Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Jennie Joiner with The Forum Group PNW is conducting a search for a hands-on Controller for a growing, construction company. The company several locations across the Pacific Northwest. This is a chance to step into a newly combined organization that is investing in its finance function, build process from the ground up, and grow with the company, with a possible path to Corporate Controller.

Location: You can be based near the company's locations in Richland, WA (Tri-Cities), Quincy, WA, or Rathdrum, ID. The role is hybrid, onsite one week each month to drive the close, so candidates who live farther away and are comfortable traveling for that week will also be considered.

Top Priorities

1. Construction industry experience, including work in progress (WIP) and percentage of completion (POC). Strong manufacturing candidates with WIP and POC experience will be considered.
2. Hands-on monthly close experience. You have personally prepared and completed the close, not just overseen it.
3. Operational, in-industry accounting experience. This is not a fit for someone coming straight from public accounting.
4. Union payroll knowledge is ideal. Nonunion construction payroll experience will also be considered.

What You'll Do

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close, including the close calendar and timeline, and work onsite with the accounting team through each close
• Prepare journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations, and deliver GAAP-compliant financial statements
• Own WIP accounting, percentage of completion revenue recognition under ASC 606, cost to complete, over and under billings, retainage, and change orders
• Partner with project managers and operations to validate job costs and review project margins against budget
• Manage intercompany accounting, along with the fixed asset and equipment ledgers
• Serve as the primary contact for the external audit and coordinate with outside tax advisors
• Handle sales and use tax, business licensing, and support for union, workers' compensation, benefit plan, and prevailing wage audits
• Support FP&A with lender compliance reporting
• Build and document the control environment, accounting procedures, and SOPs
• Help align the chart of accounts and represent accounting on future system and ERP decisions
• Lead and develop a team of three (AP, payroll, and AR), with the team expected to grow over time

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. A CPA is preferred, and a strong, experienced candidate with an MBA will also be considered.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including time as a Controller or Assistant Controller
• Construction or project-based accounting experience, including WIP, POC, retainage, and job costing
• Experience owning a monthly close from start to finish
• Experience across multiple entities, including intercompany and consolidation
• Familiarity with union payroll, certified payroll, and prevailing wage reporting is a strong plus
• Private equity or acquisitive environment experience is a plus
• Strong Excel skills. Experience with Foundation, Procore, or QuickBooks is a plus.
• A roll-up-your-sleeves leader who asks questions, builds relationships, and takes full ownership

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• A key seat on the finance leadership team, reporting directly to the CFO
• Real impact: you'll build process, controls, and structure as the company scales
• Potential to grow into a Corporate Controller role
• A supportive, collaborative culture where no question is a dumb question and people are committed to your success
• A company that invests in its people and doesn't micromanage
• Nice casual environment (jeans welcome)

If you're looking for a hands-on Controller role where you can build something and grow with a company, I'd love to hear from you. Reach out to Jennie Joiner with The Forum Group PNW directly or apply online today.