Controller (Construction)

Elevate Recruiting; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Elevate Recruiting is seeking a Chartered Controller to lead accounting and financial controls for a large construction operating division in California. This high-visibility role partners with executive management and operations, driving strategic and hands-on finance leadership.

The successful candidate will oversee WIP reporting, percentage-of-completion accounting, revenue recognition, project forecasting, and robust internal controls while ensuring SOX compliance and external audit

Qualifications

• Deep construction accounting knowledge required.
• Experience with GAAP and internal controls.
• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting and controllership activities for the business unit and mentor the finance team.
• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes with GAAP-compliant reporting.
• Provide financial analysis, explain performance, trends, variances and changes in position.
• Oversee financial reporting and consolidation with corporate.
• Manage cash, forecasting, collections and disbursements.

Skills

WIP reporting

Percentage-of-completion

Revenue recognition

Internal controls

GAAP

SOX compliance

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Job description

A leading, well-established commercial construction organization is seeking an accomplished Controller to lead accounting and financial controls for a large and growing operating division.

This is a highly visible leadership role with significant exposure to executive management and operations. The Controller will oversee the accounting function, lead and develop a high finance team, and serve as a key business partner to operational leadership.

The ideal candidate brings deep construction accounting expertise, including WIP reporting, percentage-of-completion accounting, revenue recognition, project forecasting, and internal controls, along with the ability to operate both strategically and hands-on.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting and controllership activities for the business unit while developing and mentoring a high-performing finance and accounting team.
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting in accordance with GAAP.
• Prepare and communicate meaningful financial analysis, including explanations of business performance, trends, variances, and changes in financial position.
• Oversee financial reporting and consolidation requirements with the broader corporate organization.
• Manage cash and banking activities, including cash forecasting, collections, and disbursements.
• Oversee construction revenue recognition and ensure WIP schedules, percentage-of-completion calculations, project profitability, and operational forecasts are accurate and aligned.
• Maintain a strong internal-control environment and ensure compliance with SOX and public-company reporting requirements.
• Serve as a key point of contact for external auditors and lead the accounting organization through quarterly and annual audit activities.
• Maintain strong technical accounting knowledge, particularly around construction revenue recognition, change orders, claims, and other relevant GAAP matters.
• Partner closely with operational and executive leadership to provide financial insight and recommendations that improve profitability, cash flow, forecasting, and overall business performance.
• Identify opportunities to automate accounting processes, improve reporting, strengthen controls, and increase productivity across the finance organization.
• Lead financial process improvements and other strategic or ad hoc initiatives as the business continues to grow.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA strongly preferred, but not required.
• Significant progressive accounting and finance leadership experience within the construction industry.
• Deep understanding of construction accounting, including: WIP reporting; Percentage-of-completion accounting
• Experience supporting or partnering closely with construction operations.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, audit requirements, and SOX compliance.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, complex environment with multiple projects, changing priorities, and high expectations.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented leadership style with a track record of improving processes and driving change.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an excellent opportunity for a construction finance leader who wants to take ownership of a substantial business unit while remaining close to both the financial and operational sides of the organization. The role offers the opportunity to influence business decisions, develop a strong accounting team, improve processes and controls, and support complex, high-profile construction projects throughout California.

The organization offers the stability and resources of a well-established industry leader while maintaining an entrepreneurial, operationally focused environment where the Controller can make a meaningful impact.