Controller

Connect Search, LLC; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

A leading construction firm is looking for a skilled Controller to manage all accounting operations with a focus on project accounting. Responsibilities include leading a team, overseeing job cost accounting, and ensuring compliance with GAAP. The ideal candidate should have at least 6 years of experience in the construction industry and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Benefits include medical and vision insurance, along with a 401(k) plan. This is a full-time position located in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of progressive accounting experience, particularly in construction.
• Proven experience managing project accounting and WIP reporting.
• Strong understanding of job cost accounting and revenue recognition.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Project Accounting team and oversee all accounting operations.
• Ensure accurate job cost accounting and WIP schedules.
• Review monthly WIP schedules and approve revenue recognition.

Skills

Project accounting management

WIP reporting

Job cost accounting

Financial analysis

Leadership

Education

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

Tools

Sage 300

Viewpoint

Procore Financials

CMiC

Jonas

Job description

Pay Range

$130,000.00/yr - $160,000.00/yr

Additional Compensation

Annual Bonus

Company Overview

Our client is a growing construction company delivering complex commercial and infrastructure projects. The organization is seeking a hands‑on Controller to lead the accounting function, with direct responsibility for project accounting, WIP reporting, and financial controls across active jobs.

Position Summary

The Controller will oversee all accounting operations with a strong focus on construction project accounting. This role will manage the Project Accounting team, ensure accurate and timely WIP schedules, job cost reporting, and revenue recognition, and serve as a key financial partner to Operations, Project Managers, and Executive Leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Project Accounting team, including project accountants and AP staff supporting field operations.
• Oversee job cost accounting, ensuring accurate tracking of labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and change orders.
• Review and approve monthly WIP schedules, percentage‑of‑completion calculations, and revenue recognition.
• Ensure accurate forecasting of gross margins, backlog, and project profitability.
• Partner closely with Project Managers to resolve cost variances, billing issues, and contract changes.
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and year‑end close process.
• Prepare and review internal financial statements, job profitability reports, and executive dashboards.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and construction‑specific accounting standards.
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and lenders.
• Oversee progress billings, lien waivers, retainage, and collections.
• Monitor cash flow tied to project milestones and billing cycles.
• Implement controls to improve billing accuracy, timeliness, and cash conversion.

Leadership, Systems & Process Improvement

• Recruit, develop, and mentor a high‑performing project accounting team.
• Drive process improvements across job costing, WIP, billing, and close.
• Support or lead ERP/accounting system implementations or upgrades (e.g., Sage, Viewpoint, Procore, CMiC, Jonas).
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls and documentation.

Strategic & Cross‑Functional Partnership

• Act as a trusted financial partner to Operations and Executive Leadership.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, bonding requirements, and lender reporting.
• Provide financial insights to support growth, new project pursuits, and margin improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 6+ years of progressive accounting experience, with significant construction industry exposure.
• Proven experience managing project accounting and WIP reporting.
• Prior experience leading and developing accounting or project accounting teams.
• Strong understanding of job cost accounting, POC revenue recognition, and construction contracts.

Preferred

• CPA or CMA.
• Experience in a GC or specialty contractor environment.
• ERP experience with construction systems (Sage 300, Viewpoint, Procore Financials, CMiC, Jonas, etc.).
• Experience supporting audits, bonding, and bank reporting.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Accounting/Auditing

Industry

Construction

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)

Referral

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