Accountant – Civil Construction
Job Title: Accountant
Location: Ontario, Canada Industry: Civil Construction (Unionized Environment) Reports To: Controller Direct Reports: Accounting Clerks (2–5)
About Us
Van Bree Infrastructure and the Van Bree Family have been at the forefront of shaping communities and farms throughout Southwestern Ontario for 58 years. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability has made us a trusted partner in the industry. The business has grown to include multiple divisions such as Van Bree Drainage & Bulldozing Ltd., V.B. Sand & Gravel Ltd, Choice Inc. and Klondyke Developments. Van Bree Infrastructure prides itself in offering a full range of services and treating every project with excellence, no matter the size.
Our Culture
We are a tight knit team who value and appreciate one another and the skills and expertise we each bring to the table. We like to work smart, have some fun, get work done quickly but collaboratively, and within set timeframes. We like to be trusted for our individual contribution to the team and have good working relationships with our colleagues, clients, vendors and partners. We also believe in taking care of our people, and offering benefits that ensure their overall health and wellness.
About the Role
We are seeking an Accountant who genuinely enjoys solving complex financial puzzles and bringing clarity to fast-moving, project-driven environments. This role is ideal for someone who is naturally curious, highly analytical, and energized by improving both productivity and accuracy - without losing sight of the people behind the numbers.
In a unionized civil construction environment, the Accountant plays a key leadership role in ensuring accurate job cost reporting, disciplined accounts receivable processes, compliant payroll and remittances, and reliable financial insights. This role is deeply hands-on with our ERP system and partners closely with operational leaders, helping them understand, trust, and ultimately love their numbers so they can make confident decisions.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial statements in accordance with ASPE or IFRS (as applicable)
- Lead efficient, accurate month-end and year-end close processes, continuously improving productivity and data quality
- Investigate variances, resolve discrepancies, and approach financial challenges as problems to be solved
- Present clear, actionable financial insights to leadership and project teams
Construction & Job Cost Accounting
- Oversee job cost accounting across multiple civil construction projects, phases, and cost codes
- Maintain accurate WIP schedules, percentage-of-completion reporting, and revenue recognition
- Partner with Project Managers to review budgets, forecasts, change orders, and margin performance
- Ensure job cost data in the ERP system is complete, timely, and reliable
Accounts Receivable, Holdbacks & Cash Flow
- Lead end-to-end accounts receivable processes, including progress billings, payment applications, and collections
- Manage the tracking, release, and collection of construction lien holdbacks in accordance with Ontario legislation
- Proactively follow up on outstanding receivables and resolve billing or contractual issues impacting cash flow
- Work closely with project teams and clients to ensure timely invoicing and collection
Unionized Payroll & Compliance
- Oversee accounting for unionized payroll, including collective agreement compliance, benefits, pension contributions, and remittances
- Review payroll postings and ensure accurate allocation of labour costs to projects
- Ensure compliance with CRA, WSIB, HST, and other statutory requirements
ERP Ownership & Process Improvement
- Act as a key finance power user and subject matter expert for the company’s ERP system
- Ensure accurate setup and maintenance of projects, cost codes, billing terms, and controls within the ERP
- Identify system-driven efficiencies and lead improvements to reporting, workflows, and controls
- Train and support accounting and operational users to improve data integrity and system adoption
Leadership, Coaching & Empowerment
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of accounting professionals
- Review work for accuracy while coaching team members on the “why” behind the numbers
- Foster a culture of curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Empower leaders with timely, understandable financial information that supports better decision-making
Qualifications & Experience
- CPA designation (CPA, CA / CPA, CGA / CPA, CMA)or working towards it, preferred
- 5–8+ years of progressive accounting experience in civil, heavy, or infrastructure construction
- Demonstrated experience in a unionized construction environment
- Strong ERP expertise (e.g., Viewpoint, Sage, Jonas, or similar construction-focused systems)
- Proven strength in accounts receivable management, progress billing, and holdback collection
- Deep understanding of job cost accounting, WIP, and construction revenue recognition
- Solid knowledge of Canadian payroll, HST, and statutory compliance
- Advanced Excel and analytical skills
Who You Are
- You enjoy untangling complex financial puzzles and getting to root cause
- You’re naturally curious and always looking for smarter, more efficient ways to work
- You balance precision and productivity without compromising accuracy
- You take ownership of cash flow and follow through on collections
- You believe great finance teams help leaders love their numbers, not fear them
Why Join Us
- Partner closely with operations on meaningful civil infrastructure projects
- Own and influence how financial data flows through the organization
- Lead and develop a capable accounting team
- Work in a collaborative, practical, no-ego environment
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- Group benefit plan
- Wellness program
- RRSP program with employer match
- Education reimbursement
- Opportunities for advancement
- Excellent vacation package
- Potential for performance bonus
- We take our work seriously, but not ourselves (construction puns encouraged)
Other Details
Travel: Occasional travel within Southwestern Ontario to events
Location: Warwick; based near Southwestern Ontario preferred
Ready to Apply?
If you’ve got a sharp mind for numbers, a soft spot for structure, and a passion for progress - we want to hear from you. Bring your financial acumen, construction curiosity, and favorite spreadsheet. Let’s build something great together.
Application Process: If this sounds like a good match for you, and you are excited to work with a fast-growing company with an experienced team please email Brenda Smith, Human Resources Manager at brenda.smith@vanbree.ca, no later than November 30th, 2026. Please include a resume and cover letter highlighting how your background and experience connects with this job role.
Van Bree Infrastructure is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels valued and respected. Van Bree Enterprises will provide reasonable accommodation for any applicant, as requested during the hiring process.
Please note that although we thank all applicants, only those being considered for interview will be contacted.
