Construction Controller - Virtual/Remote

ZipRecruiter; Sacramento (CA); Remote; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A finance-focused organization is seeking a Construction Controller to enhance financial operations and manage accounting processes. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, over 7 years of experience, and proficiency in modern financial software like QuickBooks. The ideal candidate is an independent contributor who thrives in a flexible, remote environment and is motivated by sustainability.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• High autonomy and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Own and improve financial processes and systems.
• Oversee all project accounting functions and ensure accurate reporting.
• Manage payroll and oversee expense management.

Skills

Full-cycle corporate accounting

Financial modeling and analysis

Ownership of financial systems

Process improvements

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

QuickBooks

Task management platforms

ERPs

Job description

Overview

The Opportunity: This is a system ownership role. The Construction Controller (cross-posted as Finance & Operations Manager) will partner with the principals and systems consultants to own and improve financial and operational systems, and to manage accounting at both project and corporate levels. This role does not have direct reports and is fully remote.

Responsibilities

• Systems & Process Leadership (approximately 50%): act as the primary owner and champion for the company’s financial systems, lead data migration and implementation with the principals, team members, and external consultants; lead hands-on migration from Zoho Books; implement and manage a robust payment processing platform; develop and own vendor management processes (onboarding, COIs, integration into payment systems); systematize and manage processes for specialized payment applications for energy incentive programs (approximately 196 annually); systematize and manage subcontractor pay applications and vendor invoices (approximately 850 annually) including approvals by project managers and exception-based handling; collaborate with the principals to develop, document, and implement internal controls and financial processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Project Accounting Oversight (approximately 30%): oversee all project accounting functions, ensure accurate financial data capture and reporting; manage accounts receivable (invoicing and collections); ensure compliance with customers’ vendor management platforms; provide financial support to Project Managers to support project success.
• Corporate Financial Stewardship (approximately 10%): own full-cycle corporate accounting (general ledger, close, financial statements); provide strategic financial analysis and reporting to inform decision-making; manage credit card, banking, and benefits/retirement administration.
• Compliance & Administration (approximately 10%): manage monthly payroll with HR platform (Gusto); oversee expense management system and subcontractor compliance (lien waivers, insurance).

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. CPA or MBA is a plus.
• Experience: 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience with a proven track record of system ownership and process improvement.
• Core Strengths: Full-cycle corporate accounting, financial modeling and analysis, ownership of financial systems and process improvements.
• Systems: Proficiency with modern software systems, including QuickBooks (strong), task management platforms, and ERPs; ability to create workflows with dependencies.
• Attributes: High autonomy, attention to detail, strong communication, and mission alignment.

Who You Are

• System Owner: designs, owns, and improves financial processes.
• Independent Contributor: operates effectively without direct reports.
• Flexible Thinker: adaptable in a small, dynamic company.
• Trusted Partner: builds collaborative relationships, communicates clearly, and upholds integrity.
• Mission-Aligned: motivated by sustainability and impact.

Requirements

• Authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Willing to work California business hours (8:30 AM–5:30 PM) from a distraction-free home office.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience with proven system ownership and process improvement.
• Highly proficient with modern software systems, including QuickBooks and other ERPs; ability to create workflows with dependencies.
• Experience implementing, refining, or migrating financial systems and processes.
• English proficiency.

Equal Opportunity

Carbon Zero Buildings provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.