Assistant Controller

Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction; Draper (UT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction in Draper, UT is seeking an Assistant Controller to oversee accounting operations and support financial reporting across our projects.

You will lead and develop the accounting team, partner with project leaders to translate financial data into actionable insights, and drive process improvements and strong internal controls.

This role requires a solid GAAP foundation, SOX experience, and a collaborative leadership style to help our field teams succeed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required
• 5–7 years progressive accounting experience, leadership preferred
• Construction accounting experience strongly preferred
• Understanding of construction financial reporting (job costing, WIP, % complete)
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and internal controls
• SOX compliance and audit preparation experience
• Ability to analyze financial information and communicate findings to leadership
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close, including GL reconciliations and financial statements prep.
• Support construction accounting activities (revenue recognition, job costing, WIP, project performance).
• Collaborate with project managers and operations to interpret project financials for business decisions.
• Evaluate and improve accounting processes and internal controls.
• Ensure GAAP and SOX compliance across the organization.
• Support audits, tax documentation, and financial reporting requirements.
• Oversee AP/AR, payroll, equipment accounting, and bank reconciliations.
• Mentor accounting team and promote accountability and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Controller and senior leadership on financial analysis and strategic initiatives.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

SOX compliance

Leadership experience

Financial reporting

Revenue recognition

Job costing

WIP reporting

Communication with operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Job description

Ready to Take Your Accounting Career Beyond the Numbers? At Ralph L. Wadsworth, we build more than roads, bridges, and infrastructure. We build strong teams, lasting relationships, and opportunities for people to make a meaningful impact.

We're looking for an Assistant Controller in Draper, UT who wants to do more than manage financial reports. We want someone who enjoys developing people, improving processes, solving problems, and partnering with operations to help drive business success.

Why RLW?

At Ralph L. Wadsworth, we're proud of the infrastructure we build, but we're even more proud of the people who make it happen. Our success comes from talented individuals who take ownership of their work, support one another, and aren't afraid to tackle challenges together.

Here's what makes RLW a great place to build your career:

• More Than Just the Numbers: Your expertise will help support operational decisions, improve financial processes, and contribute directly to the success of our projects.
• Lead, Develop, and Grow: Help strengthen our accounting team, improve processes, and continue developing your own leadership skills.
• A Team That Works Together: Join a hardworking, collaborative culture where people take pride in what they do and recognize that success is a team effort.

If you have a strong accounting background, understand the financial complexities of construction, and are ready to take on a leadership role where your expertise matters, we'd love to talk with you!

Position Description

What You’ll Do

As our Assistant Controller, you'll play an important role in overseeing accounting operations, supporting financial reporting, and helping develop a strong and efficient accounting team.

• Partner with the Controller to oversee day-to-day accounting operations and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting.
• Lead and support monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing processes, including general ledger reconciliations and financial statement preparation.
• Support construction accounting activities, including revenue recognition, job costing, work-in-progress (WIP) reporting, and project financial performance.
• Work directly with project managers, estimators, and operations leadership to understand project financials and support business decisions.
• Evaluate and improve accounting processes, internal controls, and financial reporting procedures.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, SOX requirements, and applicable accounting standards.
• Support internal and external audits, tax documentation, and financial reporting requirements.
• Oversee the accuracy of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, payroll, equipment accounting, and bank reconciliations.
• Mentor and develop accounting team members while promoting accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with the Controller and senior leadership on financial analysis, special projects, and strategic business initiatives.

Position Requirements

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably including experience in an accounting leadership or supervisory role.
• Construction accounting experience strongly preferred, particularly within heavy civil, highway, infrastructure, or commercial construction.
• Understanding of construction financial reporting, including job costing, WIP schedules, percentage-of-completion accounting, and revenue recognition.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Experience with SOX compliance, audit preparation, and accounting process improvements.
• Ability to analyze financial information, identify opportunities for improvement, and communicate findings to leadership.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• A collaborative leadership style with a genuine interest in mentoring and developing others.
• Comfortable working directly with operational leaders and translating financial information into meaningful business insights.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer: We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, military status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.