legal Documentation Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of AIA billing formats, owner progress billings, retainage, lien waivers, releases, and payment workflows.
• Compliance Management: Proven experience enforcing subcontractor compliance, including Certificates of Insurance (COI) and statutory releases.
• Payroll Knowledge: Background and solid understanding of payroll practices within a construction environment.
• Skills: Superior organizational skills, acute attention to detail, strong verbal/written communication abilities, and the capacity to prioritize tasks across multiple concurrent projects.

Work Location & Schedule

• Position Type: Full-time, in-office position located in Chicago, IL.
• Office Hours: Full-time
• Location Note: Local Chicago-area candidates preferred; relocation assistance is not available.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person