Assistant Controller

Socket.dev; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

BIG Construction is seeking an Assistant Controller to strengthen and scale our accounting function. This hands‑on leadership role partners with the VP, Finance and Administration, project teams, and cross‑functional leaders to improve financial clarity, consistency, and discipline across the business.

You will own core accounting operations, drive the monthly close, and oversee WIP, job costing, and client billing.

Qualifications

• 7–12+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in construction.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
• Proficiency in Excel and familiarity with accounting systems are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly close process with accuracy and integrity of the general ledger.
• Own WIP reporting, job costing, billing, and related project accounting outcomes.
• Manage payroll processes, including union payroll where applicable.
• Maintain cash flow visibility and assist with covenants and banking requests.
• Mentor and develop Project Accountants; build scalable processes and controls.

Skills

Attention to detail

Accountability

Financial acumen

Problem solving

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Excel

Accounting systems

Job description

Description

How We Build at BIG

BIG Construction is a construction management firm specializing in the interior built environment. Founded and led by millennials, we prioritize right-fit solutions over legacy processes and leverage a high-value network to deliver exceptional results.

Guided by our core values—Drive, Trust, Ideas, and Build—we’re committed to building meaningful relationships by understanding and addressing the needs of all stakeholders.

Our proven process—Ask, Listen & Learn. Align. Budget. Contract. Execute. Retain.—ensures every project is approached with curiosity, collaboration, and precision.

At our core, our brand promise remains simple:

We will ask. We will listen. We will learn. We will deliver.

The Opportunity Ahead

BIG Construction is looking for an Assistant Controller to play a critical role in strengthening and scaling our accounting function as we continue to grow. This is a hands‑on leadership role responsible for ensuring financial accuracy, supporting operational decision‑making, and building processes that can scale with the business.

You’ll partner closely with the VP, Finance and Administration, project teams, and cross‑functional leaders to bring clarity to our financials, improve consistency across projects, and ensure we are operating with discipline and visibility.

This is an opportunity for someone who wants to go beyond transactional accounting and truly influence how the business runs.

Who Thrives in This Role

This role is a strong fit for someone who:

• Takes ownership and follows through without needing to be asked twice
• Is comfortable working in a fast‑paced, evolving environment where not everything is perfectly defined
• Balances attention to detail with the ability to see the bigger picture
• Communicates clearly and confidently with both finance and non‑finance partners
• Enjoys digging into problems, identifying root causes, and improving processes
• Can shift between hands‑on execution and higher‑level thinking
• Builds trust through consistency, reliability, and sound judgment

Where You’ll Make Your Mark

In this role, you’ll take ownership of core accounting operations while helping bring structure, visibility, and consistency to how we manage financial performance across the business. You will own the accuracy and integrity of financial data and outputs across the business.

Financial Close & Reporting

• Lead and own the monthly close process, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger
• Prepare and review journal entries and account reconciliations, including credit cards
• Deliver timely, accurate financial reporting and analysis
• Maintain fixed asset schedules and depreciation
• Support year‑end financial statement review and tax processes, including preparation of workpapers and coordination with external accountants

Construction Accounting & Project Oversight

• Own WIP reporting and revenue recognition processes, ensuring accuracy and alignment with project performance
• Own project accounting outcomes, including job costing, billing, and WIP accuracy
• Review job cost activity to assess project‑level financial risk and ensure accurate reporting
• Oversee client billing and lien waiver processes to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contract requirements

Payroll & HR Partnership

• Process biweekly payroll and weekly union payroll
• Ensure compliance with quarterly and year‑end payroll filings and union reporting/payment requirements
• Partner with HR on wage updates, payroll changes, and employee leave impacts

Cash Flow, Banking & Financial Health

• Own cash flow visibility, including forecasting support and monitoring of working capital and A/R trends
• Partner with operations to support A/R collections and resolve aging balances
• Prepare ad hoc financial reporting for banking and surety requests
• Perform monthly calculation and monitoring of financial covenant compliance

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise and mentor Project Accountant(s) to ensure accurate job cost, billing, and financial reporting
• Provide guidance, accountability, and development support to accounting team members

Controls, Compliance & Process Improvement

• Maintain strong internal controls and consistent processes across the accounting function
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy

What Building Success Looks Like

In the first 6–12 months, success in this role looks like:

• Monthly close is timely, accurate, and well‑organized
• Financial reporting is trusted by leadership and used to drive decisions
• WIP and job cost reporting are consistent and clearly understood across teams
• Payroll processes are smooth, accurate, and compliant
• Project accounting is operating with strong oversight and accountability
• Cash flow visibility is improved, with fewer surprises
• Key processes are documented, repeatable, and scalable
• Strong working relationships are built across accounting, operations, and HR

The BIG Basics

This role is expected to consistently demonstrate BIG Construction’s core values:

• Drive – Takes initiative, owns outcomes, and pushes work forward with urgency and accountability
• Trust – Builds credibility through accuracy, transparency, and follow‑through
• Ideas – Brings forward thoughtful improvements and challenges the status quo where needed
• Build – Strengthens processes, relationships, and team capability over time

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Onsite in the Chicago office
• Ability to remain in a seated position for extended periods
• Ability to move about the office to access equipment and supplies
• Occasional lifting of materials or event items (up to 10 lbs)

Final Notes on the Build

This description outlines primary responsibilities but may evolve as BIG continues to grow. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

The Tools You Bring

• 7–12+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in construction
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• Strong understanding of construction accounting, including job cost, WIP, and billing
• Experience owning or heavily supporting month‑end close
• Familiarity with payroll processing, including union environments (preferred)
• Ability to analyze financial data and translate it into clear insights
• Experience working with accounting systems and reporting tools
• Proficiency in Excel and financial analysis
• Strong attention to detail with a process‑oriented mindset
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities effectively

Core Competencies & Attributes

• Accountability – Takes full ownership of responsibilities and outcomes
• Financial Acumen – Understands how financial data connects to business performance
• Problem Solving – Identifies issues quickly and works toward practical solutions
• Communication – Clearly explains financial concepts to non‑finance partners
• Continuous Improvement – Looks for ways to make processes more efficient and scalable
• Collaboration – Works effectively across teams and builds strong partnerships