ANDY KOWALEWSKI  ·  Accounting Manager     

Can you walk us through your journey with Buch?

I have a background in accounting, initially working at an audit firm and later at a small construction company. A similar experience to many at Buch, I was introduced to the company through my family. My cousin, Zach Schneider, is the Vice President of Construction and once my brother, Evan Kowalewski, joined Buch as a Project Manager, I knew I would want to be a part of this team. Getting to mix my family with my career has made for a fun work-life balance.

What does a typical day look like for you in the accounting department? 

No two days are the same! I manage our accounts payable and receivable, but it’s so much more than just crunching numbers. I work closely with our accounting team, but also with our project managers. Together, we are making sure we have the proper billing for our projects and paying our subcontractors on time. We recently implemented Acumatica, a new accounting software that integrates with Procore, which has been a game-changer for our communication and project tracking.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? 

I really enjoy seeing a project’s financial journey from start to finish. While I may not be out on-site in a hard hat, I get to experience our projects from a different perspective. I work closely with every Project Manager, helping them navigate the financial landscape of each job. At the end of the day, it’s all about teamwork to keep our projects moving forward.

How would you describe the culture at Buch?   

Buch has a strong emphasis on building relationships and fostering camaraderie across all teams. While our accounting group is especially close-knit, that same team spirit extends throughout the entire company. We connect through fun internal competitions like the golf simulator league and March Madness brackets (both of which I won last year-no big deal). But beyond the office, we also come together for volunteer events, giving back to the community while getting a chance to connect with team members outside of work.

When you’re not crunching numbers, what keeps you busy? 

Playing golf is something I love to do and have really embraced since joining Buch. Music has also been a big part of my life—I’ve played guitar for years and even recorded a few songs in my basement.. My wife and I love traveling too, we actually got married in Scotland, and I’m hoping to explore more, especially some more hiking destinations like Glacier National Park.

What advice would you give someone interested in a career in construction accounting?

Be prepared to do more than just the math. This industry is all about relationships, communication, and understanding the bigger picture. Be curious, be willing to learn new technologies, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Every project is unique, and there’s always something new to learn.