Construction Controller

We Search People; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Job summary

We Search People partners with a Cleveland-based civil contractor to appoint a newly created Controller role that will own accounting, WIP management, cash flow forecasting, and banking relationships. This hands-on leader reports to the Owner/CEO and will transform financial systems and processes in a growing company.

You will drive monthly closes, financial reporting, and risk management while partnering with Estimators and PMs on margins and CapEx.

Qualifications

• Significant progressive accounting experience, with 5+ years in financial leadership in construction/engineering.
• Strong knowledge of WIP schedules, POC accounting, and job costing.
• Experience managing financial operations and payroll.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations across job costing, AP, AR, billing, payroll, and general ledger.
• Direct monthly close, financial reporting, and WIP schedules under US GAAP.
• Manage banking, credit lines, and surety bonding relationships to support projects.
• Partner with Estimators and PMs on bid strategy, equipment CapEx and project margins.
• Drive collections, timely project billing, and cash flow forecasting.
• Coordinate audits, tax filings, and CPA/partner relationships.
• Upgrade job cost accounting systems to streamline workflows.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

Stakeholder management

Cash flow forecasting

Education

CPA designation preferred

Tools

Construction software

Job description

We are partnered with a civil contractor in Cleveland to appoint a newly created Controller position to lead financial operations, direct risk management, and serve as a strategic partner to the executive team as the business continues to grow and transform.

Working directly with the Owner / CEO, you will take full ownership of accounting, WIP management, cash flow forecasting, banking/bonding relationships, as well as administrative oversight and business transformation initiatives. This is a hands on leadership role fit for a proven leader who understands the nuances of the construction sector and has the ability to drive process improvements and systems overhaul.

• Lead accounting operations across job costing, AP, AR, billing, payroll, and general ledger.
• Act as a commercial partner to the CEO/Owner, developing and supporting strategic business and succession planning.
• Direct monthly close, financial reporting, and WIP schedules under US GAAP standards.
• Manage banking, credit lines, and surety bonding capacity to support ongoing projects.
• Partner with Estimators and PMs on bid strategy, equipment CapEx and project margins.
• Drive active collections, timely project billing, and cash flow forecasting.
• Coordinate external audits, tax filings, and external CPA and partner relationships.
• Upgrade job cost accounting systems to streamline field/office workflows.
• Direct and encourage the automation of financial and administrative workflows.

Requirements

• Significant progressive accounting experience, with at least 5 years in a financial leadership role in the construction or engineering sector.
• Deep knowledge of WIP schedules, POC accounting, and job costing.
• Direct experience managing financial operations and payroll.
• Strong background in managing banking credit lines and surety bonding relationships.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate with non-financial stakeholders.
• CPA designation is preferred.
• Proficiency with construction specific software.

Package

• Starting base salary of $140,000 to $180,000 depending on experience.
• Performance bonuses and incentives.