Controller

LHH; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

LHH is partnering with a well-established electrical/construction services organization to identify a Controller who will serve as a strategic business partner to ownership while leading the accounting and finance function.

This high-visibility, hands-on role balances day-to-day close and strategic leadership, with opportunities to modernize systems and drive meaningful improvements across finance and operations.

Qualifications

• Experience as Controller or senior accounting leader in contracting environments.
• Strong WIP, project accounting, and job costing experience.
• Knowledge of union payroll and public works compliance.
• Ability to balance strategic and hands-on responsibilities.
• Experience with ERP implementations and upgrades.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly close, financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting processes.
• Lead cash management, banking relations, insurance, bonding, and tax coordination.
• Oversee WIP reporting and partner with Project Managers on job costing and forecasting.
• Ensure compliance with union payroll, prevailing wage, and public works requirements.
• Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and reporting enhancements.

Skills

WIP reporting

Job costing

Construction finance

Strategic leadership

Hands-on finance

Education

Bachelor's in accounting

CPA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Excel (advanced)

Job description

I'm partnering with a well-established and growing electrical/construction services organization to identify a Controller who will serve as a strategic business partner to ownership while leading the company's accounting and finance function.

This is a highly visible opportunity for a hands-on finance leader who enjoys balancing day-to-day accounting operations with strategic financial leadership.

What You'll Do

• Own the monthly close, financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting processes
• Lead cash management, banking relationships, insurance, bonding, and tax coordination
• Oversee WIP reporting and partner closely with Project Managers on job costing and project forecasting
• Ensure compliance with union payroll, prevailing wage, certified payroll, and public works requirements
• Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and reporting enhancements
• Support an upcoming ERP transformation and finance systems modernization effort
• Act as a trusted advisor to ownership on financial performance and business strategy

What We're Looking For

• Controller or senior accounting leadership experience within construction, electrical, mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, or similar contracting environments
• Strong knowledge of WIP reporting, job costing, project accounting, and construction financial operations
• Experience with union payroll, prevailing wage, certified payroll, and public works compliance
• Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on in the business
• Proven success improving processes, controls, and financial visibility

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Direct partnership with ownership and executive leadership
• Significant influence on business decisions and growth initiatives
• Opportunity to modernize systems and improve processes
• High-impact role with visibility across operations and finance
• Strong compensation package and long-term growth potential

If you have a construction accounting background and enjoy building scalable finance functions, I'd love to connect and share more details.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers