Controller - Construction

Company Profile:

Founded in 1977, J.W. Design & Construction has been serving the Central Coast on design and commercial construction projects to include commercial office buildings, retail establishments, agricultural coolers, shopping centers, auto dealership facilities and many other large commercial projects. Today, we have built and completed more large-scale projects than any other builder on the Central Coast.

Reporting to the President / CEO, The Controller will oversee the company’s accounting and financial operations. This position will play a critical role in ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and compliance with GAAP and applicable regulations. The Controller will manage a small internal team, spanning accounting, payroll, and administrative finance functions. This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring deep technical accounting expertise, operational awareness, and the ability to scale processes, while mentoring staff and supporting leadership decision‑making.

• Oversee monthly close process, including preparation and review of GL reconciliations and supporting schedules;
• Prepare consolidated financial statements and manage intercompany accounting across multiple entities;
• Support preparation and review of indirect tax filings across multiple jurisdictions;
• Coordinate with external tax professionals on corporate tax reporting and GAAP‑related matters;
• Direct project or contract‑level financial reporting, including revenue recognition and margin analysis;
• Prepare and present monthly work‑in‑progress (WIP) reports;
• Analyze job and contract performance and partner with operations leadership;
• Develop and maintain cash‑flow forecasts and liquidity analyses;
• Oversee insurance‑related reporting and workers’ compensation administration;
• Ensure accurate payroll tax compliance across multiple states;
• Administer company retirement plan and ensure ERISA compliance;
• Lead preparation for internal and external audits;
• Establish and improve accounting policies and internal controls.

• Lead accounting, payroll, and related finance functions;
• Supervise and develop a team of approximately 4 professionals;
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with operations, HR, and executive leadership;
• Serve as the primary liaison with auditors, tax authorities, and benefit providers;
• Drive continuous process improvement and scalability.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field;
• CPA, MBA, or equivalent experience preferred;
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience;
• Experience in project‑based or multi‑entity environments strongly preferred;
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, consolidation, and taxation;
• Advanced Excel and ERP system proficiency;
• Experience with Vista Viewpoint, a plus.

$145K - $185K annual base salary range depending on experience.

• Employer‑paid medical coverage with optional buy‑up plans;
• Employer‑paid dental, vision, and life insurance;
• Pre‑tax benefit options;
• Profit‑sharing eligibility;
• 401(k) plan with company match;
• Paid sick leave, vacation accrual, and paid holidays.

CA Central Coast