Controller

John Keno & Company, Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Vacation / PTO

401k plus employer contribution

Profit sharing

Bonus potential

PPO Health Insurance

Cell phone allowance

Training & education stipends

Job summary

John Keno & Company, Inc. seeks a Controller to oversee all financial and accounting operations for a heavy civil construction firm in Chicago, ensuring GAAP reporting, compliance, and strategic planning.

The ideal candidate brings 8+ years in accounting, 3+ years in a Controller role, and construction-industry expertise, including WIP, job costing, and contract billing. Leadership and ERP proficiency are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field (CPA or CMA preferred).
• 8+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including 3+ years in a Controller or senior leadership role.
• Construction industry experience (general contractor, subcontractor, or specialty trades).
• Strong knowledge of construction accounting (WIP, retainage, percentage-of-completion, job costing).
• Proficiency with construction accounting software (Sage 300, Viewpoint Vista, CMiC, Procore).
• Excellent leadership, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounting operations including general ledger, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and banking.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Manage Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules, job costing, and contract billing for construction projects.
• Develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Partner with project managers to track job performance, costs, and profitability.
• Ensure compliance with tax and financial reporting requirements.
• Lead and mentor the accounting team, fostering accuracy, collaboration, and accountability.
• Partner with leadership on financial strategy, risk management, and process improvement initiatives.
• Champion technology adoption (ERP or construction accounting platforms like Sage, Viewpoint, or Procore).

Skills

Leadership

Analytical

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

CPA or CMA preferred

Tools

Sage 300

Viewpoint Vista

CMiC

Procore

Job description

Controller

Location: Chicago, IL (8 minutes from O'Hare)
Department: Accounting
Reports To: COO
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt

About John Keno & Company

At JKC, we’re a family-owned heavy civil construction known for our "Can Do. Will Do." mindset and commitment to teamwork, innovation, and integrity. From large-scale public projects to private developments, our team takes pride in building our employees and projects with purpose, safely and with excellence.

About the Role

The Controller will oversee all financial and accounting operations for the construction company, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with industry regulations, and strategic financial planning. This role serves as a key business partner to senior management, providing insights that support operational efficiency, project profitability, and long-term growth. The ideal candidate has deep knowledge of construction accounting practices, job costing, WIP schedules, and contract billing.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee daily accounting operations, including general ledger, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and banking.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Manage Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules, job costing, and contract billing specific to construction projects.
• Develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Partner with project managers to track job performance, costs, and profitability.
• Ensure compliance with all tax and financial reporting requirements.
• Lead and mentor the accounting team, fostering a culture of accuracy, collaboration, and accountability.
• Partner with leadership on financial strategy, risk management, and process improvement initiatives.
• Champion technology adoption (e.g., ERP or construction accounting platforms like Sage, Viewpoint, or Procore).

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field (CPA or CMA preferred) required.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including 3+ years in a Controller or senior leadership role.
• Experience in the construction industry (general contractor, subcontractor, or specialty trade).
• Strong understanding of construction accounting principles (WIP, retainage, percentage-of-completion, job costing).
• Proficiency with construction accounting software (Sage 300, Viewpoint Vista, CMiC, Procore).
• Excellent leadership, analytical, and communication skills.

Why Join JKC

• Family-owned company with a collaborative and supportive culture.
• Meaningful work on high-impact infrastructure and community projects.
• Opportunities to lead, grow, and shape financial strategy.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Excellent Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Vacation / PTO
• 401k plus employer contribution
• Profit sharing
• Bonus potential
• PPO Health Insurance
• Cell phone allowance
• Training & education stipends

Target Salary: $120,000 - $175,000 We consider several job-related factors when determining an individual’s starting compensation within the posted salary range. These factors may include relevant skills and experience, education, required licensure or certifications, the scope and responsibilities of the position, business needs, and current market conditions.

JOHN KENO AND COMPANY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-5:00 PM