Sector/Divisional Controller - Transportation & Public Works

LJA; Katy (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off

Comprehensive health benefits

Paid maternity and parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Community volunteer days

Professional development membership

Job summary

LJA is seeking a Sector/Divisional Controller for the Transportation & Public Works portions of the business. The role focuses on accounting oversight of large projects while collaborating with sector leaders and project managers.

This position requires a minimum of 10 years of accounting experience and a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, along with strong leadership capabilities. Excellent benefits and a fun company culture are offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience with leadership roles.
• Experience in project-based accounting within AEC or professional services.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day project accounting operations.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial statements preparation.
• Oversee accounting for complex engineering projects.

Skills

Project-based accounting

Strong communication skills

Leadership and team development

U.S. GAAP knowledge

Advanced proficiency in Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA preferred

Tools

ERP systems (BST, UNANET, Deltek, Microsoft Dynamics 365)

Job description

Position Overview

As the Sector/Divisional Controller – Transportation & Public Works, you will be responsible for overseeing all project accounting across a portfolio of transportation and public works civil engineering projects within a ~$800 million organization. This role acts as a key business partner to sector operational leadership, project managers, and corporate finance overseeing approximately $200M-$250M in annual revenue. Reporting to the Corporate Controller, this role is responsible for the integrity of sector financial reporting, month‑end close activities, project accounting oversight, billing and collections coordination, balance‑sheet reconciliations, internal controls, and compliance with company policies and U.S. GAAP. The Sector/Divisional Controller will help drive consistency, visibility, and financial discipline across a multi‑state AEC operating environment while developing a high‑performing accounting team.

Typical Day

• Lead day‑to‑day project accounting operations for the Transportation and Public Works sectors, including month‑end close, account reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Partner with sector leaders and project managers to monitor project performance, including backlog, work in process, unbilled receivables, write‑offs, change orders, and cost overruns.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of sector‑level financial statements, management reports, variance analyses, and other decision‑support reporting for the Corporate Controller and business leadership.
• Oversee accounting for complex, multi‑phase engineering projects, including contract modifications and milestone billing.
• Lead or support integration of newly acquired subsidiaries, including alignment of accounting practices and procedures.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and standard operating procedures to support compliance, consistency, and scalability across multiple states and operating units.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules, responding to requests, and ensuring documentation is complete and accurate.
• Collaborate with tax, payroll, AP, AR, and corporate accounting teams on cross‑functional issues, including intercompany activity, allocations, and process improvements.
• Coach, develop, and review the work of 10‑15 project accountants and accounting staff supporting the Transportation and Public Works sectors.
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting, data quality, automation, and workflow efficiency within the accounting function.
• Perform other accounting leadership duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Education, Licensure, Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• CPA strongly preferred.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibility in a controller, assistant controller, accounting manager, or similar role.
• Experience in the architecture, engineering, consulting, construction, or broader professional services environment, with strong understanding of project‑based accounting.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing multi‑entity or multi‑state accounting operations and applying sound internal control practices.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, account reconciliations, audit support, and compliance requirements.
• Deep understanding of project lifecycle accounting, including revenue recognition, billing, collections, backlog, work in process, and project profitability analysis.
• Ability to translate financial data into actionable insights for operational leaders and executive stakeholders.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities, with strong communication and cross‑functional partnership skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with ERP and project accounting systems used in the AEC or professional services industry.
• Preferred systems experience includes BST, UNANET, Deltek, Microsoft Dynamics 365, or similar ERP and project accounting platforms used in the AEC industry.

Benefits

• Generous time off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Comprehensive benefits: multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets, along with mental health support.
• Family support: paid maternity and parental leave to help you focus on what matters most.
• Education support: tuition reimbursement and in‑house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.
• Referral bonuses: get rewarded for helping us grow.
• Community impact: company‑sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
• Professional development: membership to industry organizations to keep you connected and growing.
• Career growth: great internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.
• Fun culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, etc.