Controller

Paylocity; Fort Myers (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortune Electrical Construction in Fort Myers, FL is seeking an experienced Controller to lead the company’s accounting and financial reporting functions. This hands-on, in-person role manages day-to-day accounting, month-end close, and GAAP-compliant reporting, while collaborating with project managers on cost control and WIP analysis.

You will partner with leadership to ensure accurate financials, robust internal controls, and timely audits, with opportunities to influence strategic decisions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years accounting experience including leadership roles.
• Direct experience with progress-billed construction accounting required.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Advanced Excel skills and data analysis abilities.
• Experience with project managers and operations leaders to review performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and year-end close.
• Prepare financial statements and management reports.
• Maintain job cost accounting for active projects.
• Oversee progress billing and AIA-style contracts.
• Monitor AR, retainage, WIP and revenue recognition.
• Coordinate year-end audits and liaise with external auditors.
• Develop and maintain internal controls and documentation.

Skills

Excel

GAAP

Financial reporting

Project costing

Leadership

WIP analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Construction ERP systems

Spectrum by Trimble

Accounting software

Job description

Description

About the Opportunity

Fortune Electrical Construction is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Controller to lead the company’s accounting and financial reporting functions at our Fort Myers, Florida location.

This is an in‑person, hands‑on leadership role for someone who is comfortable managing the overall accounting function while also being actively involved in the day‑to‑day details. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in construction accounting, including progress billing, job costing, percentage‑of‑completion accounting, and work‑in‑progress (WIP) reporting.

This position reports to the CFO and will work closely with company leadership, project management, operations, and our corporate finance team to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and provide meaningful financial insight into project and company performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the day‑to‑day accounting operations of Fortune Electrical Construction.
• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and year‑end financial close processes.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements, management reports, and supporting schedules.
• Maintain and review detailed job cost accounting for active construction projects.
• Oversee progress billing, including preparation and review of AIA‑style and other contract billing applications.
• Monitor accounts receivable, retainage, unbilled revenue, underbillings, and overbillings.
• Prepare and analyze Work‑in‑Progress (WIP) schedules and ensure accurate revenue and margin recognition.
• Review project financial performance, including estimated costs to complete, gross margin, committed costs, and project forecasts.
• Partner with Project Managers to ensure project cost projections and billing information are accurate and current.
• Identify potential margin erosion, cost overruns, billing issues, and other financial risks early in the project lifecycle.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll accounting, and cash‑management processes.
• Maintain appropriate internal controls and ensure accounting policies and procedures are consistently followed.
• Manage balance sheet reconciliations and supporting documentation.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and cash‑flow planning.
• Lead and coordinate year‑end audit preparation including preparation of audit schedules, account reconciliations, supporting documentation, and other required materials.
• Work directly with external auditors throughout the year‑end audit process, responding to information requests, researching questions, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring audit requirements and deadlines are met.
• Coordinate tax reporting, insurance audits, and other external financial reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable GAAP requirements and company accounting policies.
• Develop, improve, and document accounting processes and procedures as the organization continues to grow.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to company and corporate leadership.
• Supervise, develop, and support accounting team members.
• Perform other accounting and financial responsibilities as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive accounting experience, including experience in a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar leadership role.
• Direct experience with progress‑billed construction accounting is required.
• Strong knowledge of: Job cost accounting; Progress billing; Percentage‑of‑completion/revenue recognition; WIP reporting; Retainage; Underbillings and overbillings; Project cost forecasting.
• Experience working directly with Project Managers and operations leaders to review project financial performance.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• High attention to detail with the ability to maintain accuracy while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability and willingness to be actively involved in the details of the accounting operation rather than functioning solely in a high‑level oversight capacity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Accounting experience with an electrical contractor, general contractor, or specialty construction contractor.
• Experience with construction ERP/accounting systems.
• Experience with Spectrum by Trimble or similar construction accounting software is a plus.
• CPA or CMA designation is a plus but not required.

What We’re Looking For

The successful candidate will be a financial leader who understands that construction accounting requires more than producing monthly financial statements. This individual should be comfortable digging into individual projects, reviewing WIP and job cost data, working directly with Project Managers, questioning unusual results, and identifying potential financial issues before they become larger problems.

We are looking for someone who is hands‑on, organized, accountable, and comfortable operating in a fast‑paced construction environment.

Work Location

Fort Myers, Florida

This is an in‑person position and is not intended to be a remote role.

About Fortune Electrical Construction

Fortune Electrical Construction is a commercial electrical contractor serving customers throughout Florida. As part of the Rise family of companies, Fortune combines the capabilities and resources of a growing organization with the hands‑on, customer‑focused approach of an experienced electrical contractor.

Fortune Electrical Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.