Construction Accountant in Visalia

Energy Jobline ZR; Visalia (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Energy Jobline ZR is seeking an experienced Construction Controller to lead all financial operations for a growing construction company in California. The role combines hands-on accounting with strategic leadership, focusing on job cost accuracy, cash flow forecasting, and building a high-performance accounting team.

You will work closely with project managers and executive leadership to protect margins, drive profitability, and implement best practices in financial reporting and controls.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years accounting experience with significant construction industry background.
• Proven expertise in job cost accounting and WIP reporting.
• Strong GAAP knowledge and experience managing full accounting cycle (GL, AP, AR, payroll).
• ERP implementation or process-improvement background with construction ERP/accounting systems.

Responsibilities

• Own month-end and year-end close with accurate, audit-ready financials.
• Prepare monthly financial statements, WIP schedules, cash flow forecasts, and variance analysis.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Provide clear financial insight to ownership on project performance and risks.
• Maintain strong internal controls across AP, AR, payroll, and GL.

Skills

Job cost accounting

WIP reporting

GAAP

ERP systems

Leadership

Excel

Education

CPA or equivalent certification

Tools

Construction ERP

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Construction Controller

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Construction Controller to lead all financial operations for a growing construction company. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role responsible for job cost accuracy, financial reporting, cash flow forecasting, compliance, and building a high-performance accounting team.

This position is ideal for someone who understands construction from the inside out - not just accounting - and who can partner closely with operations and executive leadership to protect margins, improve processes, and drive profitability.

This is not a back-office role. You will be deeply involved with project managers, ownership, and day-to-day business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Own month-end and year-end close with accurate, audit-ready financials
• Prepare monthly financial statements, WIP schedules, cash flow forecasts, and variance analysis
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
• Provide clear financial insight to ownership on project performance and risks

Construction Accounting & Job Cost

• Maintain precise job cost accounting across all projects
• Review budgets vs actuals and proactively flag overruns
• Partner with Project Managers to ensure financials reflect operational reality
• Manage WIP and revenue recognition in accordance with GAAP

Cash Flow, AR/AP & Controls

• Actively manage cash flow forecasting
• Oversee billing, collections, retention tracking, and subcontractor payables
• Maintain strong internal controls across AP, AR, payroll, and GL
• Support audits, bonding reviews, and banking relationships

Systems & Process Improvement

• Own accounting systems and ERP integrity
• Improve workflows, reporting accuracy, and efficiency
• Implement best practices for transparency and accountability

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop accounting staff (AP, AR, Payroll, Admin)
• Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and accountability
• Build a culture of urgency, accuracy, and continuous improvement

Required Qualifications

• 7-10+ years accounting experience with significant construction industry background
• Proven expertise in job cost accounting and WIP reporting
• Strong GAAP knowledge
• Experience managing full accounting cycle (GL, AP, AR, payroll)
• Demonstrated leadership of accounting teams
• Experience with construction ERP/accounting systems
• Advanced Excel skills
• Strong communication skills with both financial and operational teams

Qualifications

• CPA or equivalent certification
• Federal contracting experience (DCAA / FAR / certified payroll)
• Experience supporting audits and bonding companies
• ERP implementation or process-improvement background

What Success Looks Like

Within your first 90 days, you will:

• Have full command of company financials and job cost structure
• Deliver clean, timely month-end closes
• Implement a reliable cash flow forecast
• Identify control gaps and improvement opportunities
• Build strong relationships with Project Managers and leadership
• Provide actionable financial reporting to ownership

Compensation

Competitive salary based on experience, plus performance incentives and benefits. Growth opportunity for high performers, including potential CFO track.