Director of Finance & Accounting (Construction Controller)

Able Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Paid vacation, sick leave, and public/

Job summary

Able Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in San Diego seeks a hands-on Director of Finance & Accounting (Construction Controller) to lead our accounting, HR administration, payroll, union reporting, and labor compliance.

This role blends construction accounting leadership with strategic financial planning, forecasting, and business analytics, partnering with executives to drive profitability and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• CPA or advanced financial credentials with accounting degree.
• Construction firm experience with $20M–$75M revenue.
• Experience with federal and CA public works contracts.
• 7–10 years progressive accounting & financial management.
• Experience overseeing payroll, union reporting & labor compliance.
• Strong knowledge of financial statements, budgeting, forecasting & cash flow.
• Construction accounting: job costing, WIP, revenue recognition.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop accounting and administrative personnel.
• Oversee all accounting and financial operations.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Develop budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Oversee payroll, union reporting and labor compliance.
• Collaborate with operations on financial performance.
• Maintain banking relations for bonding and surety.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Integrity

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA certification

Advanced financial management credentials

Job description

We are seeking a hands-on, analytical, and experienced Director of Finance & Accounting (Construction Controller) to lead our accounting and financial operations while overseeing human resources administration, payroll, union reporting, and labor compliance.

This position combines the responsibilities of a traditional Construction Controller with higher-level financial management, forecasting, cash flow planning, and strategic business analysis.

The ideal candidate is more than an accounting manager. We are looking for a financial leader who understands how construction businesses operate, can translate financial information into actionable recommendations, and serves as a trusted advisor to executive management.

Equally important, this individual must be a strong leader who embraces our core values, develops employees, promotes accountability, and contributes positively to our company culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve, Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop accounting and administrative personnel.
• Establish clear responsibilities, performance expectations, and accountability throughout the department.
• Promote a positive workplace culture built around Leading with Respect and Able's core values.
• Encourage teamwork, open communication, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and financial reconciliations.
• Coordinate with outside CPAs on annual financial reviews, tax preparation, and other financial matters.
• Improve financial reporting efficiency, accuracy, and accountability.
• Cross-train personnel and establish processes that ensure continuity of accounting operations.

2. Executive Leadership & Business Development

• Serve as a trusted financial advisor to the President and executive management team.
• Demonstrate and promote Able's philosophy of Leading with Respect in all leadership and management activities by championing the company's core values.
• Provide financial insight and analysis to support business development, estimating, and operational decisions.
• Develop financial dashboards and key performance indicators.
• Evaluate profitability by project, department, and business segment.
• Support financial planning associated with leadership succession and company growth.
• Collaborate with operations, estimating, and business development to improve financial performance.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen company operations, financial performance, and organizational effectiveness.

3. Financial Management & Strategic Planning

• Oversee all accounting and financial operations.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Develop annual budgets, financial forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Monitor company profitability, overhead, working capital, and financial performance.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to executive management.
• Evaluate financial risks, business opportunities, and capital expenditures.
• Support long-term financial planning and corporate growth initiatives.
• Maintain banking relationships and coordinate financial reporting for bonding and surety requirements.
• Oversee job costing and project financial reporting for HVAC subcontracting and general contracting operations.
• Prepare and analyze monthly Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules.
• Work closely with project managers to identify cost overruns, profit fade, and financial risks.
• Oversee construction billing, retainage, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.
• Ensure accurate labor cost allocations and project accounting.

5. Payroll, Certified Payroll, Union Reporting & Labor Compliance

• Direct and oversee all payroll operations for office, field, and shop employees.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of weekly payroll, including regular wages, overtime, deductions, and fringe benefits.
• Oversee preparation, verification, and submission of certified payroll reports for California prevailing wage and federal Davis-Bacon projects.
• Oversee union payroll reporting, fringe benefit contributions, remittances, and reconciliations in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Oversee labor compliance documentation, recordkeeping, reporting, and audit preparation.
• Coordinate responses to labor compliance inquiries, payroll audits, and requests from government agencies, general contractors, and union benefit administrators.
• Maintain effective internal controls to ensure payroll accuracy, timely reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Supervise and train payroll and accounting personnel responsible for these functions.

6. Human Resources Administration

• Oversee HR administration, including onboarding, offboarding, employee records, and benefits administration.
• Coordinate, administer, and maintain Able’s business insurance and employee benefit programs, including policy renewals, coverage compliance, administration, and relationships with insurance brokers and providers.
• Maintain employee handbook policies and HR procedures.

Required Qualifications

• CPA certification or advanced financial management credentials including Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience in a construction company with $20 million–$75 million in annual revenue.
• Experience with federal and California public works construction contracts.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing accounting operations and supervising accounting personnel.Strong knowledge of financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Experience with construction accounting, job costing, WIP reporting, and revenue recognition.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing payroll, certified payroll, union reporting, and construction labor compliance.
• Strong analytical, organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional accountability.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• Leads with Respect: Treats employees fairly, listens actively, communicates openly, and promotes mutual respect.
• Develops People: Invests in training, mentorship, accountability, and opportunities for employee success.
• Thinks Beyond Accounting: Understands the financial implications of business decisions.
• Is Hands-On: Comfortable managing people while working directly with financial information.
• Is a Problem Solver: Investigates issues, identifies root causes, and develops practical solutions.
• Has an Ownership Mentality: Takes responsibility and follows through.Communicates Effectively: Can explain complex financial information to project managers and executives.
• Is Adaptable: Thrives in a small-business environment where responsibilities overlap.
• Is Forward-Thinking: Helps management anticipate challenges rather than simply report past results.
• Annual Salary: $160,000–$200,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Medical and dental insurance.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.