Construction Controller

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for overseeing accounting, financial reporting, project accounting, internal controls, and financial operations for a growing construction organization. This role leads the accounting team while ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with U.S. GAAP, effective project cost management, and timely month-end and year-end close processes.

The ideal candidate is a Certified Public Accountant with deep experience in construction accounting, Work-in-Progress reporting, percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, project accounting, and Microsoft Dynamics. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple competing deadlines, and partner effectively with operations and executive leadership.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, cash management, and related accounting operations.
• Prepare and review timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, with clear calendars, ownership, and review controls.
• Develop, document, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Prepare all documentation in a timely manner as requested for annual audits.

Construction & Project Accounting

• Oversee project accounting across multiple construction projects and legal entities, as applicable.
• Review project budgets, job cost reports, cost allocations, commitments, and project profitability analyses.
• Ensure accurate accounting for change orders, retainage, subcontractor billings, project accruals, and estimated costs to complete.
• Partner with project managers and operations leaders to monitor financial performance and identify project risks.
• Analyze contract terms and their financial impact throughout the project lifecycle.

Work-in-Progress & Revenue Recognition

• Prepare and review monthly Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules.
• Ensure accurate percentage-of-completion revenue recognition and accounting for long-term construction contracts.
• Analyze contract value, costs incurred, estimated costs to complete, earned revenue, billings, overbillings, and underbillings.
• Identify and communicate margin erosion, forecast deviations, loss contracts, and other project performance risks.
• Facilitate disciplined monthly project reviews with operations and project management to maintain reliable forecasts.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting personnel, including project accounting, general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll resources.
• Set clear performance expectations, assign responsibilities, and hold the team accountable for accuracy and deadlines.
• Balance hands-on execution with effective delegation, coaching, succession planning, and cross-training.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented, and high-performance culture.

Systems & Process Management

• Serve as the accounting leader and subject-matter expert for Microsoft Dynamics.
• Improve ERP utilization, financial reporting, project controls, data integrity, and workflow efficiency.
• Partner with IT and operational stakeholders on system enhancements, integrations, access controls, and automation.
• Drive continuous improvement while maintaining appropriate documentation and change management.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local financial reporting requirements.
• Maintain robust internal controls and support SOX-style documentation and control environments where applicable.
• Protect company assets and confidential information through effective financial controls and sound professional judgment.

Qualifications

Required

• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 to 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including significant construction industry experience.
• At least 5 years of experience leading and managing accounting teams.
• Demonstrated expertise in project accounting, job costing, WIP reporting, percentage-of-completion accounting, and revenue recognition for long-term contracts.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Dynamics ERP systems.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial statement preparation.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial analysis skills.

Preferred

• Experience with a project-based contractor generating $200 million or more in annual revenue.
• Experience with multi-entity or multi-location organizations.
• Familiarity with construction bonding, surety requirements, and bank covenant reporting.
• Experience leading accounting process improvements, ERP enhancements, or system implementations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable business insights.
• Strong leadership, coaching, communication, and team development capabilities.
• Ability to partner cross-functionally with project management, operations, executive leadership, lenders, auditors, and sureties.
• Results-oriented mindset with a consistent focus on accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and remain composed under tight deadlines.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary and annual performance bonus opportunity.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Professional development and CPA continuing education support.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal Controller is a hands-on accounting leader who understands both the financial and operational dimensions of a construction business. This individual brings deep expertise in WIP reporting, percentage-of-completion accounting, project financial management, and Microsoft Dynamics, while successfully leading teams in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines and evolving business needs.