Controller

Savage Search Associates; Carson (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outstanding company culture

Excellent benefits

Stable working environment

Job summary

Savage Search Associates is seeking a Controller for a well-established commercial general contractor in Carson, CA. This role involves leading accounting operations, financial reporting, job cost management, and collaboration with executive leadership. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of construction accounting experience, a degree in finance or accounting, and a CPA is preferred. Join a company with a people-first culture, exceptional benefits, and a stable growth-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience within the construction industry.
• Prior Controller or senior accounting leadership experience within a commercial general contractor environment strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations and financial reporting.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes in accordance with GAAP.
• Manage WIP schedules, revenue recognition, job cost accounting, and over/under billing analysis.
• Drive process improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Oversee banking activity, cash flow management, and compliance.

Skills

Construction accounting

WIP reporting

Revenue recognition

Job cost accounting

Cash flow forecasting

GAAP financial reporting

Over/under billing analysis

Advanced Excel skills

Leadership

Communication

Education

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

CPA preferred

Job description

About the job

Controller – Commercial General Contractor

Location – Carson, CA – 100% onsite

Savage Search Associates is partnering with a highly respected and well‑established commercial general contractor to identify an experienced Controller to lead accounting and financial operations for a growing organization with approximately $250M in annual revenue.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a hands‑on construction accounting leader who thrives in a collaborative, high‑integrity environment and enjoys partnering closely with executive leadership and operations teams. The company offers exceptional employee tenure, a people‑first culture, beautiful offices, outstanding benefits, and a stable, growth‑oriented environment.

Position Overview

The Controller will oversee all day‑to‑day accounting operations, financial reporting, job cost accounting, WIP management, cash flow oversight, compliance, and accounting team leadership. This role partners closely with the CFO and operational leadership to support strategic growth, financial accuracy, and operational excellence across the organization.

We are specifically seeking candidates with commercial general contracting experience. Candidates whose backgrounds are primarily in subcontracting environments will not be the right fit for this opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Reporting

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year‑end close processes in accordance with GAAP
• Prepare monthly financial statements, executive reporting packages, and cash flow analysis
• Oversee account reconciliations, balance sheet integrity, and audit preparation
• Partner with executive leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
• Maintain strong internal controls, accounting procedures, and scalable financial processes

Construction Accounting & Project Oversight

• Manage WIP schedules, revenue recognition, job cost accounting, and over/under billing analysis
• Monitor project profitability, forecasting, and cost controls across active commercial construction projects
• Collaborate closely with Project Managers and Operations leadership on financial performance and project tracking
• Oversee subcontractor payment processes, retention tracking, lien releases, and compliance requirements
• Ensure accurate accounting treatment for change orders, accruals, contingencies, and project revenue

Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting staff while fostering accountability and professional growth
• Drive process improvements, reporting enhancements, and operational efficiencies
• Support system optimization initiatives and scalable accounting infrastructure improvements
• Serve as a trusted business partner to executive leadership and operations teams

Cash Management & Compliance

• Oversee banking activity, cash flow management, and working capital planning
• Support banking relationships, insurance renewals, audits, licensing, and regulatory compliance
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, employment, and construction‑related reporting requirements
• Maintain confidentiality and proactively identify financial or compliance risks

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• CPA preferred
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience within the construction industry
• Prior Controller or senior accounting leadership experience within a commercial general contractor environment strongly preferred

Deep expertise in:

• Construction accounting
• WIP reporting
• Revenue recognition
• Job cost accounting
• Cash flow forecasting
• GAAP financial reporting
• Over/under billing analysis
• Advanced Excel skills required
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Stable, highly respected commercial construction organization
• Outstanding company culture with exceptional employee tenure
• Executive team that values collaboration, professionalism, and long‑term relationships
• Beautiful office environment and strong team spirit
• Excellent benefits and compensation package
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing organization