Financial Controller (Construction)

Job Description

Job Description

Build the finance function from the ground up for a growing General Contractor winning major government contracts.

Our client is a fast-growing General Contractor delivering commercial construction projects, including HVAC, fire protection systems, equipment replacements, tenant improvements, and building upgrades. Having secured several significant government contracts and with ambitious growth plans ahead, the business is now seeking its first dedicated Financial Controller to establish and lead the entire finance function.

This is not a traditional Financial Controller role. As the company's sole finance professional, you'll build the financial infrastructure from the ground up while remaining hands-on in the day-to-day accounting. From implementing systems and controls to overseeing project accounting, job costing, financial reporting, cash flow, and commercial insight, you'll play a critical role in helping the business scale successfully.

We're looking for someone who enjoys creating structure, improving processes, and partnering closely with operations and project teams while remaining willing to roll up their sleeves and do everything from transactional accounting through to strategic financial reporting.

What's in it for you

• Opportunity to build and lead the finance function from the ground up
• Highly visible leadership role working directly with the business owners
• Shape the company's financial systems, reporting, and commercial processes as it continues to grow
• Lead the migration from QuickBooks to Sage
• Direct influence on project profitability, government contract reporting, bonding readiness, and future growth
• Compensation ideally $100,000-$125,000, with flexibility for an exceptional candidate
• Benefits include healthcare contribution, 401(k) match, PTO, and vacation

You'll be responsible for

• Establishing and managing the company's entire finance function
• Owning the full accounting cycle, including month-end close, financial reporting, reconciliations, AP, AR, payroll oversight, and cash management
• Developing robust construction accounting, job costing, project accounting, and project profitability reporting
• Producing timely financial information to support project performance, executive decision-making, bonding, lenders, and government contracts
• Building financial controls, accounting procedures, and reporting processes that support continued growth
• Leading the migration from QuickBooks to Sage and driving ongoing systems improvements
• Preparing budgets, forecasts, cash flow reporting, and financial analysis
• Working closely with project managers to monitor project performance, costs, margins, and financial risks
• Supporting the wider business wherever needed, including providing short-term administrative cover during maternity leave

You'll need

• Previous experience as a Financial Controller, Assistant Controller, Senior Accountant, or Construction Accounting Manager within a General Contractor, commercial construction company, or specialty contractor
• Strong knowledge of construction accounting, including job costing, project accounting, contract profitability, and WIP reporting
• Experience building or significantly improving accounting processes, financial controls, and reporting
• Strong financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management skills
• Experience with QuickBooks; Sage experience would be advantageous
• Experience supporting government contracts, bonding requirements, lender reporting, audits, or construction compliance would be beneficial
• A hands-on mindset with the ability to balance strategic thinking and day-to-day execution
• Professional, collaborative, and willing to take ownership of everything finance-related within a growing business

Location: As the Financial Controller, you'll be fully office-based in Long Branch, New Jersey, working 8:30am-5:00pm.

Our client is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. All candidates will be considered without regard to race, gender, age, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Every application will be reviewed by a real person and responded to.