Project Accountant

Company: Gardner Builders
Location: Milwaukee
Posted on: January 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Salary: $70,000 - $85,000 At Gardner, we believe commercial construction should feel as welcoming as it is professional. Thats why we dont 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. Note: Were open to this role being based in either our Milwaukee or Minneapolis location. How Youll 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 Youll 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 work. Compensation & Benefits Annual Salary: $70,000 - $85,000(paid weekly) discretionary bonus. Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, HSA with employer contribution, and 401(k) plan with employer contribution Ancillary Benefits: Company-paid basic life & AD&D insurance, company-paid long-term disability, company-paid employee assistance program, accident insurance, and critical illness insurance. Perks: Paid parking or public transportation costs, company-provided phone, and laptop. Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sabbatical leave, paid bereavement leave, paid parental leave, and regular company and team outings. Interview Process Our process typically includes three conversations (phone and in-person) to ensure a mutual fit. Pre-Employment Screening Drug screen and background check required. Other Items to Note Gardner reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation for unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement. Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. We are only considering local candidates at this time. We are unable to provide relocation assistance at this time. Physical Demands & Work Environment This is a full-time, in-person role located in downtown Milwaukee, WI or Minneapolis, MN. Remote work is available as needed, but is not intended to be standard operating procedure. This role is performed in a standard office setting with standard office equipment. This position requires prolonged sitting at a desk and working on a computer, with frequent typing, writing, and document handling. The role also requires occasional light travel (generally under 5%) for conferences, events, or visits to other Gardner offices, typically planned well in advance and with flexibility to accommodate personal and family needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions of the role.

Keywords: Gardner Builders, Janesville , Project Accountant, Accounting, Auditing , Milwaukee, Wisconsin