Staff Accountant

At Gardner, we believe commercial construction should feel as welcoming as it is professional. That’s why we don’t just build and renovate, we build relationships, rooted in hospitality. Our mission is to set the platinum standard for our clients, partners, and team members by delivering exceptional results while embodying our core values: passion, humility, excellence, empathy, and nimbleness. We bring a hospitality-driven approach to every project, ensuring that every interaction is thoughtful, responsive, and human-centered.

Who You Are

You are a detail-oriented accounting professional who takes pride in accuracy, integrity, and follow-through. You enjoy understanding how the numbers tell a story and how your work supports the bigger picture of the business. You are collaborative by nature, comfortable partnering with teammates across functions, and you approach your work with a service mindset. You value clarity, structure, and continuous improvement, and you care deeply about doing things the right way.

How You’ll Contribute

General Ledger & Financial Reporting

• Prepare and record monthly journal entries to ensure complete and accurate financial data
• Prepare monthly financial statements and supporting schedules in accordance with GAAP
• Perform monthly reconciliations for all balance sheet and key income statement accounts
• Review coding from AP, AR, and payroll and reconcile activity to maintain general ledger integrity
• Perform variance analysis and support budget to actual reporting
• Assist with annual budgeting and financial forecasting
• Provide ad hoc financial and analytical reporting as requested by the Controller or Global Financial Officer

Cash Management & Reconciliation

• Record daily cash deposits with appropriate documentation
• Generate and review daily bank reconciliations for accuracy and completeness
• Maintain and update cash flow reports to support liquidity planning
• Ensure proper coding and posting of cash activity in the general ledger

Tax Compliance & Regulatory Reporting

• Manage sales and use tax compliance, including preparation and filing of returns
• Maintain state tax registrations, filings, and renewals
• Prepare census and other regulatory reporting as required
• Support external CPA reviews and audits by preparing documentation and responding to requests

Fixed Asset Management

• Manage fixed asset accounting, including capitalization, depreciation, and tracking
• Maintain accurate fixed asset schedules and reconciliations
• Support  month-end and year-end close to ensure timely and accurate reporting
  

Process Improvement & Analysis

• Identify and implement opportunities to improve accounting processes and workflows
• Perform financial analysis to support management decision-making
• Maintain and document accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls

Accounting Operations

• Support monthly accounting operations, including recurring tasks that keep the business running smoothly
• Assist with accounts payable processes, including invoice review, coding support, and workflow improvements
• Provide backup support for payroll processing to ensure continuity, accuracy, and timely execution
• Contribute to ERP implementation and accounting system enhancements, including testing, data validation, and process documentation
• Partner with the broader accounting team to improve operational efficiency, accuracy, and consistency across workflows

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience 
• 3 to 5 years of experience in general accounting or financial reporting
• Experience preparing journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statements
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and internal controls
• Proficiency with accounting and ERP systems such as CMiC, Sage, Vista, or similar job cost software (note: our team is migrating to CMiC)
• Advanced Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis
• Knowledge of sales and use tax, fixed assets, and audit preparation preferred
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to explain financial concepts to non-finance partners in both written and verbal form
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and sound judgment
• Customer service mindset with a collaborative, team-first approach

What Will Set You Apart

• Desire to grow into a leadership path over time, with potential opportunities to manage and develop a small team
• Experience in construction or project-based accounting environments
• Comfort supporting operational partners with financial insight and guidance
• Interest in process improvement and accounting automation

Why Join Gardner Builders?

We are proud to be recognized as:

• 7-Time “Best Places to Work” by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
• 6-Time “Top 150 Workplaces” by Minneapolis Star Tribune
• #1 Top Workplace in Construction by Star Tribune (2023)
• 4-Time “Best Workplace” by Inc Magazine
• “Best Places to Work” by Milwaukee Business Journal

Our culture-first approach encourages personal and professional growth, an EOS-led structure, and a commitment to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, challenged, and loves coming to work.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Salary: $70,000 - 85,000 annually(paid weekly) + discretionary bonus.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, HSA with employer contribution, and 401(k) plan with employer contribution
• Ancillary Benefits:
  Company-paid basic life & AD&D insurance, company-paid long-term disability, company-paid employee assistance program, accident insurance, and critical illness insurance
• Perks: Paid parking or public transportation costs, company-provided phone, and laptop.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off,  paid sabbatical leave, paid bereavement leave, paid parental leave, free onsite fitness facility, and regular company and team outings.

Interview Process

Our process typically includes three conversations (phone and in-person) to ensure a mutual fit.

Pre-Employment Screening

Drug screen and background check required.

Other Items to Note 

• Gardner reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation for unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement. 
• Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. 

• We are only considering local candidates at this time.  We are unable to provide relocation assistance at this time. 

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This is a full-time, in-person role located in downtown Minneapolis. Remote work is available as needed, but is not intended to be standard operating procedure.
• This role is performed in a standard office setting with standard office equipment.
• This position requires prolonged sitting at a desk and working on a computer, with frequent typing, writing, and document handling.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions of the role.