Construction Accountant

Job Description

Construction Controller

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Construction Controller to lead all financial operations for a growing construction company. This is a senior, hands‑on leadership role responsible for job cost accuracy, financial reporting, cash flow forecasting, compliance, and building a high‑performance accounting team.

This position is ideal for someone who understands construction from the inside out — not just accounting — and who can partner closely with operations and executive leadership to protect margins, improve processes, and drive profitability.

This is not a back‑office role. You will be deeply involved with project managers, ownership, and day‑to‑day business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Own month-end and year-end close with accurate, audit‑ready financials
• Prepare monthly financial statements, WIP schedules, cash flow forecasts, and variance analysis
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
• Provide clear financial insight to ownership on project performance and risks

Construction Accounting & Job Cost

• Maintain precise job cost accounting across all projects
• Review budgets vs actuals and proactively flag overruns
• Partner with Project Managers to ensure financials reflect operational reality
• Manage WIP and revenue recognition in accordance with GAAP

Cash Flow, AR/AP & Controls

• Actively manage cash flow forecasting
• Oversee billing, collections, retention tracking, and subcontractor payables
• Maintain strong internal controls across AP, AR, payroll, and GL
• Support audits, bonding reviews, and banking relationships

Systems & Process Improvement

• Own accounting systems and ERP integrity
• Improve workflows, reporting accuracy, and efficiency
• Implement best practices for transparency and accountability

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop accounting staff (AP, AR, Payroll, Admin)
• Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and accountability
• Build a culture of urgency, accuracy, and continuous improvement

Required Qualifications

• 7–10+ years accounting experience with significant construction industry background
• Proven expertise in job cost accounting and WIP reporting
• Strong GAAP knowledge
• Experience managing full accounting cycle (GL, AP, AR, payroll)
• Demonstrated leadership of accounting teams
• Experience with construction ERP/accounting systems
• Advanced Excel skills
• Strong communication skills with both financial and operational teams

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or equivalent certification
• Federal contracting experience (DCAA / FAR / certified payroll)
• Experience supporting audits and bonding companies
• ERP implementation or process‑improvement background

What Success Looks Like

Within your first 90 days, you will:

• Have full command of company financials and job cost structure
• Deliver clean, timely month‑end closes
• Implement a reliable cash flow forecast
• Identify control gaps and improvement opportunities
• Build strong relationships with Project Managers and leadership
• Provide actionable financial reporting to ownership

Compensation

Competitive salary based on experience, plus performance incentives and benefits. Growth opportunity for high performers, including potential CFO track.