Construction Controller

JHM Certified Public Accountants; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

JHM Certified Public Accountants in Chattanooga, TN seeks an Accounting Manager to oversee daily accounting operations, financial close, and reporting. You will lead a team, ensure accuracy, compliance, and strong internal controls while supporting project cost accounting and budgeting.

Construction costing experience is preferred. The role collaborates with the CFO and project managers to provide timely financial insights, manage cash flow, and enhance processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
• Progressive accounting experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Strong knowledge of general accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Experience managing or overseeing accounting functions.
• Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Strong leadership and team-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations.
• Manage the general ledger and ensure accurate recording of financial transactions.
• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Review journal entries and reconciliations.
• Maintain accurate accounting records and internal controls.
• Oversee project-level accounting and job cost reporting.
• Monitor project budgets, actual costs, and cost-to-complete.
• Prepare and review balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports.
• Assist with year-end financial statements, audits, reviews, and tax preparation.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Leadership

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Financial reporting

Education

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

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

ERP software

Job description

* JHM is assisting a client search for an Accounting Manager in Chattanooga, TN. *

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for overseeing the company's day-to-day accounting operations and ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of financial information. This position manages the accounting close process, financial reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, general ledger, job costing, budgeting support, and internal controls.

The Controller works closely with the CFO, President/CEO, project managers, operations leadership, and other departments to provide accurate financial information and support effective business decisions.

The ideal candidate will have strong accounting and leadership experience, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Construction accounting experience is preferred, particularly experience with job costing, WIP reporting, percentage-of-completion accounting, retainage, subcontractor accounting, and project financial reporting.

Accounting Operations

• Oversee the company's day-to-day accounting operations.
• Manage the general ledger and ensure accurate recording of financial transactions.
• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable functions.
• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure financial transactions are recorded accurately and timely.
• Maintain accurate and organized accounting records.
• Establish and maintain accounting policies and procedures.

Construction Accounting & Job Costing

• Oversee project-level accounting and job cost reporting.
• Ensure project costs are accurately coded and allocated.
• Monitor labor, materials, subcontractors, equipment, and other project costs.
• Review job cost reports for accuracy and completeness.
• Assist project managers in understanding project financial performance.
• Monitor project budgets, actual costs, committed costs, and estimated costs to complete.
• Prepare and/or review WIP schedules and percentage-of-completion calculations.
• Monitor project gross margins and identify unusual variances.
• Track retainage, change orders, back charges, and other project-related financial activity.
• Assist with identifying project cost overruns and potential margin issues.
• Prepare and/or oversee monthly financial statements.
• Prepare balance sheets, income statements, cash flow reports, and other financial reports.
• Analyze financial results and investigate significant variances.
• Prepare financial reports for the CFO, President/CEO, and management team.
• Maintain accurate supporting schedules and account reconciliations.
• Assist with year-end financial statements, audits, reviews, and tax preparation.
• Ensure financial reporting is completed accurately and on schedule.

Budgeting & Cash Flow Support

• Assist the CFO and leadership team with annual budgeting and forecasting.
• Prepare budget-to-actual reports and investigate variances.
• Provide financial information necessary for cash flow forecasting.
• Monitor accounts receivable and accounts payable activity to support cash flow management.
• Identify trends and potential financial issues for management.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain and monitor appropriate internal accounting controls.
• Ensure proper segregation of duties within the accounting function.
• Monitor compliance with company accounting policies and procedures.
• Assist with tax reporting and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate with external CPA, tax, audit, and other professional advisors.
• Maintain confidential financial information and records.
• Supervise, lead, and develop accounting staff.
• Assign and monitor daily responsibilities and workloads.
• Provide training, coaching, and ongoing feedback to accounting team members.
• Conduct or assist with performance evaluations.
• Establish department procedures and performance expectations.
• Ensure accounting deadlines are consistently met.
• Promote accuracy, accountability, and teamwork within the accounting department.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Oversee the effective use of accounting and financial systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and efficiency.
• Implement and maintain standardized accounting procedures.
• Assist with accounting software implementations, upgrades, and integrations.
• Improve financial reporting and data accuracy.
• Work with operations and project management to improve the flow of financial information.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Supervisory experience is required.
• Progressive accounting experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of general accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Experience managing or overseeing accounting functions.
• Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Strong leadership and team-management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Construction accounting experience preferred.
• Previous Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar experience.
• Experience with job costing and project accounting.
• Experience preparing and reviewing WIP schedules.
• Experience with percentage-of-completion accounting.
• Experience with construction contracts, retainage, change orders, and subcontractor accounting.
• Experience with construction accounting or ERP software.
• CPA or other relevant professional certification preferred.
• Construction accounting
• General accounting
• Job costing
• WIP reporting
• Accounts payable and receivable
• Financial analysis
• Leadership and supervision
• Organization and time management
• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Integrity and confidentiality

Physical & Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with occasional visits to construction sites or other company locations.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional travel may be required based on business needs.