Controller (Rochester, NY)

Livingston Associates; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Life insurance

Long-term disability support

Job summary

Livingston Associates is looking for a Senior Construction Controller to lead the financial function of a multi-division general contractor based in Rochester, NY. This role involves managing month-end close, job cost reporting, and banking relationships. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in commercial construction accounting, including WIP reporting and internal controls. Compensation includes a salary range of $115K to $140K plus benefits and bonuses, along with a clear path for growth towards a CFO role.

Qualifications

• Eight or more years of progressive accounting experience.
• At least five years in commercial construction.
• Demonstrated mastery under ASC 606.
• Experience with multi-entity or multi-division accounting.

Responsibilities

• Lead month-end close and financial reporting.
• Manage WIP and job cost analysis.
• Oversee cash forecasting and internal controls.
• Partner with the company President and COO.

Skills

Accounting experience

WIP reporting

Job cost analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field

Tools

Construction-focused accounting software

Job description

One of our clients, a multi‑division commercial general contractor seeks a senior construction Controller to lead the financial function and grow with the company.

Reports To

Owner / President

Location

Rochester, NY Area

Type

Full‑Time, Exempt

Salary Range

$110K – $140K base

About the Company

Our client is an established, fast‑growing commercial general contractor headquartered in the Rochester, New York area. The company operates across multiple service lines including general construction and direct labor trades, with each department running its own profit and loss statement. Annual revenue is in the mid‑eight‑figure range and has grown substantially under current ownership, with that growth funded entirely through operations rather than debt.

The company is technology‑forward, running a modern, well‑integrated tech stack across project management, accounting, AP automation, and expense management. The team is investing seriously in the financial function, and the incoming Controller will serve as the senior‑most financial leader in the organization, reporting directly to the owner.

Culture is people‑first and accountability‑driven. The owner is committed, accessible, and focused on building an organization that scales without losing the culture.

The Opportunity

This is not a maintenance role. Our client is looking for a senior construction Controller who wants to own the full financial function of a multi‑division contractor and shape it into something best‑in‑class. You will lead month‑end close, WIP and job cost reporting, cash forecasting, surety and banking relationships, internal controls, and the financial dashboards leadership uses to run the business.

You will partner directly with the company President and the Chief Operating Officer. A dedicated AR/AP team member will report to you. As the senior‑most finance leader in the company, you will own the function end‑to‑end with the authority and autonomy that comes with that responsibility.

What You Bring – Required

• Eight or more years of progressive accounting experience, with at least five of those years in commercial construction at a controller, assistant controller, or senior accountant level.
• Demonstrated mastery of WIP reporting, percentage‑of‑completion accounting under ASC 606, and job cost analysis.
• Experience producing financials for a multi‑entity or multi‑division contractor with separate P&Ls.
• Working knowledge of construction‑focused accounting software and comfort operating in modern construction project management platforms.
• Track record of partnering directly with surety agents, commercial bankers, and outside CPAs without intermediaries.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Self‑directed and able to operate as the senior‑most finance professional in the organization, reporting directly to the owner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; you can explain financial concepts to a project manager and a banker with equal clarity.

Sets You Apart

• CCIFP (Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional) or active CPA license.
• Experience with both general contracting and self‑perform divisions.
• Hands‑on experience leading an ERP evaluation or migration.
• Prior experience operating as the senior finance leader in a sub‑$50M contractor.

What You Can Expect

Compensation. Base salary range of $115,000 to $140,000 depending on experience, plus performance bonus eligibility tied to financial reporting accuracy, timeliness, and key initiative delivery. Total target compensation reaches the $120,000 to $160,000 range for the right candidate.

Benefits. Comprehensive medical coverage, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, paid holidays, life insurance, and long‑term disability. Continuing education and professional certification support including CCIFP exam prep and renewal.

Growth

A real path. The company's strategic plan calls for a CFO seat as it approaches a substantially larger revenue level and expands geographically. The Controller who builds this function the right way is the natural candidate for that seat.

Financial foundation

The company is debt‑free, profitable across all departments, pays its commitments within terms, and has never drawn on its line of credit. You will inherit a clean balance sheet to build on, not to repair.

Tools and Support

An owner who is committed to giving you the resources and authority to build the function right.

Culture

A people‑first company that treats kindness and accountability as compatible, not opposing, values. The team moves fast, tells the truth, and celebrates the wins.

Position Status

This is a full‑time position.