Hands-On Construction Controller | Lead Finance & Costing

Brilliant®; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Brilliant is seeking a hands-on, tactical Controller to lead the accounting function for a growing construction organization in Chicago. The role supports union labor and a fast-paced, job-cost‑driven environment, partnering with executive leadership to strengthen reporting and processes.

The Controller will oversee day-to-day accounting operations, develop the accounting team, and drive improvements in controls, workflows, and cost management to sustain growth and profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Construction accounting experience required.
• Strong knowledge of job costing, WIP accounting, and percentage-of-completion revenue recognition.
• Experience with union labor accounting and payroll requirements.
• CPA or CMA preferred.
• Experience with construction accounting systems such as Sage, Viewpoint, Foundation, or similar preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, financial reporting, and close.
• Manage job costing, WIP schedules, percentage-of-completion accounting, and revenue recognition.
• Monitor project profitability, labor allocations, subcontractor costs, and margins.
• Oversee union payroll, benefits, certified payroll, prevailing wage, and related compliance.
• Prepare financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow reporting.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team.
• Improve controls, workflows, systems, and scalable accounting processes.
• Partner with leadership on business planning, project performance, and cost controls.
• Support audits, banking relationships, and bonding requirements.

Skills

Job costing

WIP accounting

Percent-of-completion

Payroll compliance

Leadership

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Sage

Viewpoint

Foundation

Job description

Brilliant is seeking a hands-on, tactical Controller to lead the accounting function for a growing construction organization in Chicago. The role supports union labor and a fast-paced, job-cost‑driven environment, partnering with executive leadership to strengthen reporting and processes.

The Controller will oversee day-to-day accounting operations, develop the accounting team, and drive improvements in controls, workflows, and cost management to sustain growth and profitability.