Accounts Manager | Construction | Co. Cavan

About the Position

We are seeking an experienced Accounts Manager to lead our finance function in the construction sector in Co. Cavan, Ireland. You will run the day-to-day accounts and supervise a small office team. You will also give the Directors accurate, timely financial information to support decisions on live projects, tenders, and company growth. This is a hands-on role at the centre of the business, suited to someone who works independently and takes ownership of the numbers.

Responsibilities

• Accounting and Bookkeeping

  • Operate our accounting software (Xero) and oversee the input and analysis of materials, subcontractor costs, and overheads.
  • Maintain the nominal, sales, and purchase ledgers, and complete bank, supplier, and control account reconciliations.
  • Prepare and review trial balances, and post accruals, prepayments, and month-end journals.
  • Process and monitor supplier invoices, ensuring correct coding to projects and cost codes.

• Project and Contract Accounting

  • Support project cost tracking by allocating costs to jobs, monitoring costs against budget, and reporting variances to the Directors and project teams.
  • Prepare and reconcile payment applications, valuations, and client invoicing across our residential, commercial, fit-out, civil, and maintenance work.
  • Manage retentions, work-in-progress, and final account reconciliations.
  • Process subcontractor payments in line with contract terms, including payment notices and Relevant Contracts Tax (RCT) obligations.
  • Work with the commercial and project teams to support value engineering and cost control.

• Cash Flow and Credit Control

  • Monitor cash flow and prepare regular cash flow forecasts.
  • Manage debtor collection and follow up on overdue accounts.
  • Manage creditor payment runs to maintain good supplier and subcontractor relationships.

• Management Reporting

  • Prepare monthly management accounts (Trading and Profit & Loss accounts and Balance Sheet), with commentary and analysis for the Directors.
  • Review key ratios and margins monthly, flagging trends, risks, and opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.
  • Contribute to budgets, forecasts, and financial planning as directed by the Directors.

• Team and Systems Management

  • Manage, guide, and support a small office team, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
  • Oversee the company’s accounting controls, processes, and IT systems, and recommend improvements.

• Year-end, Compliance, and Audit Support

  • Prepare year-end schedules and working papers and work with our external accountants to finalize the annual accounts.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, and submit VAT, RCT, payroll, and other Revenue and Departmental returns accurately and on time.
  • Maintain the records needed to support our SafeTcert, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 accredited management systems where finance is involved, plus tax clearance, insurance, and other compliance documentation.
  • Support payroll administration and pension and benefits reporting as required.

Requirements

Essential

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in an accounts or office environment.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and accounting software.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and finalize accounts for Director review.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to manage priorities.
• Strong attention to detail, with good communication skills for reporting to non-financial colleagues.
• Working knowledge of Irish VAT and Revenue requirements.

Desirable

• Experience with Xero (not essential; training will be provided).
• Experience in construction or contracting, including job costing, RCT, and stage-payment or valuation-based billing.
• A formal accounting qualification (AAT, ACCA, CPA, ACA, or similar), or progress towards one.
• Experience managing or mentoring staff.

We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic construction environment
• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative team environment

About the Company

Cpl is a leading recruitment and HR solutions provider, committed to helping individuals and organizations achieve their goals. We offer a range of services including recruitment, managed services, and project solutions across various sectors.