We at I Build America-Ohio are often told that most people believe a career in construction requires people to work outside all day every day, only handling heavy-duty machinery to build impressive structures. But there are so many more positions that impact each project than those working directly on the jobsite. That’s why this week, we wanted to feature a more behind-the-scenes position: Accountant.
Unlike many of the specialized skilled trades in the construction industry, accounting is a fairly well-known career. Accountants can find a standard, run-of-the-mill position at almost any business, completing basic tasks that are payroll related, within accounts payable, or within accounts receivable.
But in the construction industry, accountants have the unique opportunity to build our nation’s infrastructure through their financial expertise. In a position in the construction company, the more math-minded can join the skilled laborers in making a tangible difference in our communities. While accountants may not be working on the actual jobsite, no other accounting firm provides the opportunity to help build schools or roadways for their local communities like construction companies can.
Not only that, accountants themselves have an incredible opportunity – and overall likelihood – for career success when working in our field. As the need for skilled trades continues to rise, so too does our nationwide need for financial experts to support each project.
A typical day in the life of an accountant working in the construction industry is made up of preparing, analyzing, and verifying financial reports and records. Each of these tasks require careful planning and management, as large and small projects alike rely on them to do their job efficiently and accurately.
In our industry, accountants work closely with everyone from internal project managers to directly with clients. At the start of any project, it’s up to the accountant to determine the potential costs associated. Then, when bidding a job, it’s their responsibility to help the company pitch a fair price to simultaneously land the gig and have plenty of cash flow to get the work done. Then, they must partner with project managers of all types in making important decisions by providing the most up-to-date financial information throughout the course of the project. But don’t worry, in this position, you won’t just be stuck behind a desk all day, you’ll work directly with customers to ensure proper payment and resolve issues that arise.
At the end of the day, it’s the accountant that makes the greatest impact on the bottom line of a construction company, helping them to stay afloat and continue making a difference. Without accountants, there would be no support for cash planning or financial reporting. And, chances are, projects would fail, halting progress nationwide.
If you’re interested in both the accounting field and the construction industry, now is the perfect time to prepare for your career. You’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field to get started. If this career sounds like the right fit for you, contact us to learn more about this unique opportunity within our growing industry.
