Controller (Construction) in Los Angeles

Energy Jobline ZR; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

401(k) plan

Unlimited PTO

Career growth

Job summary

Savage Search Associates is seeking a hands-on Controller for a growing construction company in Los Angeles. You will lead monthly close, manage job costing, and partner with executives to align financial strategy with operations.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of progressive accounting experience in residential construction, strong experience with QuickBooks Online, Buildertrend, and Excel, and a track record of improving processes and controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Construction accounting experience required.
• Strong knowledge of construction job costing, project cost tracking, financial reporting, and accounting operations.
• Experience preparing financial statements and managing close processes.
• Cash management, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Google Sheets.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead with leadership and operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes and financial reporting.
• Manage construction accounting activities: job costing, project expenses, billing, and WIP reporting.
• Lead and mentor Finance Coordinator and accounting team to ensure accuracy and timely work.
• Oversee banking, cash flow forecasting, and working capital planning.
• Improve accounting systems and reporting capabilities; explore automation and efficiency gains.

Skills

Construction accounting

Job costing

Financial reporting

Cash management

Excel

Google Sheets

Google Workspace

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Buildertrend

Google Sheets

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Controller | Construction Industry

Salary: $150,000 - $170,000+ Annually, Depending on Experience

About the Opportunity

We are partnering with a growing construction company seeking an experienced, hands‑on Controller to lead and strengthen its accounting and financial operations. This newly created position offers an opportunity to work closely with executive leadership, operations, and project management while helping establish the financial structure and processes needed to support continued growth.

The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in construction accounting, financial reporting, job costing, and cash management, along with the ability to improve existing processes and develop new ones.

This position is well‑suited for a Controller or experienced accounting leader who enjoys being involved in the day‑to‑day details while also contributing to broader financial planning and business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports.
• Develop meaningful financial reports and reporting packages for executive leadership.
• Establish and strengthen accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Improve the efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness of the financial close process.
• Maintain general ledger accuracy, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Partner with leadership on budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and variance analysis.
• Coordinate with outside CPAs on year‑end reporting, tax preparation, and related financial matters.
• Take ownership of internal accounting operations to reduce dependence on outside accounting support.

Construction Accounting & Project Financial Management

• Oversee construction accounting activities, including job costing, project expenses, billing, and work‑in‑progress (WIP) reporting.
• Monitor project profitability, budgets, cost controls, and financial performance.
• Work closely with Project Managers to review project costs, forecasts, billing, and budget variances.
• Ensure accurate accounting for construction‑related expenses, change orders, accruals, and revenue recognition.
• Develop and improve project cost tracking and financial reporting processes.
• Provide leadership with greater visibility into project performance and overall profitability.

Accounting Leadership & Team Oversight

• Supervise and support the Finance Coordinator responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, daily transactions, and routine accounting activities.
• Provide guidance, training, and oversight to ensure accuracy, accountability, and timely completion of accounting responsibilities.
• Establish efficient workflows and processes to support a growing business.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, operations, and project management on financial and operational matters.
• Remain actively involved in day‑to‑day accounting responsibilities as needed.

Cash Management, Banking & Compliance

• Oversee banking activities, account reconciliations, and cash management.
• Prepare cash flow forecasts and support working capital planning.
• Coordinate annual business insurance renewals and related administrative requirements.
• Maintain contractor licenses, business registrations, and applicable regulatory compliance.
• Support outside CPA requests, audits, and financial reviews.
• Maintain confidentiality and appropriate controls over financial and employee information.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Improve accounting systems, reporting capabilities, and financial processes.
• Utilize QuickBooks Online and Google Workspace/Google Sheets for accounting and financial reporting.
• Work with Buildertrend and other construction‑related systems to strengthen project financial reporting.
• Partner with leadership to evaluate technology solutions and opportunities for automation.
• Develop scalable accounting processes and reporting tools to support future growth.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Construction industry accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of construction job costing, project cost tracking, financial reporting, and accounting operations.
• Experience preparing financial statements and managing accounting close processes.
• Working knowledge of cash management, account reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Google Sheets.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership, and collaborate effectively with leadership and operations.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Residential construction accounting experience strongly .
• Experience working with small to mid‑sized construction companies.
• Previous experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or in a comparable senior accounting role.
• Experience establishing or improving accounting processes, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Strong QuickBooks Online experience.
• Experience with Buildertrend or similar construction management software.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• CPA designation is a plus but not required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $150,000 to $170,000, with flexibility for highly qualified candidates, particularly those with a CPA designation.
• Medical, Dental & Vision: Multiple medical plan options, with the company currently covering approximately 75% of premiums for employees and dependents.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan.
• Paid Time Off: Unlimited PTO.
• Career Growth: Opportunity for expanded financial leadership responsibilities as the company continues to grow.

Benefit offerings are subject to plan terms and may change during renewal periods.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing construction company. Rather than stepping into a fully established accounting department, you will have the ability to shape processes, strengthen financial reporting, and help build the foundation for continued success.

You will work directly with company leadership, have visibility into business operations, and play an important role in improving financial performance and decision‑making.

For a hands‑on accounting professional who enjoys building, improving, and taking ownership, this position offers both immediate responsibility and potential long‑term career advancement.

Company Description

Savage Search Associates is a full service, family‑owned recruitment firm supporting Executive Search, Management, Human Resources, Accounting & Finance, Sales & Marketing, Operations, Construction Management, and Administrative search projects.

Company DescriptionSavage Search Associates is a full service, family‑owned recruitment firm supporting Executive Search, Management, Human Resources, Accounting & Finance, Sales & Marketing, Operations, Construction Management, and Administrative search projects.