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Controller

Motive Companies


Job Location:

Costa Mesa, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 175000 - 250000
Posted: 3 September 2026 (15 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Details:

The Controller is responsible for overseeing accounting financial reporting project accounting internal controls and financial operations for a growing construction organization. This role leads the accounting team while ensuring accurate financial reporting compliance with U.S. GAAP effective project cost management and timely month-end and year-end close processes.
The ideal candidate is a Certified Public Accountant with deep experience in construction accounting Work-in-Progress reporting percentage-of-completion revenue recognition project accounting and Microsoft Dynamics. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment manage multiple competing deadlines and partner effectively with operations and executive leadership.

Details:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Oversee general ledger accounts payable accounts receivable payroll fixed assets cash management and related accounting operations.
  • Prepare and review timely monthly quarterly and annual financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
  • Lead month-end quarter-end and year-end close processes with clear calendars ownership and review controls.
  • Develop document and maintain accounting policies procedures reconciliations and internal controls.
  • Prepare all documentation in a timely manner as requested for annual audits.
Construction & Project Accounting
  • Oversee project accounting across multiple construction projects and legal entities as applicable.
  • Review project budgets job cost reports cost allocations commitments and project profitability analyses.
  • Ensure accurate accounting for change orders retainage subcontractor billings project accruals and estimated costs to complete.
  • Partner with project managers and operations leaders to monitor financial performance and identify project risks.
  • Analyze contract terms and their financial impact throughout the project lifecycle.
Work-in-Progress & Revenue Recognition
  • Prepare and review monthly Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules.
  • Ensure accurate percentage-of-completion revenue recognition and accounting for long-term construction contracts.
  • Analyze contract value costs incurred estimated costs to complete earned revenue billings overbillings and underbillings.
  • Identify and communicate margin erosion forecast deviations loss contracts and other project performance risks.
  • Facilitate disciplined monthly project reviews with operations and project management to maintain reliable forecasts.
Team Leadership & Development
  • Lead mentor and develop accounting personnel including project accounting general accounting accounts payable accounts receivable and payroll resources.
  • Set clear performance expectations assign responsibilities and hold the team accountable for accuracy and deadlines.
  • Balance hands-on execution with effective delegation coaching succession planning and cross-training.
  • Foster a collaborative service-oriented and high-performance culture.
Systems & Process Management
  • Serve as the accounting leader and subject-matter expert for Microsoft Dynamics.
  • Improve ERP utilization financial reporting project controls data integrity and workflow efficiency.
  • Partner with IT and operational stakeholders on system enhancements integrations access controls and automation.
  • Drive continuous improvement while maintaining appropriate documentation and change management.
Compliance & Risk Management
  • Ensure compliance with applicable federal state and local financial reporting requirements.
  • Maintain robust internal controls and support SOX-style documentation and control environments where applicable.
  • Protect company assets and confidential information through effective financial controls and sound professional judgment.
Qualifications
Required
  • Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required.
  • Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance or a related field.
  • Minimum 8 to 10 years of progressive accounting experience including significant construction industry experience.
  • At least 5 years of experience leading and managing accounting teams.
  • Demonstrated expertise in project accounting job costing WIP reporting percentage-of-completion accounting and revenue recognition for long-term contracts.
  • Hands-on experience with Microsoft Dynamics ERP systems.
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial statement preparation.
  • Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial analysis skills.
Preferred
  • Experience with a project-based contractor generating $200 million or more in annual revenue.
  • Experience with multi-entity or multi-location organizations.
  • Familiarity with construction bonding surety requirements and bank covenant reporting.
  • Experience leading accounting process improvements ERP enhancements or system implementations.
Knowledge Skills & Abilities
  • Strong analytical organizational and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Ability to translate complex financial information into clear actionable business insights.
  • Strong leadership coaching communication and team development capabilities.
  • Ability to partner cross-functionally with project management operations executive leadership lenders auditors and sureties.
  • Results-oriented mindset with a consistent focus on accountability continuous improvement and operational excellence.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality exercise sound judgment and remain composed under tight deadlines.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive base salary and annual performance bonus opportunity.
  • Medical dental and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with company match.
  • Paid time off and company holidays.
  • Professional development and CPA continuing education support.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal Controller is a hands-on accounting leader who understands both the financial and operational dimensions of a construction business. This individual brings deep expertise in WIP reporting percentage-of-completion accounting project financial management and Microsoft Dynamics while successfully leading teams in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines and evolving business needs.

Pay: $175000-$250000



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Motive Workforce Solutions is a technical recruiting firm that specializes in project-based placements. Contact our recruiters today.

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