Controller

ThinkingAhead Executive Search; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Standard full-time benefits package including health coverage

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Company holidays

Collaborative and employee-focused culture

Job summary

ThinkingAhead Executive Search is partnering with a respected construction company in Oakland, California, to find a Controller eager to advance to a CFO role. This position oversees daily accounting and partners with executives on financial reporting and operational improvements.

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of relevant experience, particularly in construction accounting, and will be able to lead a team while ensuring compliance and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Experience leading accounting teams and managing staff effectively.
• At least 5 years in accounting roles with a focus on construction.
• Capable of WIP reporting and understanding project completion accounting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounting and financial operations within a project-based environment.
• Manage project accounting, financial reporting, and operational accounting activities.
• Support billing, receivables, payables, payroll, and cash flow processes.

Skills

Leadership and oversight of accounting support staff

5+ years of accounting experience within the construction industry

WIP reporting and percentage of completion accounting

ServiceTitan or similar field service management software experience

Financial statement preparation and analysis

Payroll administration and payroll taxes

Accounts receivable and monthly billings execution experience

Job description

We are partnered with the President at a well-established construction company in the Berkeley California area to hire for a Controller who is eager to grow into a Chief Financial Officer role.

This high-visibility role will oversee day‑to‑day accounting operations while partnering closely with company executives on financial reporting, operational improvements, and continued organizational growth initiatives.

The Controller will play a key role in managing construction accounting operations, month‑end close, WIP schedules, payroll administration, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing operations, and internal process improvements. This opportunity offers a unique opportunity to join a stable and highly respected construction company known for its sustainability initiatives, long‑term employee tenure, and strong family‑oriented culture.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounting and financial operations within a project‑based environment
• Manage project accounting, financial reporting, and operational accounting activities
• Support billing, receivables, payables, payroll, and cash flow processes
• Work within ERP and operational software systems to support accounting workflows and reporting
• Lead and support accounting staff while collaborating cross‑functionally with operations
• Assist with compliance, process improvements, and overall accounting operations

Qualifications

• Leadership and oversight of accounting support staff
• 5+ years of accounting experience within the construction industry
• WIP reporting and percentage of completion accounting
• ServiceTitan or similar field service management software experience
• Financial statement preparation and analysis
• Payroll administration and payroll taxes
• Accounts receivable and monthly billings execution experience

What’s In It For You

• Opportunity to work directly with ownership and executive leadership
• High‑visibility accounting leadership role with long‑term growth opportunity
• Stable fourth‑generation family‑owned company with exceptional employee retention
• Collaborative and employee‑focused culture with strong long‑term relationships
• LEED Gold certified facility and sustainability‑focused organization
• Standard full‑time benefits package including health coverage, retirement benefits, paid time off, and company holidays