Accounts Payable Specialist – Construction

Summary

Our client is an established construction contractor seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Specialist to support its accounting operations in Carlsbad, CA . The position will focus on accounts payable activities for a construction and framing operation supporting projects throughout San Diego and Orange County . This individual will be responsible for processing vendor invoices, maintaining accurate financial records, reconciling accounts, and supporting day-to-day accounting activities.

The ideal candidate will have 2–3 years of accounts payable experience , preferably within the construction industry , with a strong understanding of vendor payments, invoice processing, and construction-related accounting procedures. This is an initial 6–8-month, temp-to-hire opportunity , with the potential to transition into a Payroll Specialist position based on business needs and performance.

Duties & Responsibilities

- Accounts Payable Processing & Management

Process, review, and enter vendor invoices accurately and efficiently.

- Verify invoice details, payment terms, approvals, and supporting documentation.

- Match invoices against purchase orders, contracts, and other applicable records.

- Maintain accurate accounts payable records and ensure timely processing of payments.

- Review vendor statements and reconcile discrepancies.

- Monitor outstanding invoices and payment schedules.

- Assist with weekly payment processing and accounts payable reporting.

- Construction Accounting & Job Costing

Process invoices related to construction materials, subcontractors, equipment, and project expenses.

- Assign expenses to appropriate construction projects, cost codes, and general ledger accounts.

- Review subcontractor invoices for accuracy and required supporting documentation.

- Coordinate with project personnel to verify charges and resolve billing discrepancies.

- Maintain organized records of project-related expenses.

- Support accurate job costing and construction financial reporting.

- Assist with tracking vendor and subcontractor payment information.

- Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination

Communicate with vendors and subcontractors regarding invoices, payment status, and account discrepancies.

- Maintain accurate vendor information, payment details, and supporting documentation.

- Assist with collecting and organizing vendor compliance documents when required.

- Resolve invoice discrepancies through coordination with vendors and internal personnel.

- Respond professionally to vendor inquiries and payment requests.

- Maintain positive working relationships with construction suppliers and subcontractors.

- Account Reconciliation & Financial Reporting

Reconcile vendor statements, accounts payable balances, and related accounting records.

- Identify and investigate invoice discrepancies, duplicate payments, and outstanding balances.

- Assist with month-end closing activities and accounts payable reconciliations.

- Maintain accurate records of invoices, payments, credits, and adjustments.

- Prepare accounts payable reports and support accounting management with financial documentation.

- Assist with general accounting and administrative duties as needed.

- Payroll Support & Potential Role Transition

Assist with payroll-related administrative activities as needed.

- Learn company payroll procedures, systems, and reporting requirements.

- Support the collection and organization of employee timekeeping information.

- Assist with payroll data entry, verification, and recordkeeping under appropriate supervision.

- Develop familiarity with construction payroll processes and applicable documentation requirements.

- Potentially transition into a dedicated Payroll Specialist position following the initial assignment, depending on business needs and performance.

- Accounting Administration & Team Collaboration

Maintain organized electronic and physical accounting records.

- Collaborate with accounting personnel, Project Managers, and construction operations staff.

- Support accurate documentation and timely communication regarding financial transactions.

- Assist with improving accounts payable workflows and administrative procedures.

- Maintain confidentiality of financial, vendor, and employee information.

- Perform additional accounting support duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

- Required Experience

2–3 years of accounts payable or related accounting experience .

- Construction industry experience , preferably with a general contractor, framing contractor, or specialty subcontractor.

- Experience processing vendor invoices, reconciling statements, and maintaining accounts payable records.

- Familiarity with construction-related expenses, subcontractor billing, and vendor payments.

- Ability to review invoices and supporting documentation for accuracy.

- Experience working with accounting software and electronic financial records.

- Strong understanding of basic accounting principles and accounts payable procedures.

- Accounting & Technical Skills

Knowledge of accounts payable processing, vendor management, and account reconciliation.

- Familiarity with construction job costing, cost codes, and project-related expense allocation .

- Ability to process and track invoices accurately while meeting payment deadlines.

- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and standard office applications.

- Experience using accounting software or construction financial management systems.

- Ability to maintain organized accounting records and supporting documentation.

- Strong numerical accuracy and attention to financial details.

- Professional Skills

Excellent organizational and time management skills.

- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

- Effective written and verbal communication skills.

- Ability to manage multiple invoices, deadlines, and accounting priorities.

- Strong problem-solving abilities and willingness to investigate discrepancies.

- Ability to work independently and collaborate with accounting and construction teams.

- Professional approach to vendor communication and confidential financial information.

- Dependable, adaptable, and willing to learn additional accounting functions.

- Preferred Education & Experience

Associate's or bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field , or equivalent practical experience.

- Previous accounts payable experience with a construction general contractor, framing contractor, or specialty trade contractor .

- Experience with construction accounting software or job-cost tracking systems.

- Familiarity with subcontractor invoices, purchase orders, and construction vendor documentation.

- Previous payroll processing or payroll administration experience.

- Interest in developing payroll expertise and potentially transitioning into a payroll-focused position.

- Work Environment & Location

Position based in Carlsbad, CA .

- Initial 6–8-month assignment , with potential for temp-to-hire placement.

- Office-based accounting role supporting construction operations throughout San Diego and Orange County.

- Expected hiring timeframe of approximately two weeks.

- Potential opportunity to transition into a payroll position following the initial assignment.