Controller - Construction

Australia-Employment; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

6% 401(k) Company Match

Employee Equity/Ownership Potential

50 pre-approved WFH days/year

Job summary

Jobot in Irvine, CA is seeking a Controller for a construction-focused role to lead accounting operations and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting across two units. The position bridges controllership across two legacy divisions into a unified function, reporting to the Unit President.

The role requires strong WIP expertise, AIA billings experience, and hands-on leadership of a 5-6 person team. On-site work with competitive compensation and benefits is offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial construction accounting (subcontractor or GC background preferred).
• Advanced knowledge of WIP calculations and revenue recognition.
• Experience with AIA billings (G702/G703) and GL management.
• CPA certification or public accounting audit experience is a strong plus but not required if construction accounting is robust.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting functions, monthly close, GL reconciliations, and financial reporting across two divisions.
• Expertise in WIP schedules and percentage-of-completion revenue recognition.
• Oversee billings, collections, and vendor payments ensuring compliance with client requirements.
• Drive monthly financial reviews, budget-to-actual variances, and cash flow forecasting for unit leadership.

Skills

WIP calculations

Revenue recognition

Staff management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA certification (strong plus)

Tools

Sage/Timberline

Viewpoint

Penta

Job description

Controller - Construction

$120000 - $170000 per year | Irvine, CA | On-site | Permanent

Construction Project Accounting Controller for a Subcontractor

A bit about us:

Company Overview

Our client is a well-established leader in specialty subcontracting. Guided by respect, integrity, growth, honesty, and teamwork, they are deeply committed to delivering unmatched quality and expertise. Employees thrive in a strong team environment supported by competitive pay and benefits.

Position Overview

We are looking for a Controller to lead accounting operations and drive accurate, timely financial reporting across the construction business. Reporting directly to the Business Unit President, this unique role is responsible for bridging controllership into a unified function supporting two legacy independent businesses combining into one.

This is an in-person, onsite position based out of the Irvine office, requiring active cross-departmental collaboration and strong alignment with field operations.

Why join us?

Reports To: Unit President

Direct Reports: 5-6 Accounting & Administrative Staff (AP, AR, Payroll, Reception)

• Base Salary: $140,000 - $150,000 / year
• Bonus: Discretionary Annual Performance Bonus (Driven by business unit profitability)
• Benefits: Health Insurance, 6% 401(k) Company Match, and Employee Equity/Ownership Potential (Eligible after 1 year upon board recommendation)
• 50 pre-approved WFH days/year, and long-term equity/ownership potential

Job Details

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & WIP Accounting

• Manage all day-to-day accounting functions, monthly close procedures, GL reconciliations, and financial reporting across two operating divisions.
• Expertise in Work-In-Progress (WIP) schedules and percentage-of-completion revenue recognition.
• Oversee billings (AIA G702/G703), collections, and vendor payment workflows, ensuring strict compliance with complex client requirements (including large healthcare providers).
• Drive monthly financial reviews, budget-to-actual variances, and cash flow forecasting for unit leadership.

Team Management & Operations

• Direct, mentor, and manage a team of 5-6 staff members covering AP, AR, Payroll, and administrative office functions.
• Partner directly with the Unit President, Project Managers, and Vice Presidents on job costing, vendor management, and financial risk mitigation.
• Manage general office financial administration needs as they arise.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Employment Status: Must be currently employed (or recently relocated with a clear career transition narrative).
• Industry Experience: Strong foundation in commercial construction accounting (subcontractor or GC background strongly preferred).
• Accounting Expertise: Advanced knowledge of WIP calculations, revenue recognition, standard AIA billings, and GL management.
• Education & Credentials: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. CPA certification or public accounting audit experience (particularly in construction) is a strong plus, but not required if construction accounting experience is robust.
• Software Skills: Experience with industry-standard construction ERPs (Sage/Timberline, Viewpoint, or Penta).
• Communication & Presence: High-energy team player capable of managing staff and maintaining strong relationships with executive management, project teams, and strict commercial clients.

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.