Accounting Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Accounting Manager owns SVA’s accounting function and is the firm’s primary source of financial truth. This individual runs the monthly close, keeps project financials current and trustworthy, manages billing and collections, and gives the CEO and Senior Principals a clear, timely view of project profitability, WIP, receivables, and cash. SVA’s work is billed monthly based on hourly and fee-based project contracts.

This role requires command of job costing, percentage of completion revenue recognition, cost-to-complete forecasting, and the billing mechanics of project-based businesses. The right candidate is both a hands-on accountant and a business partner who can translate the numbers into decisions for non-financial leaders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close: general ledger, account reconciliations, accruals, and financial statements delivered on a consistent schedule
• Maintain project-level job cost records for every active project: fee, budget, labor and expense actuals, committed costs, change orders, and remaining budget
• Prepare and maintain WIP schedules, including percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, over/under-billing analysis, and cost-to-complete forecasts; review results with project leaders each month
• Administer billing and invoicing across fixed-fee, hourly, percentage-of-completion, cost-plus, and reimbursable contract structures, including construction management billing, retainage tracking, and pay-application support where applicable
• Manage accounts receivable and collections: aging review, client follow-up, payment application, and escalation of past-due balances to the responsible Principal and CEO
• Produce monthly project profitability, utilization, backlog, and cash-flow reporting for the CEO and Senior Principals; flag budget overruns and margin erosion early
• Oversee accounts payable, consultant and subcontractor payments, lien waiver and insurance certificate tracking, and 1099 and sales/use tax compliance
• Manage payroll processing, timekeeping integrity, and benefits and retirement plan administration in coordination with outside providers
• Coordinate with the outside CPA on tax filings, reviews or audits, and year-end close; manage insurance, E&O, and bonding schedules and renewals support
• Build and maintain the annual budget, rolling cash forecast, and fee estimating inputs in partnership with the CEO
• Design, document, and enforce internal controls over cash handling, approvals, billing, and vendor management
• Administer and continuously improve SVA’s project accounting systems and reporting; lead or support system transitions and process automation
• Supervise and develop accounting and administrative support staff as the function grows

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA preferred
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 5+ years in construction management, general contracting, or architecture/engineering project accounting
• Demonstrated expertise in job costing, WIP schedules, percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, retainage, change orders, and cost-to-complete forecasting
• Hands-on experience managing billing, A/R, and collections for project-based work, including direct client and Principal-level conversations on past-due balances
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, accrual accounting, multi-project financial reporting, and month-end close discipline
• Proficiency with a project accounting platform and advanced Excel; Deltek Ajera or comparable A/E or construction accounting software experience a plus
• Prior experience supervising staff and administering payroll and benefits preferred
• Experience in a professional services firm preferred
• Clear, direct communicator who can explain financial results to non-financial leaders and hold the line on process and deadlines

ABOUT STUCKY-VITALE ARCHITECTS

Stucky-Vitale Architects (SVA) is a full-service architectural firm based in Royal Oak, Michigan, with over 60 years of service to the Detroit metropolitan region and beyond.

SVA specializes in healthcare, institutional, and commercial architecture and interior design, offering clients a breadth of capability for a firm of its size — including multi-state delivery, integrated interior design, and national healthcare design depth. SVA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person