Controller

CK Construction; Westerville (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

CK Construction is seeking a Controller to lead accounting and financial reporting for our private, non-union construction firm. You will partner with project executives and operations to provide financial insight across the full project lifecycle—from pursuit through closeout.

You will oversee GAAP compliance, project accounting, and the close process, while mentoring the accounting team and ensuring internal controls and accurate reporting to support profitability and cash flow.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience in private, non-union construction.
• Experience in CM/GC or general contracting environments.
• Strong background in project accounting, WIP reporting, and POC revenue recognition.
• Experience supporting privately held ownership and executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations including general ledger, project accounting, cost accounting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls appropriate for a private construction company.
• Develop, mentor, and manage the accounting team and ensure accountability and accuracy.
• Ensure timely monthly, quarterly, and annual closes and prepare financial statements and dashboards.
• Coordinate annual audits and tax compliance coordination with external advisors (no direct tax prep).
• Monitor cash flow and working capital, manage risks, and support project delivery decisions.

Skills

GAAP

Financial reporting

Leadership

Cost accounting

WIP reporting

Cash flow forecasting

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Viewpoint

SharePoint

pVault

Job description

CK Construction Group has been providing construction services to private and public agencies since 1956. We have established a strong reputation within our markets by executing projects on time and within budget while adhering to strict quality control and safety measures. We have the people, equipment, construction materials, experience, and bonding capacity to complete most any size project.

We offer comprehensive design phase and construction phase services under all delivery and contractual methods, including construction management, general contracting, design-build, and design‑assist. In addition, we offer self‑perform construction services including concrete, steel erection, carpentry, drywall and acoustical ceilings and an in‑house AWI Certified mill shop.

We are always looking for talent in the areas of engineering and construction management positions.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for leading all accounting and financial reporting functions for a privately held, non‑union construction management and general contracting firm. This role ensures accurate project accounting, disciplined financial controls, and timely reporting to support operational decision‑making, profitability, and cash flow. The Controller partners closely with project executives, operations leaders, and preconstruction teams to provide financial insight across the full project lifecycle—from pursuit through closeout.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Leadership & Governance:

• Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, project accounting, cost accounting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls appropriate for a private construction company
• Develop, mentor, and manage the accounting team, fostering accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Comply with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; filing financial reports; advising management on needed actions
• Assist the CFO with General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

Construction & Project Accounting:

• Oversee percentage‑of‑completion (POC) accounting in accordance with GAAP
• Review and approve Work‑in‑Progress (WIP) schedules, ensuring accuracy of revenue recognition, cost‑to‑complete estimates, and projected margins
• Partner with project managers and executives to analyze job performance, identify risks, and address margin erosion early
• Ensure proper accounting for change orders, allowances, contingencies, retainage, claims, and closeout adjustments
• Support project setup and cost structure consistency across all jobs

Financial Reporting & Close Process:

• Ensure timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closes
• Prepare accurate and meaningful financial statements, dashboards, and variance analyses, as well as initiating corrective actions, for executive leadership
• Coordinate annual financial reviews or audits with external CPA firms
• Oversee tax compliance coordination with external advisors (no direct tax preparation required)
• Monitor financial operations to ensure compliance with budgets

Cash Flow, Working Capital & Risk Management:

• Manage company‑wide and project‑level cash flow forecasting
• Monitor underbillings, overbillings, retention, and billing cycles to maintain strong liquidity
• Support banking and surety relationships by preparing financial packages, covenant reporting, and WIP support
• Assist in evaluating contractual financial risk, project exposure, and claims strategy in partnership with operations

Preconstruction & Operational Partnership:

• Collaborate with preconstruction and estimating teams to ensure consistent financial assumptions and cost structures
• Provide historical cost and margin analysis to support bidding and fee strategy
• Support leadership in evaluating project delivery methods (CM, GMP, design‑build) from a financial risk perspective

Systems & Process Improvement:

• Oversee and optimize the construction ERP system and reporting tools
• Standardize accounting policies, procedures, and job cost practices relating to financial and business practices of the company)
• Drive automation and efficiency improvements in billing, reporting, and close processes
• Improve visibility into project and company performance through dashboards and metrics

Skills And Abilities:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Viewpoint, SharePoint, pVault, and other software required to perform job duties
• Excellent interpersonal skills with advanced customer service orientation, including practical verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain and handle confidential information within appropriate standards
• Advanced knowledge of general business and company procedures
• Full understanding of GAAP and construction accounting practices
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a practical, operations‑focused mindset
• Ability to communicate financial results clearly to project managers and leaders
• Operate with integrity, and have a high level of attention to detail and sound judgment
• Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, project‑driven environment

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to comply with the company’s Authorized Driver policy.

Education And Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (required)
• CPA (strongly preferred)
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, with significant experience in private, non‑union construction
• Proven experience in CM/GC or general contracting environments
• Strong background in project accounting, WIP reporting, and POC revenue recognition
• Experience supporting privately held ownership structures and executive leadership

CK Construction is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action federal and state contractor. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.