Construction Controller

Patriot Fire Protection Inc.; Tacoma, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative Environment

Growth Opportunities

Impactful Work

Job summary

Patriot Fire Protection Inc. seeks a hands-on Chief Accountant/Controller to lead construction accounting across multiple divisions in Tacoma, WA. You will own job costing, WIP, budgets, forecasts, and revenue recognition to keep projects profitable and reports timely.

You'll partner with project teams to drive accurate financials, enforce internal controls, and mentor the accounting staff. CPA is a plus; experience with Viewpoint/Spectrum is valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• 5+ years of accounting experience; construction industry experience strongly preferred.
• Proven experience in financial statement preparation, budget development, and variance analysis.
• Experience with Viewpoint/Spectrum is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own the construction accounting function across multiple divisions, delivering accurate, on-time financial reporting
• Job costing across multi-state union payroll, labor burden rates, accounts payable/receivable, fixed assets, and inventory
• WIP & Revenue Recognition: cost-to-complete and work-in-progress schedules to keep revenue recognition accurate
• Month-End Close: closing schedules and journal entries in line with internal controls and accounting standards
• Reconciliations: monthly account reconciliations and discrepancy resolution
• Budgets & Forecasts: develop and maintain annual budgets and forecasts, tracking variances
• Tax & Regulatory: maintain knowledge of state/local tax filings and reporting requirements
• Team Support: flexible, collaborative, and eager to learn

Skills

Advanced Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Viewpoint/Spectrum

CPA or CPA candidacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Job description

About Us:

Since 1990, Patriot Fire Protection, Inc. has been an industry leader in fire prevention systems including design, fabrication, installation, maintenance, inspection and rapid response. With offices in Tacoma, Spokane, and Vancouver Washington, our mission is to provide the highest quality systems and services while protecting the lives and property of our customers. Learn more at www.patriotfire.com.

Why You'll Love This Role:

This is a hands-on leadership seat at the financial center of a growing, multi-division construction company. You’ll own the numbers that drive real decisions including job costing, WIP, budgets, and forecasts while partnering directly with project teams who count on accurate, timely financials to keep work profitable. If you want your work to be visible, valued, and tied directly to company performance, you’ll find it here.

What You'll Do:

• Multi-Division Accounting: Own the construction accounting function across multiple divisions, delivering accurate, on-time financial reporting
• Job Costing: Apply your expertise across multi-state union payroll, labor burden rates, accounts payable and receivable, fixed assets, and inventory
• WIP & Revenue Recognition: Partner with project teams on cost-to-complete and work-in-progress (WIP) schedules to keep revenue recognition and project profitability accurate
• Month-End Close: Produce closing schedules and journal entries in compliance with internal controls and accounting standards
• Reconciliations: Prepare and review monthly account reconciliations, resolving discrepancies quickly
• Budgets & Forecasts: Develop and maintain annual budgets and forecasts, tracking variances with management and project teams and identifying areas for improvement
• Tax & Regulatory: Maintain a working knowledge of applicable state and local tax filings and reporting requirements
• Team Support: This role is varied! Bring flexibility, team spirit, and a commitment to continuous learning

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• 5+ years of accounting experience; construction industry experience strongly preferred
• Proven experience in financial statement preparation, budget development, and variance analysis
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including complex formulas and queries (Power Query); familiarity with Power BI or similar data visualization tools a plus
• Proficiency with construction accounting software (Viewpoint/Spectrum) a plus
• CPA or CPA candidacy a plus
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical, organizational, and follow-up skills
• Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities
• Customer service-oriented with a proactive approach and sense of urgency in responding to requests
• Desire for professional growth and a strong willingness to learn
• Drug screening and background checks will only be conducted after a conditional job offer is made. We evaluate criminal history based on its relevance to the job duties.

Ideal Candidate Attributes:

• Positive, motivated, and ready to adapt when the day changes on you
• Leads with humility and a service-first mindset: team and company wins come before personal recognition
• Embraces technology, hunting down tools and automation that make reporting faster and more accurate
• Communicates clearly, written or verbal, and keeps priorities straight when everything feels urgent
• Self-starter who takes initiative and runs without much supervision
• Collaborative by nature, always game to improve how the accounting team works
• Honest, humble, and trustworthy: discreet with confidential information
• Professional in attitude, appearance, and demeanor

Perks of Joining Our Team:

• Collaborative Environment: Be part of a supportive and enthusiastic team
• Growth Opportunities: Learn new skills and advance your career
• Impactful Work: Play a crucial role in the success of exciting projects

Patriot Fire Protection, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, criminal history, or protected Veteran status.