Controller

BEAR Construction Company; Rolling Meadows (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

BEAR Construction Company is seeking a Controller responsible for day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance. This role is essential for safeguarding assets, ensuring accuracy in financial results, and supporting strategic decision-making.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, extensive knowledge of GAAP, and 5+ years of experience in progressive accounting roles, preferably within the construction industry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• Experience in the construction industry preferred (5+ years).
• Ability to handle confidential information with integrity.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations, including financial reporting.
• Develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets.
• Analyze job costs and collaborate on project financial tracking.

Skills

Strong knowledge of GAAP and tax principles

Attention to detail

Compliance enforcement

Ability to oversee accounting practices

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Vista by Viewpoint

Procore

Procore Financials

Job description

Position Description

About BEAR Construction

BEAR Construction is a relationship-driven general contractor known for delivering high-quality projects with integrity, accountability, and precision. We partner with clients across diverse industries to bring complex projects to life on time and on budget, while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, transparency, and operational excellence.

Our success is built on a collaborative culture where teamwork, problem-solving, and continuous improvement are at the core of everything we do. We take pride in developing our people, investing in systems and processes, and holding ourselves to a high standard of performance across the organization.

At BEAR, finance plays a critical role in driving project success. Our teams work closely across departments to ensure accurate reporting, disciplined execution, and informed decision-making at every stage of a project.

If you’re looking to join a company where your contributions matter, your expertise is valued, and you can help shape the future of a growing organization, BEAR Construction offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for the day-to-day accounting operations of BEAR, including the production of timely and accurate financial reports, maintenance of a robust system of accounting records, and implementation of comprehensive internal controls and budgets.

This role is critical in mitigating risk, safeguarding assets, enhancing the accuracy and integrity of reported financial results, and ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and applicable regulatory requirements.

The Controller oversees all accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, project accounting, and compliance. This position is also responsible for maintaining and enforcing internal controls designed to prevent financial misstatement and fraud while supporting operational leaders with accurate project cost, Work-in-Progress (WIP), and financial data in a construction environment.

The Controller reports to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and serves as a key financial leader within the organization, supporting strategic decision-making through accurate reporting, financial insights, and operational discipline while leading and developing the accounting team to drive consistent, high-quality performance across all functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, month-end close, and financial reporting.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing accounting team by providing clear direction, coaching, accountability, and professional development. Hire, train, and retain skilled team members.
• Lead and oversee all accounting functions and personnel, including project accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, work-in-progress (WIP), and compliance, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment across all processes.
• Develop, implement, and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance.
• Partner closely with operations to ensure accurate job costing, WIP reporting, forecasting, and project financial tracking.
• Analyze risk management concepts from customer and vendor contracts and apply applicable best-practice procedures to adhere to requirements.
• Support corporate and project-based budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis in partnership with the CFO.
• Manage the accounting department budget, ensuring alignment with overall financial objectives and organizational priorities.
• Analyze and consolidate financial data, directing cost accounting procedures and producing reports to support compliance and business decision-making.
• Oversee regulatory reporting, including tax planning and compliance requirements. Manage third-party CPA relationships and coordinate annual financial statement audits.
• Analyze job costs and collaborate with accounting and project management teams to ensure proper cost allocation across all construction projects.
• Coordinate and manage external audits, tax compliance, covenant reporting, and regulatory requirements while maintaining positive external relationships with banks, unions, and insurance providers.
• Execute practical treasury management solutions in accordance with company operating needs and investment guidelines. Prepare required bank reporting documentation.
• Work with the internal risk management team on the proper application and coverage of corporate and project bond programs.
• Evaluate accounting processes, systems, and internal controls, making recommendations for improvements and efficiencies.
• Drive implementation, optimization, and training related to accounting software and related systems.
• Develop and monitor key financial and operational performance metrics.
• Prepare monthly and ad hoc reports for senior leadership to support informed decision-making.
• Perform other responsibilities as needed to support the finance function and overall business objectives.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and tax principles.
• Proven ability to enforce compliance with internal controls, policies, and procedures.
• Significant experience preparing Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Ability to oversee, evaluate, and improve accounting practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Progressive accounting experience demonstrating growth and increased responsibility within the construction industry (5+ years preferred).
• Experience using Vista by Viewpoint, Procore, and Procore Financials.
• Experience with multi-state accounting and taxation.
• Experience with joint-venture accounting and relationship management.
• Advanced knowledge of construction accounting practices and the ability to train and mentor others.
• Experience within the construction/general contracting industry is highly preferred due to the pace, regulatory requirements, and project complexity of the role.

Equal Opportunity Employer

BEAR Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.