SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, DESIGN-BUILD
Why Merus?
Merus brings more than 130 years of commercial real estate experience to the construction, development, ownership, and management of a diverse portfolio of assets across a growing footprint in the eastern U.S.
We’re all owners here. That shared ownership shapes how we work, make decisions, and support one another. Every team member is expected to take responsibility, follow through, and contribute to the success of our projects, partners, and company.
We were named a Deloitte U.S. Best Managed Company, recognizing how private companies are run across strategy, execution, culture, and financial discipline. That same standard shows up in how teams are supported, decisions are made, and the business continues to scale.
Learn more about our culture at www.merus1894.com.
Summary Of Responsibilities
Merus is seeking a Senior Accountant within its Finance & Accounting department. In this position, you will play a key role in collaborating with our Design-Build construction teams and leadership, as well as Finance & Accounting leadership across our markets, to drive the completeness and accuracy of the financial controls and reporting associated with our product lines. The ideal candidate will be an ambitious individual who is a self-starter with a strong sense of urgency and accounting experience. You will work in a fast-paced environment and have the ability to drive results. So, if you like to dig into the details and make big impacts, keep reading.
Essential Job Functions
Accounting & Financial Reporting
- Perform financial analysis to identify trends, variances, and areas for improvement in project and company financial performance.
- Attend monthly Design-Build results reviews with executive leadership of Design-Build and Accounting and escalate risks to project margin.
- Analyze insurance, technology and warranty costs and provide recommendations on billing costs appropriately.
- Proactively elevate project concerns or risks to margin to management.
- Generate financial reporting metrics on jobs for inclusion in the monthly financial reporting package.
- Present financial data and analysis to project stakeholders and management, highlighting key performance indicators and financial metrics.
- Provide support to external auditors for the annual financial statement audit.
- Participate in system implementations and lead process improvement initiatives to strengthen internal controls, reporting, and operational efficiency.
Contract Management
- Ensure estimates have been prepared, substantiated with bids and reviewed by the appropriate levels of management prior to entering into owner contracts.
- Review subcontractor contracts to confirm bidding processes were followed and final costs are in line with budget.
- Facilitate subcontractor prequalification reviews, assess financial risks, and escalate concerns to leadership.
Project Financial Management
- Oversee project setup and closeout across systems, ensuring financial accuracy, reconciliation, and compliance with established procedures.
- Track and analyze project costs, ensuring accuracy and completeness in financial records.
- Collaborate with project managers to monitor budget variances, understand their causes, and report on them to Design-Build and Finance & Accounting leadership.
- Forecast project costs, revenue, and margin to support decision-making processes in collaboration with the Design-Build team.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend corrective actions to address budget overruns or financial risks.
- Assess financial risks associated with projects and implement risk mitigation strategies.
- Oversee timecard processing and payroll-related job cost allocations, reviewing labor costs for accuracy and resolving discrepancies.
- Review job cost activity monthly, ensuring consistent and proper coding of subcontractor and internal costs.
- Monitor job over/underbilling and accounts receivable and accounts payable, ensuring timely billing and reporting on collection risks.
- Monitor job buyout status against contracts.
Billing and Invoicing
- Ensure subcontractor invoices are submitted on time, and work with subcontractors and project managers to ensure invoice accuracy and proper coding.
- Lead effective communication with vendors and subcontractors to resolve any invoicing discrepancies.
- Prepare and oversee monthly invoicing to owners.
- Address subcontractor and owner inquiries related to project billing and invoicing.
Essential Competencies
- Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
- Resourcefulness - Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.
- Interpersonal Savvy - Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
- Optimizes Work Processes - Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Being Resilient - Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.
- Courage - Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
Position Requirements
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and to work cooperatively and collaboratively with individuals of diverse backgrounds and at all organizational levels.
- Ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple priorities while being detail oriented.
- Ability to manage change and adapt to changing processes and procedures.
- Proven ability to use technology to improve process and task efficiency.
- Demonstrated initiative to continue to learn and broaden accounting and industry knowledge.
Qualifications And Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
- 2+ years of accounting experience in a staff or senior role.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and generate meaningful insights.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite with strong Excel skills required.
- Demonstrated understanding of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP).
Safety Hazard of the Job
Normal safety hazards associated with office work, and with occasional observational visits to construction sites.
Physical Demands
Low physical effort required to sit, stand at files, bend, stoop, lift, and walk. Maximum unassisted lift is 35 lbs. Average lift is less than 10 lbs. Requires ability to use a keyboard and monitor. Also requires the ability to communicate verbally, both in person and on the telephone. May require some travel by car.
Environmental Requirements
Average inside office environment. Average office noise levels. No personal protective equipment is required. Ambient temperature is between 68F and 76F.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor and other management as required. This job description is not a contract or offer for employment, and either you or Merus may terminate employment at any time for any reason.
