Construction Controller

firstPRO, Inc; Mount Laurel Township (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

firstPRO, Inc is seeking a hands-on Controller to own the entire financial operation in a growing South Jersey construction company. You will lead accounting, payroll, financial reporting, and compliance, acting as a trusted advisor to ownership.

You'll manage day-to-day accounting, month-end closes, and strategic reporting, while partnering with leadership to drive budgets, cash flow, and project profitability across a dynamic, expanding business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• 5+ years progressive accounting experience in the construction industry.
• Strong knowledge of construction accounting, job costing, and WIP reporting.
• Experience processing Certified Payroll Reports is required.
• Hands-on with union payroll reporting, fringe benefits, and prevailing wage compliance.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, reconciliations, and general ledger accounting.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication skills and comfort working directly with ownership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Company's Accounting Function, overseeing all close processes.
• Manage payroll, union reporting, fringe benefits, and compliance.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and balance sheet accounts.
• Oversee AP, AR, cash management, and collections.
• Provide job cost reporting and project profitability insights with PMs.
• Assist budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning with ownership.
• Coordinate tax filings and audits with the outside CPA.

Skills

Accounting leadership

Construction industry experience

Financial reporting

Payroll & union reporting

Budgeting & forecasting

Communication with ownership

Education

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

Job description

Are you a hands-on accounting leader who enjoys owning the entire financial operation? Our client, a growing construction company in South Jersey, is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee all accounting, payroll, financial reporting, and compliance functions.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a highly visible role, enjoys working directly with ownership, and wants to make a meaningful impact within a successful, expanding business. As the company's accounting leader and a department of one, you'll manage everything from day-to-day accounting to strategic financial reporting while serving as a trusted advisor to leadership.

What You'll Do

Lead the Company's Accounting Function

• Manage the full accounting cycle, including general ledger maintenance, month-end and year-end close, and financial statement preparation.
• Produce timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and all balance sheet accounts.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and collections.

Drive Construction Accounting & Job Costing

• Maintain accurate job costing and monitor project profitability throughout the project lifecycle.
• Track work-in-progress schedules, contract values, retainage, and change orders.
• Review subcontractor invoices and ensure all required compliance documentation is received prior to payment.
• Partner with project managers to provide job cost reporting, budget analysis, and financial insight.

Payroll & Union Reporting

• Process weekly payroll for both office and field employees.
• Prepare Certified Payroll Reports for prevailing wage projects.
• Complete union payroll reporting, fringe benefit filings, and contribution payments accurately and on schedule.
• Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements, prevailing wage requirements, and payroll regulations.
• Reconcile payroll deductions, union benefit payments, and employee earnings records.
• Assist ownership with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, and financial analysis.
• Coordinate annual reviews and tax preparation with the company's outside CPA firm.
• Prepare sales tax filings, annual 1099 reporting, and other required regulatory filings.
• Maintain contractor licenses, insurance documentation, and compliance records.
• Support financial, payroll, workers' compensation, and union-related audits.

Banking & Cash Management

• Monitor daily cash balances and forecast cash flow needs.
• Process ACH payments, wire transfers, deposits, and online banking transactions.
• Maintain banking relationships and help optimize cash management processes.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience within the construction industry
• Strong knowledge of construction accounting, job costing, and work-in-progress (WIP) reporting
• Experience processing Certified Payroll Reports is required
• Hands-on experience with union payroll reporting, fringe benefits, and prevailing wage compliance
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, reconciliations, and general ledger accounting
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to work directly with ownership and operational leadership
• Detail-oriented with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset