You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Junior Finance Assistant

Calderwood Engineering
Email

Position Title: Junior Finance Assistant

Job Description: Junior Finance Assistant (CFO Successor Track) 
Location: Brunswick, ME
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Lyn Calderwood, Chief Financial Officer
Start Date: Any time between now and next June

About Calderwood Engineering:
Calderwood Engineering is a premier civil engineering firm based in Brunswick, Maine, specializing in bridge design, structural analysis, and infrastructure projects across New England. With a proven track record on projects like the Henderson Road Bridge Design and Golden Road stream crossings, our team delivers innovative, compliant, and sustainable solutions for clients such as MaineDOT, the Penobscot Indian Nation, and the City of Presque Isle. Our commitment to excellence, rooted in a collaborative and mentorship-driven culture, ensures high-quality outcomes for public and private sector projects. As we plan for the retirement of our esteemed CFO, Lyn Calderwood, in three years, we seek a driven accounting graduate to join our team and grow into a leadership role.

Job Summary:
The Junior Finance Assistant will work closely with Lyn Calderwood, our CFO, to manage and execute critical financial operations, including invoicing, time entry, payroll, bill payments, and banking. This role is designed as a three-year development track to prepare the successful candidate to assume the CFO position upon Lyn’s retirement. Initially, the role will focus on operational finance tasks under direct supervision, with increasing responsibility for strategic financial planning, budgeting, and leadership as the candidate progresses. This is a unique opportunity for a recent accounting graduate to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic engineering firm and develop into a strategic financial leader within a supportive, project-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Financial Operations (Initial Focus):
    • Process and manage client invoicing for projects, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery in coordination with project managers for contracts like the Henderson Road Bridge and Golden Road crossings.
    • Record and verify employee time entries for payroll, supporting Calderwood’s team of engineers and administrative staff working on public and private funded projects.
    • Administer bi-weekly payroll, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, including tax withholdings and benefits deductions.
    • Execute accounts payable processes, including reviewing vendor invoices, approving bill payments, and maintaining accurate records for expenses such as geotechnical drilling, Surveying, and travel and other reimbursable job costs.
    • Perform banking activities, including account reconciliations, cash flow monitoring, and coordination with financial institutions to support project funding and operational needs.
    • Maintain and update financial records using accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks), ensuring data integrity for audits and reporting.
  • Strategic Development (Years 2–3):
    • Assist in preparing monthly and quarterly financial reports, including profit-and-loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow analyses for Calderwood’s diverse project portfolio.
    • Support the CFO in developing annual budgets and forecasts, incorporating project-specific costs and operational expenses.
    • Analyze financial data to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve efficiency in project billing and resource allocation.
    • Participate in strategic planning sessions to align financial goals with Calderwood’s growth objectives, such as expanding services for MaineDOT or tribal clients.
    • Gradually lead financial discussions with external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, and project partners, to build leadership confidence.
  • Compliance and Process Improvement:
    • Ensure adherence to GAAP, IRS regulations, and Maine-specific financial reporting requirements.
    • Collaborate with the CFO to streamline invoicing, payroll, and payment processes, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency.
    • Prepare for and assist with annual audits, ensuring all financial documentation is accurate and accessible.
  • CFO Transition Preparation:
    • Shadow the CFO in high-level decision-making, including project funding strategies and risk management for contracts.
    • Develop leadership skills through mentorship, training, and exposure to cross-functional teams, including engineers working on structural designs and survey layouts.
    • Assume increasing responsibility for financial oversight, with the goal of independently managing all financial operations by year three.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from an accredited institution (graduation within the last 1–2 years preferred). Coursework in financial accounting, managerial accounting, or cost accounting is highly desirable.
  • Familiarity with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage, or ERP systems) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, financial modeling).
  • Strong analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail, critical for accurate invoicing, payroll, and financial reporting.
  • Basic understanding of GAAP and financial compliance, with a willingness to deepen knowledge through on-the-job training.
  • Internship or co-op experience in accounting, finance, or related fields, ideally involving invoicing, payroll, or banking tasks, is a strong plus.
  • Interest in pursuing a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification, with company support for study materials.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with project managers, engineers, and external stakeholders like MaineDOT or local municipalities.
  • Proactive, adaptable, and eager to learn, with a demonstrated ability to take initiative in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
  • Leadership potential to grow into the CFO role, including strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive Compensation: Starting salary of $55,000–$60,000 annually, aligned with Brunswick, Maine’s market for entry-level accounting roles, with performance-based raises.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Health, Short Term Disability; SEP pension plan (employer provided); paid time off; and professional development support.
  • Mentorship and Growth: Direct mentorship from Lyn Calderwood, with a structured three-year development plan, including quarterly reviews, leadership training.
  • Career Path: Clear trajectory to assume the CFO role within three years, overseeing all financial operations for a growing engineering firm with a diverse project portfolio.
  • Dynamic Work Environment: Join a collaborative team working on impactful infrastructure projects, from bridge designs to retaining wall analyses, in a supportive culture that values innovation and precision.
  • Work-Life Balance: Based in Brunswick, Maine, with a hybrid work option after initial training, and flexibility to accommodate occasional fieldwork coordination.

Why Join Calderwood Engineering?
At Calderwood Engineering, you’ll be part of a tight-knit team delivering critical infrastructure solutions across Maine and beyond. This role offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from an experienced CFO while building the skills to lead financial operations for a respected firm. With projects ranging from MaineDOT’s US Route 1 improvements to tribal infrastructure like the Beaver Dam Road crossing, you’ll contribute to meaningful work while growing into a strategic leadership position. 

How to Apply:
Submit your resume, cover letter, and academic transcripts to eric@calderwoodengineering.com, with the subject line “Junior Finance Assistant – Calderwood Engineering.” In your cover letter, please highlight your interest in accounting, any relevant experience, and your career aspirations. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Calderwood Engineering is an equal opportunity employer.