Position Overview
The Construction Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial, accounting, and cost control functions for construction operations. This role requires a licensed CPA with deep construction accounting expertise to ensure financial accuracy, compliance, strong internal controls, and proactive cash flow management across multiple projects. The Controller partners with executive leadership and operations to drive profitability, mitigate risk, and support strategic decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Compliance
- Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close for construction operations
- Prepare, review, and certify accurate financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow)
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, contract requirements, and regulatory standards
- Serve as primary point of contact for external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory agencies
Job Costing & Project Financial Controls
- Oversee detailed job cost accounting for all active projects
- Monitor budgets, cost-to-complete, earned value, and gross margin performance
- Review and validate WIP schedules, revenue recognition, and project forecasts
- Partner with Project Managers to identify financial risks, cost overruns, and margin erosion
Cash Flow, Billing & Risk Management
- Oversee project billing, pay applications, retainage, and lien compliance
- Manage AR, AP, subcontractor payments, and cash flow forecasting
- Support executive leadership with rolling cash flow projections and financial risk analysis
- Ensure alignment between project execution, billing, and cash collections
Systems, Controls & Process Optimization
- Maintain and optimize construction accounting and ERP systems (Viewpoint, Procore integrations)
- Establish and enforce strong internal controls and approval processes
- Develop standardized financial, WIP, and project performance dashboards
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen accuracy, efficiency, and transparency
Leadership & Strategic Partnership
- Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and project controls staff
- Collaborate closely with Operations, Estimating, and Project Management teams
- Support go/no-go decisions, budgeting, and long-term financial planning
- Act as a trusted financial advisor to executive leadership
Required Qualifications (Non-Negotiable)
- Active CPA license (Required)
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
- 7–10+ years of accounting experience with significant construction industry experience
- Proven expertise in job cost accounting, WIP reporting, and construction revenue recognition
- Strong understanding of construction contracts, change orders, retainage, and compliance
- Experience with construction accounting software and ERP systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with public sector, municipal, or government-funded construction projects
- Experience in multi-entity or multi-project construction environments
- Leadership experience managing accounting or finance teams
Core Competencies
- Strong financial leadership and accountability
- Excellent analytical and risk assessment skills
- Ability to translate financial data into actionable operational insight
- High attention to detail with a strong internal control mindset
- Clear, confident communicator and collaborative leader
Why This Role Matters
This position is critical to protecting margins, strengthening cash flow, and ensuring financial integrity across all construction operations. The Construction Controller plays a key role in enabling sustainable growth, informed decision-making, and operational excellence.
