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