Construction Accounting Manager

Role Overview:

Backyard ADUs is a design-build company specializing in accessory dwelling units (ADUs) across New England. We guide homeowners through every step — from design and permitting to site work and construction — delivering beautifully crafted small homes that make the most of the land our clients already own.

The Construction Accounting Manager is the engine of our day-to-day finance operations. Reporting directly to the Controller, this role is responsible for executing the full transactional accounting cycle — keeping our books accurate, our subcontractors paid, our job costs tracked, and our payroll running on time. This is a hands-on role that requires someone who thrives on precision, loves a well-organized set of books, and takes genuine pride in the integrity of their work.

The ideal candidate brings expert-level QuickBooks Online proficiency, a strong construction finance background, and the organizational discipline to manage a high volume of transactions across 80+ active projects per year. This role is a key part of a two-person finance team and will work closely with the Controller, project managers, estimators, and construction managers across the company.

Daily Activities:

Execute and maintain the day-to-day accounting operations, including:

  • Manage accounts payable and receivable — process subcontractor, vendor, estimator, and construction manager invoices, track payments, and follow up on outstanding balances

  • Maintain job costing records for each active project, tracking labor, materials, subcontractor costs, and change orders against budget

  • Run biweekly payroll via ADP, including proper handling of deductions, benefits, and state/federal compliance

  • Perform monthly bank and credit card reconciliations and support the Controller in executing month-end close

  • Maintain the general ledger, enter journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and ensure transactions are correctly categorized in QuickBooks Online

  • Track and reconcile subcontractor insurance certificates and lien waivers, coordinating with the construction team

  • Prepare and organize financial documentation to support the Controller’s quarterly and annual tax coordination with the external CPA

  • Produce weekly and monthly transaction reports and job cost summaries for Controller review

  • Flag budget variances, unusual transactions, or data discrepancies to the Controller promptly

  • Support the Controller and project teams with financial data needed for client proposals and contract review

  • Actively participate in the 2026 accounting platform migration — maintaining clean data, supporting the transition, and learning the new system

  • Special projects and accounting support as the necessity arises

Individuals must be......

  • Self-directed and comfortable executing a high volume of transactional work independently

  • Highly organized and detail-oriented — accuracy is non-negotiable when project budgets and deadlines are on the line

  • Willing to take personal accountability and responsibility for the accuracy and timeliness of financial records

  • Willing to accept feedback, constructive criticism, and direction from the Controller regarding roles, responsibilities, and performance

  • Excited about contributing to a mission-driven company making housing more accessible

  • Excited for personal career growth in a scaling company where the scope of this role will expand

Skills and Abilities

  • Expert-level proficiency in QuickBooks Online — including job costing, class tracking, , custom reporting, and integrations

  • Strong working knowledge of construction accounting: job costing, retainage, lien waivers, and subcontractor billing

  • Proficient in Google Workspace (Sheets, Drive, Gmail, Docs) for financial tracking and document management

  • Strong communication skills — able to explain financial information clearly to non-finance team members, estimators, and construction managers

  • High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy across large volumes of transactions

  • Ability to manage competing deadlines and prioritize work in a fast-paced, project-based environment

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered

  • Minimum 3–5 years of accounting experience, with at least 2 years in construction finance

  • Demonstrated expertise with QuickBooks Online (QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification a plus)

  • Experience managing the full transactional accounting cycle independently

  • Experience with ADP payroll platform

  • Experience in design-build construction projects is a plus

Hours 

Working hours are flexible in order to balance personal life and deadlines, e.g. If work can take a Saturday, life can take a Thursday.

  • 40 hours of direct project work per week

  • 1 – 2 hours of self-driven continuing education expected outside of direct project work

Location

New England. Maine is preferred.

Work will occur remotely

Monthly Team days in Portland or Portsmouth

In-person days with leadership as needed (Portland or Brunswick)

Pay

Base Salary: $70,000 – $90,000, depending on experience

Benefits

  • 401k matching

  • Employer-paid HSA

  • 4-week paid vacation plus national holidays

  • Either personal or company phone paid for

  • End of the Year Profit Sharing

  • Management approved continued education

How To Apply

If interested in applying, send a resume and cover letter to info@backyardadus.com

If the job is listed as a regional position on our current openings page, please include which region you are applying for.