Controller-Mechanical Construction

Kimmel & Associates; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Company holidays

Job summary

Kimmel & Associates Inc. seeks an experienced Controller to lead all accounting and financial operations for a multi-state construction environment. This hands-on role partners with the CEO to strengthen controls, drive accurate reporting, and guide strategic financial decisions.

The successful candidate will manage month-end close, WIP, job costing, and payroll while mentoring the accounting team and collaborating with external auditors and banks. A construction-focused background is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
• 5+ years in Controller or Assistant Controller roles within commercial construction or specialty contractor.
• Strong GAAP knowledge and construction accounting/reporting experience.
• Experience with WIP schedules, percentage-of-completion, ASC 606, and construction job costing.
• Experience overseeing multi-state payroll and certified payroll compliance.
• Knowledge of construction insurance programs (OCIP/CCIP) and benefits administration.
• Experience managing 401(k) administration and incentive programs.
• Familiarity with surety/banking relationships, audits, and external reporting.
• Experience implementing internal controls and improving accounting processes.
• Strong leadership to manage and develop accounting teams.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with construction accounting software (Sage 300 CRE or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations including general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, and project accounting.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes and GAAP compliance.
• Direct WIP reporting, percentage-of-completion accounting, and ASC 606 revenue recognition.
• Oversee project-level financial reporting, job costing, cost analysis, and contract performance.
• Maintain relationships with banks, surety providers, external auditors, and other financial partners.
• Manage multi-state payroll operations including certified payroll compliance.
• Oversee employee benefits administration and 401(k) plan coordination.
• Manage insurance programs (workers' comp, GL, OCIP/CCIP) and related requirements.
• Administer bonus and incentive compensation programs.
• Identify opportunities for R&D tax credits and Section 179D deductions.
• Develop and maintain internal controls, procedures, and financial reporting standards.
• Lead and develop the accounting team while supporting daily operations.
• Partner with CEO and operations leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve reporting visibility.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Construction accounting

Team leadership

Financial reporting

WIP reporting

Job costing

ASC 606

Internal controls

Multi-state payroll

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Sage 300 CRE

Job description

About the Company

Our client is an established commercial mechanical contractor specializing in large-scale HVAC projects across the United States. The company has built its reputation on delivering complex mechanical solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, operational efficiency, and customer relationships.

With a growing nationwide project portfolio and a hands-on leadership team, the organization offers an opportunity to join a business where financial leadership plays a direct role in operational performance and long-term growth.

About the Position

Our client is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee all accounting and financial operations while serving as a key business partner to the CEO. This is a hands-on, player-coach leadership position responsible for managing the company's accounting functions, strengthening financial controls, and ensuring accurate financial reporting across a multi-state construction operation.

The Controller will oversee month-end and year-end close processes, work-in-progress reporting, percentage-of-completion accounting, job costing, payroll, benefits administration, and financial compliance. In addition to providing strategic financial guidance, this individual will lead and work alongside the accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and project accounting teams.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in commercial construction or specialty contracting, a thorough understanding of construction accounting, and the ability to balance strategic oversight with day-to-day financial management.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and project accounting.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes while ensuring compliance with GAAP.
• Direct work-in-progress (WIP) reporting, percentage-of-completion accounting, and ASC 606 revenue recognition.
• Oversee project-level financial reporting, job costing, cost analysis, and contract performance monitoring.
• Maintain strong relationships with banks, surety providers, external auditors, and other financial partners.
• Manage in-house, multi-state payroll operations, including certified payroll requirements and related compliance.
• Oversee employee benefits administration, 401(k) plan coordination, and relationships with third-party administrators.
• Manage company insurance programs, including workers' compensation, general liability, and OCIP/CCIP requirements.
• Administer employee bonus and incentive compensation programs.
• Identify opportunities to maximize financial benefits through available R&D tax credits and Section 179D deductions.
• Develop, implement, and maintain effective internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial reporting standards.
• Lead, mentor, and support the accounting team while remaining actively involved in daily operations.
• Partner with the CEO and operational leadership to provide financial analysis, budgeting support, forecasting, and recommendations that improve business performance.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, improve reporting accuracy, and strengthen financial visibility across the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
• Minimum of 5 years in a Controller or Assistant Controller position within a commercial construction company or specialty trade contractor.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, construction accounting, and financial reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with WIP schedules, percentage-of-completion accounting, ASC 606, and construction job costing.
• Experience overseeing multi-state payroll operations and certified payroll compliance.
• Knowledge of construction insurance programs, including OCIP and CCIP, preferred.
• Experience managing 401(k) administration, employee benefits, and incentive compensation programs.
• Familiarity with surety and banking relationships, financial audits, and external reporting requirements.
• Understanding of R&D tax credits and Section 179D deductions is preferred.
• Experience implementing internal controls and improving accounting processes.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage, develop, and work alongside an accounting team.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with Sage 300 CRE or comparable construction accounting software preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, which may include:

• Annual base salary of $120,000–$150,000, depending on experience.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Additional benefits and compensation opportunities.
• Direct access to executive leadership and the opportunity to influence financial and operational strategy.
• Long-term career growth within an established commercial mechanical contracting organization.