Controller

Brilliant®; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Brilliant is seeking a hands-on, tactical Controller to lead the accounting function for a growing construction organization in Chicago. The role supports union labor and a fast-paced, job-cost‑driven environment, partnering with executive leadership to strengthen reporting and processes.

The Controller will oversee day-to-day accounting operations, develop the accounting team, and drive improvements in controls, workflows, and cost management to sustain growth and profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Construction accounting experience required.
• Strong knowledge of job costing, WIP accounting, and percentage-of-completion revenue recognition.
• Experience with union labor accounting and payroll requirements.
• CPA or CMA preferred.
• Experience with construction accounting systems such as Sage, Viewpoint, Foundation, or similar preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, financial reporting, and close.
• Manage job costing, WIP schedules, percentage-of-completion accounting, and revenue recognition.
• Monitor project profitability, labor allocations, subcontractor costs, and margins.
• Oversee union payroll, benefits, certified payroll, prevailing wage, and related compliance.
• Prepare financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow reporting.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team.
• Improve controls, workflows, systems, and scalable accounting processes.
• Partner with leadership on business planning, project performance, and cost controls.
• Support audits, banking relationships, and bonding requirements.

Skills

Job costing

WIP accounting

Percent-of-completion

Payroll compliance

Leadership

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Sage

Viewpoint

Foundation

Job description

We are seeking a hands-on, tactical Controller to lead the accounting function for a growing construction organization. This role is ideal for a strong construction accounting professional who thrives in a fast-paced, job-cost-driven environment and has experience supporting union labor.

The Controller will oversee day-to-day accounting operations, lead and develop the accounting team, and partner closely with executive leadership to strengthen financial reporting, improve processes, and support continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, financial reporting, and close
• Manage job costing, WIP schedules, percentage-of-completion accounting, and revenue recognition
• Monitor project profitability, labor allocations, subcontractor costs, and margins
• Oversee union payroll, benefits, certified payroll, prevailing wage, and related compliance
• Prepare financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow reporting
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team
• Improve controls, workflows, systems, and scalable accounting processes
• Partner with leadership on business planning, project performance, and cost controls
• Support audits, banking relationships, and bonding requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Construction accounting experience required
• Strong knowledge of job costing, WIP accounting, and percentage-of-completion revenue recognition
• Experience with union labor accounting and payroll requirements
• Proven ability to lead and develop a team
• CPA or CMA preferred
• Experience with construction accounting systems such as Sage, Viewpoint, Foundation, or similar preferred

Ideal Candidate

Hands-on, analytical, organized, and comfortable operating in a growing environment. This individual should be able to balance strong technical accounting knowledge with leadership, process improvement, and the ability to partner effectively with senior management.

Must Haves: Construction accounting experience and demonstrated leadership ability.