Construction Controller

Are you a hands-on accounting leader who enjoys owning the entire financial operation? Our client, a growing construction company in South Jersey, is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee all accounting, payroll, financial reporting, and compliance functions.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a highly visible role, enjoys working directly with ownership, and wants to make a meaningful impact within a successful, expanding business. As the company's accounting leader and a department of one, you'll manage everything from day-to-day accounting to strategic financial reporting while serving as a trusted advisor to leadership.

What You'll Do

Lead the Company's Accounting Function

• Manage the full accounting cycle, including general ledger maintenance, month-end and year-end close, and financial statement preparation.
• Produce timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and all balance sheet accounts.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and collections.

Drive Construction Accounting & Job Costing

• Maintain accurate job costing and monitor project profitability throughout the project lifecycle.
• Track work-in-progress schedules, contract values, retainage, and change orders.
• Review subcontractor invoices and ensure all required compliance documentation is received prior to payment.
• Partner with project managers to provide job cost reporting, budget analysis, and financial insight.

Payroll & Union Reporting

• Process weekly payroll for both office and field employees.
• Prepare Certified Payroll Reports for prevailing wage projects.
• Complete union payroll reporting, fringe benefit filings, and contribution payments accurately and on schedule.
• Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements, prevailing wage requirements, and payroll regulations.
• Reconcile payroll deductions, union benefit payments, and employee earnings records.

Financial Planning & Compliance

• Assist ownership with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, and financial analysis.
• Coordinate annual reviews and tax preparation with the company's outside CPA firm.
• Prepare sales tax filings, annual 1099 reporting, and other required regulatory filings.
• Maintain contractor licenses, insurance documentation, and compliance records.
• Support financial, payroll, workers' compensation, and union-related audits.

Banking & Cash Management

• Monitor daily cash balances and forecast cash flow needs.
• Process ACH payments, wire transfers, deposits, and online banking transactions.
• Maintain banking relationships and help optimize cash management processes.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience within the construction industry
• Strong knowledge of construction accounting, job costing, and work-in-progress (WIP) reporting
• Experience processing Certified Payroll Reports is required
• Hands-on experience with union payroll reporting, fringe benefits, and prevailing wage compliance
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, reconciliations, and general ledger accounting
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to work directly with ownership and operational leadership
• Detail-oriented with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset