Controller - Civil Engineering

stafffinancialgroup; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

A confidential civil engineering and infrastructure firm in the Southeast is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee financial management across a multi-state operation, with a focus on accurate reporting and internal controls.

The role leads budgeting, cash flow, and cost controls, using Trimble Viewpoint, with collaboration with operations and project teams. Base salary is $150k–$170k with bonus and full benefits, located in Metro Atlanta, GA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA or CMA preferred.
• 7–10+ years of progressive accounting experience with 3–5 years in a senior accounting or Controller role.
• Strong civil engineering or heavy construction accounting experience required.
• Demonstrated expertise in percentage-of-completion accounting and WIP reporting.
• Hands-on experience with Trimble Viewpoint (Vista/Viewpoint) required.
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP and strong Excel proficiency.
• Proven leadership, analytical, and cross-functional communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and cash management.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statement preparation in accordance with GAAP.
• Manage the month-end close process ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Direct percentage-of-completion revenue recognition and cost-to-complete methodologies.
• Oversee job cost accounting, WIP schedules, over/under billings, and change order tracking.
• Partner with operations and project management teams to improve profitability and cost controls.
• Serve as financial systems owner for Trimble Viewpoint (Vista/Viewpoint), driving reporting accuracy and process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and support audits, bonding, insurance, and lender reporting requirements.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning initiatives.
• Develop, mentor, and manage the accounting team while fostering accountability and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional communication

GAAP knowledge

Cost controls

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA or CMA preferred

Tools

Trimble Viewpoint (Vista/Viewpoint)

Excel

Job description

Who: A confidential, well-established civil engineering and infrastructure firm in the Southeast is seeking an experienced Controller with strong construction accounting expertise.

What: Construction Controller responsible for leading all financial and accounting operations across a multi-state civil engineering business.

When: Immediate need due to business expansion.

Where: Metro Atlanta, GA.

Why: Newly created role to support the growth of a new division within the organization.

Office Environment: Primarily in-office with potential for a hybrid schedule over time.

Salary: $150K–$170K base plus bonus, fully paid benefits, and 3 weeks of vacation.

Position Overview:

Our client is seeking a seasoned Controller to oversee financial management and accounting functions for a multi-state civil engineering and construction operation, ensuring accurate reporting, strong internal controls, and alignment with strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and cash management.

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statement preparation in accordance with GAAP.

• Manage the month-end close process ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

• Direct percentage-of-completion revenue recognition and cost-to-complete methodologies.

• Oversee job cost accounting, WIP schedules, over/under billings, and change order tracking.

• Partner with operations and project management teams to improve profitability and cost controls.

• Serve as financial systems owner for Trimble Viewpoint (Vista/Viewpoint), driving reporting accuracy and process improvements.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and support audits, bonding, insurance, and lender reporting requirements.

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning initiatives.

• Develop, mentor, and manage the accounting team while fostering accountability and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA or CMA preferred.

• 7–10+ years of progressive accounting experience with at least 3–5 years in a senior accounting or Controller role.

• Strong civil engineering or heavy construction accounting experience required.

• Demonstrated expertise in percentage-of-completion accounting and WIP reporting.

• Hands-on experience with Trimble Viewpoint (Vista/Viewpoint) required.

• Advanced knowledge of GAAP and strong Excel proficiency.

• Proven leadership, analytical, and cross-functional communication skills.