Construction Controller Public Works Projects

Moalej Builders; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Vacations and Holidays

401(k) with 4% Company Match

Mileage reimbursement

Phone stipend

Job summary

Moalej Builders seeks a dynamic Construction Controller specializing in Public Works, Education and infrastructure projects to lead financial reporting, strong internal controls, and disciplined compliance across the company.

You will partner with operations and project teams to analyze performance, manage job costing, revenue recognition, cash flow, and close processes, while supporting audits, bonding, and lender reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA preferred.
• 4+ years in a Controller role, with construction industry experience.
• Strong understanding of construction accounting: percentage-of-completion, job costing, WIP schedules, revenue recognition, and financial reporting.
• Proficient in Sage 100 Contractor.
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP).
• Experience with ERP migrations and new system implementations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with AIA billing procedures and lien laws.
• Experience with union payroll, certified payroll, and government/commercial contract billing.
• Knowledge of tax laws affecting construction (CA).

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of accounting department including AP, AR, payroll, GL, and job cost accounting.
• Ensure GAAP-compliant financial reporting.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Oversee project set up and kickoff meetings.
• Ensure subcontractor compliance (COI, lien waivers, W9s).
• Manage billing: progress billing, change orders, pay apps, retention.
• Oversee collections and deposits.
• Analyze project performance with PMs to identify risks/opportunities.
• Oversee cash flow forecasting and working capital.
• Support audits, tax prep, bonding, and lender reporting.
• Maintain internal controls and accounting policies.
• Prepare WIP and job cost reports; recommend budget adjustments.
• Lead monthly/quarterly/annual closings.
• Drive process improvements and system optimization.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

Analytical skills

Excel

Payroll

AP/AR

Cash flow

Revenue recognition

Job costing

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Sage 100 Contractor

ERP migrations

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Construction Controller specializing in Public Works, Education and infrastructure projects. In this vital role, you will be responsible for preparing accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and disciplined compliance. We’re seeking a highly skilled Controller who will play a critical role in driving the financial health, integrity, and growth of our company.

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Construction Controller specializing in Public Works, Education and infrastructure projects. In this vital role, you will be responsible for preparing accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and disciplined compliance. We’re seeking a highly skilled Controller who will play a critical role in driving the financial health, integrity, and growth of our company.

• Strong experience in construction-industry accounting or a closely related heavy-industrial or civil-construction business, ideally with public works projects.
• Proven ability working across departments (operations, project management, executive leadership) to implement best-practice financial processes and controls while mentoring accounting staff.
• Deep understanding of accounting principles (GAAP or comparable), internal controls, compliance, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and cash flow management.
• Expertise in project accounting: job costing, cost tracking, revenue recognition, change-order tracking, and project profitability analysis.
• Excellent financial reporting skills and able to produce timely, accurate financial statements and management reports for leadership and stakeholders.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset with high ethical standards, integrity, and a commitment to quality and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the accounting department, including AP, AR, payroll, general ledger, and job cost accounting.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting in accordance with GAAP and internal company standards.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes, including ongoing job cost tracking and variance analysis.
• Attend internal Project Kick Off Meetings and oversee project set up.
• Oversee subcontractor compliance (certificates of insurance, lien waivers, W9s).
• Manage billing processes: progress billing (AIA forms), change orders, pay applications, and retention tracking.
• Oversee the collections process to ensure timely client payments, apply payments, and make deposits.
• Partner closely with project managers and operations to analyze project performance, monitor costs, revenue recognition, and identify financial risks/opportunities.
• Oversee cash flow management, including forecasting, payables timing, collections, and working capital management.
• Support external audits, tax preparation, bonding requirements, and lender reporting.
• Maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance.
• Prepare and analyze WIP and job cost reports, collaborating with project managers to recommend budget adjustments.
• Prepare timely monthly, semiannual, and annual financial closings and lead associated closing routines.
• Drive process improvements, technology adoption, and system optimization to increase efficiency and financial clarity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred)
• 4+ years experience in a Controller role, with at least 4 years in a the construction industry
• Strong understanding of construction accounting practices, including percentageofcompletion, job costing, WIP schedules, revenue recognition, and financial reporting
• Proficient in construction accounting software (Sage 100 Contractor experience required)
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, etc.)
• Experience with ERP migrations and new system implementations preferred
• Excellent analytical and problemsolving abilities
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with AIA billing procedures and lien laws.
• Experience with union payroll, certified payroll, and government/commercial contract billing.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal tax laws affecting the construction industry especially California

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary (based on experience)
• Training provided for entry and developing roles
• Mileage reimbursement for roles requiring site visits
• Phone stipend for applicable field positions
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Sick Pay
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Vacations and Holidays
• 401(k) with 4% Company Match

Why Join Us

Join a growing company where your role is essential to daily success. As the backbone of our office operations, you will play a critical role in supporting our team, improving efficiency, and contributing to our continued growth.