Strategic Construction Controller: WIP & GAAP Expert

LeoForce; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job description

Experience: Director

Salary: $175,000 - $200,000 per year

Job Details

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the company’s construction accounting operations, including general ledger, month-end close, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Manage revenue recognition in accordance with GAAP and applicable construction accounting standards.
• Oversee job costing and ensure project costs are accurately captured, coded, and reported.
• Prepare and analyze WIP (Work-in-Progress) schedules, including percentage-of-completion calculations, cost-to-complete estimates, gross profit projections, and revenue recognition.
• Partner with Project Managers and Operations to analyze project financial performance, cost variances, change orders, and estimated costs to complete.
• Oversee AIA billings, progress billings, retainage, accounts receivable, and collections.
• Manage and review lien waivers, subcontractor compliance, and other project-related financial documentation.
• Ensure accurate accounting for change orders, commitments, subcontractor costs, labor, materials, and indirect project costs.
• Monitor project margins and identify potential risks, cost overruns, and profitability issues.
• Lead the monthly and year-end close process and ensure timely and accurate financial statements.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls over project accounting, billing, cash management, and financial reporting.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow projections, and financial planning.
• Partner with senior leadership to provide financial analysis and recommendations regarding project and company performance.
• Assist with annual audits, tax compliance, and other external reporting requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting, systems, and controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with significant experience in the construction industry.
• Strong understanding of construction accounting, WIP schedules, percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, and job costing.
• Experience with AIA billing, retainage, lien waivers, subcontractor accounting, and project financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience partnering with Project Managers and operational leadership.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience working with construction ERP/accounting systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to operate as both a strategic financial partner and a hands‑on accounting leader.

A bit about us:

Our client is seeking an experienced Construction Controller to oversee the company’s accounting operations and provide financial leadership across its construction projects. This individual will play a critical role in ensuring accurate job costing, revenue recognition, work-in-progress reporting, project billings, and overall financial reporting.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in construction accounting, a deep understanding of percentage-of-completion accounting and WIP reporting, and preferably hold an active CPA license. This is an opportunity for a hands‑on accounting leader who can partner closely with Project Management, Operations, and Executive Leadership to improve financial visibility and project profitability.

Why join us?

• Make a meaningful impact: Play a key role in the financial success of complex construction projects and directly influence company profitability and growth.
• Leadership & visibility: Partner closely with Project Management, Operations, and Executive Leadership, with a seat at the table in important financial and business decisions.
• Build and improve: Take ownership of accounting processes, reporting, controls, and systems while helping the organization scale.
• Project-driven environment: Work on challenging construction projects where your expertise in WIP, job costing, revenue recognition, and project financials directly matters.
• Career growth: Opportunity to grow into a broader financial leadership role as the company continues to expand.
• Collaborative culture: Work alongside experienced construction and operations professionals who value strong financial partnership.
• Competitive compensation & benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and an overall package designed to attract and retain top talent.

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