Project Accountant (Project Financial Controller)

About Mendoza Companies

Mendoza Companies is a multi-entity ecosystem of construction, services, and investment businesses operating under The Mendoza Way.

The platform includes High-Light Electric, Inc. (HLE) - a California-based union electrical infrastructure contractor founded in 1996 delivering public works and complex electrical construction across California - along with Mendoza Trust and an international independent contractor workforce.

We partner with Caltrans, municipalities, transit authorities, and infrastructure programs throughout California, with active expansion into Nevada, Arizona, and additional U.S. markets.

Mendoza Companies is guided by Mission 2040: to build a $1 billion business ecosystem connecting 1,000 families and communities through business.

The Role

The Project Accountant serves as the financial operations controller for an assigned Area, supporting multiple concurrent projects. This role ensures structured financial setup, disciplined cost tracking, organized billing, compliant payroll reporting, and reliable cash flow coordination across all active projects.


As Mendoza Companies transitions from a family-operated construction company into a structured, multi-business-unit organization under Mission 2040, strong financial systems are essential to scalability. The Project Accountant plays a key role in installing and maintaining those systems-protecting margin, compliance, and liquidity while supporting operational execution.


This role will work in close coordination with the incoming Director of Construction Finance and will help establish structured financial operating procedures during this growth phase. As financial leadership infrastructure expands, collaboration rhythms and submission workflows may evolve.


This is not a clerical role. It is a structured accounting position embedded within operations, responsible for financial accuracy, documentation control, and organized reporting throughout the project lifecycle.


What You'll Do

• Enter project budgets and load cost codes based on estimating data.

• Maintain accurate job cost records across multiple projects.

• Issue purchase orders after PM approval and assign proper cost codes.

• Enter approved change orders and validate calculations.

• Prepare and submit contract-compliant billing packages and compile billing documentation.

• Monitor outstanding billings and support collection follow-up.

• Assist in preparation and coordination of stop notices and mechanic's lien documentation under the direction of the Director of Construction Finance or Executive leadership.

• Process vendor and subcontractor invoices.

• Prepare weekly accounts payable check run packages.

• Verify compliance status prior to payment inclusion.

• Coordinate subcontractor lien releases.

• Review certified payroll and subcontractor compliance documentation.

• Support union dispatch coordination as needed.

• Prepare monthly WIP draft support data.

• Identify and communicate early cost variances.

• Maintain audit-ready financial documentation.

• Participate in Area financial review meetings.

• Attend quarterly workshops, leadership sessions, and training initiatives.

• Serve as financial recorder and Secretary, as needed, in Area DML10 meetings

What We're Looking For

Required:

• Minimum 3-5 years in construction accounting or project financial administration.
• Direct involvement in job cost systems and cost code management.
• Experience supporting or preparing Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules.
• Exposure to billing cycles, lien documentation, and certified payroll processes.
• Minimum Qualification Requirement (One of the Following Required):
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

OR

• Recognized accounting certification demonstrating formal training in accounting principles (see below)

Professional Certifications (Acceptable in lieu of Degree):

• Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - active or in progress
• Accredited Accounting Certificate (community college or university-based)
• Construction Accounting Certificate Program
• Prevailing Wage / Public Works Compliance Certification (paired with accounting coursework)
• Experience alone does not qualify for this position.

What We Offer

We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) program
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Performance-based bonus eligibility
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to be structured, efficient, and focused on mutual fit.

• Application and screening questionnaire
• 10-15 minute structured pre-screen interview using an AI-supported assessment tool
• Initial HR screening interview
• Leadership panel interview (may include in-person sessions depending on scheduling)

AI tools are used to support consistency, structure, and efficiency in early-stage evaluations and are regularly reviewed to ensure fairness and compliance.

Qualified candidates can expect a timely and transparent process.

Pre-employment screening, reference checks, and verification of credentials are required prior to offer.

Equal Employment Opportunity

HLE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.