Cost Accountant in Dallas, Texas at Smith Group Americas

Position Description
The Cost Accountant is responsible for managing, tracking, and reporting project financial performance across three concurrent warehouse construction projects. This role ensures accurate cost control, forecasting, and financial transparency to support project delivery within budget and aligned with Smith Group of Americas financial standards.
The Cost Accountant partners closely with Project Managers, Procurement, Scheduling, and Field Operations to provide actionable cost insights, support decision-making, and mitigate financial risks across the full project lifecycle.

Essential Duties & Key Responsibilities
Program Cost Management

Oversee cost accounting functions across all three warehouse projects, ensuring consistency and accuracy in financial tracking and reporting.
Maintain and monitor project budgets, commitments, and actual costs at both project and program levels.
Consolidate financial data across projects to provide program-level cost visibility and performance insights.

Budgeting & Forecasting

Collaborate with Project Managers and Preconstruction teams to establish initial budgets and cost baselines.
Prepare and maintain detailed cost forecasts, including Estimate at Completion (EAC) and cost-to-complete projections.
Analyze cost trends and variances to identify risks and opportunities for cost savings.

Cost Tracking & Analysis

Track and reconcile project costs, including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and indirect expenses.
Monitor committed costs versus actual expenditures and ensure alignment with contractual agreements.
Perform variance analysis between budget, forecast, and actual expenditures, providing explanations and recommendations.

Procurement & Contract Financial Oversight

Partner with the Procurement & Supply Chain Lead to track purchase orders, subcontracts, and vendor commitments.
Ensure accurate financial recording of procurement activities, including change orders and adjustments.
Review invoices and payment applications for accuracy and compliance with contract terms.

Reporting & Financial Controls

Prepare monthly cost reports, dashboards, and financial summaries for project leadership and executive stakeholders.
Support Operations Review Meetings (ORMs) with accurate and timely financial reporting.
Ensure compliance with company financial policies, accounting standards, and internal controls.

Change Management & Risk Analysis

Track and manage the financial impact of change orders across all projects.
Collaborate with project teams to assess cost implications of schedule changes, delays, and scope modifications.
Identify financial risks early and support mitigation strategies.

Systems & Data Management

Maintain accurate cost data within project management and accounting systems.
Support integration of cost data with scheduling systems to align financial and project performance metrics.
Continuously improve cost tracking processes, tools, and reporting efficiency.

Audit & Compliance

Support internal and external audits by maintaining clear and accurate financial records.
Ensure documentation is complete, organized, and aligned with compliance requirements.

Collaboration & Support

Work closely with Project Managers, Engineers, Superintendents, Procurement, and Finance teams to ensure alignment on cost control strategies.
Provide financial guidance to non-financial stakeholders to support informed decision-making.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance financial performance and reporting accuracy.
Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, or a related field
Minimum of 5–8 years of experience in cost accounting, preferably in construction or capital projects
Experience supporting multiple projects simultaneously (program-level experience strongly preferred)
Strong understanding of construction cost structures, job costing, and financial controls

Technical Skills

Proficiency in accounting and project management systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Procore, or similar)
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, forecasting models)
Familiarity with CPM scheduling concepts and integration with cost tracking (earned value management preferred)

Core Competencies

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
Ability to interpret financial data and communicate insights clearly to project teams
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills across cross-functional teams
High level of integrity and commitment to financial accuracy and accountability
Working Conditions

Based in project or regional office with periodic travel to project sites
Interaction with both office and field teams required