Controller

Construction Controller (Northern Illinois / On-Site)

About the Company

Our client is a well-established, family-owned commercial general contractor with deep roots in northern Illinois. For generations, the company has built many of the region's landmark projects across education, healthcare, government, aviation and industrial markets. It is a union contractor that self-performs key trades, is known for long-term client relationships, and offers a stable, close-knit team where the Controller works directly with ownership.

The Opportunity

This is a key leadership role reporting to the President. You will oversee all accounting, payroll, reporting and compliance functions, and you will be a trusted financial partner to ownership, project managers and estimators. The role is hands-on, highly visible and central to the company's long-term planning.

What You'll Do

• Lead all accounting operations: general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, cash management and monthly/annual financial statements
• Own job costing and WIP reporting from contract award through closeout, and flag cost overruns and project risk early
• Oversee owner billings, AIA pay applications, change orders, retainage and subcontractor pay apps/lien waivers
• Manage union and non-union payroll, fringe benefit reporting, and certified payroll for prevailing wage projects
• Forecast cash flow and manage banking, bonding, insurance and lender relationships
• Coordinate audits, reviews and tax preparation with the outside CPA firm
• Strengthen internal controls, policies and accounting processes
• Take part in budgeting, strategic planning and growth initiatives with ownership

What You Bring

• Construction industry accounting experience is required (general contractor or subcontractor)
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience; 7–10 years in construction preferred
• Strong command of job costing, WIP schedules and percentage-of-completion accounting
• Experience with union payroll, fringe benefit reporting and certified payroll/prevailing wage
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related field; CPA or CMA a plus
• Experience with construction accounting software (Sage, Foundation, Viewpoint or similar) and advanced Excel
• A hands-on, practical approach, with the communication skills to partner with ownership and field leadership

Why This Role

• Direct access to ownership and a real seat at the table
• A stable, long-standing company with a strong backlog of regional work
• Competitive salary and bonus, plus a full benefits package

Target Compensation: $120,000-$140,000 base salary plus bonus and benefits

This search is being conducted confidentially by MDM Recruiting. All inquiries will be handled with discretion.

• Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.