Assistant Controller (General Contractor)

Jobot; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) match

Incentive compensation

Paid time off

Life insurance

Cell phone allowance

Employee referral program

Student loan reimbursement

On-site fitness center

Job summary

Jobot is seeking an experienced Construction Accountant for a Chicago-based general contractor. The role supports the Controller and offers a clear path to grow into the Controller position as the organization expands its financial operations and project portfolio.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of progressive accounting experience in construction, strong knowledge of job costing, and proficiency with ERP systems and Excel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within a general contractor, construction management, or construction-related organization.
• Strong understanding of construction accounting and job costing.
• Experience with work-in-progress reporting and percentage-of-completion accounting.
• Strong knowledge of general ledger accounting, financial statements, account reconciliations, and month-end close procedures.
• Experience working with construction accounting or ERP software.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, and financial analysis.
• CPA, CMA, or other certification is preferred but not required.
• Experience supporting audits, tax filings, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning is a plus.
• Experience in a growing, entrepreneurial construction environment is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Controller with the day-to-day management of the accounting and finance functions.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
• Prepare and review financial statements, account reconciliations, journal entries, and supporting schedules.
• Oversee and maintain accurate general ledger activity.
• Assist with construction project accounting, including job cost reporting, work-in-progress schedules, percentage-of-completion accounting, and project profitability analysis.
• Monitor accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash flow, and general accounting activities.
• Partner with project managers and operational leadership to ensure accurate project financial reporting and timely resolution of accounting issues.
• Review job cost transactions and investigate discrepancies between project budgets, commitments, costs, and actual results.
• Assist with preparation and analysis of monthly financial reporting and management reports.
• Support forecasting, budgeting, cash flow projections, and financial planning.
• Assist with year-end audit and tax preparation processes.
• Maintain and strengthen internal accounting controls and procedures.
• Help identify opportunities to automate, streamline, and improve accounting processes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting principles, company policies, and financial reporting requirements.
• Assist with subcontractor and vendor accounting, including payment processes, lien-related documentation, and account reconciliations.
• Support payroll, insurance, banking, and other administrative accounting functions as needed.
• Provide financial analysis and reporting to senior leadership to support business decisions.
• Assist with special projects and other financial initiatives as the company continues to grow.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Multi-tasking

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

ERP software

Job description

Top Tier, Growing General Contractor Seeks Experienced Construction Accountant to Grow into Controller Position

Jobot Job is hosted by: Ross Theel

Salary: $105,000 - $145,000 per year

A bit about us

Our client is a Chicago-based general contractor and construction management firm specializing in commercial interiors and complex built-environment projects. Through collaboration, expertise, and a relationship-driven approach, this company helps clients turn their vision into high-quality, functional spaces. With a strong reputation for quality, execution, and reliability, our client works with a diverse range of commercial clients across industries including financial services, technology, professional services, healthcare, and consumer services. The organization has built its reputation around a commitment to transparency, accountability, and delivering exceptional project outcomes.

Why join us

Join a growing, entrepreneurial general contractor with a strong reputation in the Chicago construction market.

Work closely with senior leadership and have a meaningful impact on the company's financial operations and continued growth.

Become part of a collaborative team that values Drive, Trust, Ideas, and Build.

Play a key role in improving accounting processes, financial controls, reporting, and operational efficiency.

Gain exposure to the full financial lifecycle of commercial construction projects.

Work in an environment that emphasizes accountability, transparency, professional development, and strong relationships.

Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Performance-based incentive compensation
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Cell phone allowance
• Employee referral program
• Student loan reimbursement
• Company-sponsored lunches and family events
• On-site fitness center

Responsibilities

• Assist the Controller with the day-to-day management of the accounting and finance functions.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
• Prepare and review financial statements, account reconciliations, journal entries, and supporting schedules.
• Oversee and maintain accurate general ledger activity.
• Assist with construction project accounting, including job cost reporting, work-in-progress schedules, percentage-of-completion accounting, and project profitability analysis.
• Monitor accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash flow, and general accounting activities.
• Partner with project managers and operational leadership to ensure accurate project financial reporting and timely resolution of accounting issues.
• Review job cost transactions and investigate discrepancies between project budgets, commitments, costs, and actual results.
• Assist with preparation and analysis of monthly financial reporting and management reports.
• Support forecasting, budgeting, cash flow projections, and financial planning.
• Assist with year-end audit and tax preparation processes.
• Maintain and strengthen internal accounting controls and procedures.
• Help identify opportunities to automate, streamline, and improve accounting processes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting principles, company policies, and financial reporting requirements.
• Assist with subcontractor and vendor accounting, including payment processes, lien-related documentation, and account reconciliations.
• Support payroll, insurance, banking, and other administrative accounting functions as needed.
• Provide financial analysis and reporting to senior leadership to support business decisions.
• Assist with special projects and other financial initiatives as the company continues to grow.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within a general contractor, construction management, or construction-related organization.
• Strong understanding of construction accounting and job costing.
• Experience with work-in-progress reporting and percentage-of-completion accounting.
• Strong knowledge of general ledger accounting, financial statements, account reconciliations, and month-end close procedures.
• Experience working with construction accounting or ERP software.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, and financial analysis.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with both accounting and operations teams.
• Ability to identify problems, develop solutions, and take ownership of responsibilities.
• CPA, CMA, or other relevant certification is preferred but not required.
• Experience supporting audits, tax filings, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning is a plus.
• Experience in a growing, entrepreneurial construction environment is highly preferred.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting professional who combines strong technical accounting skills with a practical understanding of construction operations. They are comfortable working independently, but enjoy collaborating with project teams and leadership. This individual should be highly organized, intellectually curious, and motivated to improve processes rather than simply maintain the status quo. Most importantly, they should bring a high level of integrity, accountability, and ownership to their work and be excited by the opportunity to grow with a dynamic organization.

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.