Business Unit Controller

Business Unit Controller

Location: Milpitas, CA

Reports To: VP of Operations
Salary : $150k-$160k


Position Summary
The Business Unit Controller is a hands-on financial leader responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial operations for a fast-paced, project-driven construction business. This role is heavily focused on project accounting, job costing, financial reporting, cash flow management, and operational support.


The Controller will partner closely with project managers and operational leadership to drive profitability, improve financial visibility, and ensure timely and accurate reporting. Success in this role requires strong construction accounting expertise, the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment, and a collaborative approach to supporting business growth.
Key Responsibilities of Business Unit Controller Project Accounting & Financial Management

• Lead job costing and project accounting processes.
• Prepare and maintain Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules, including cost-to-cost analysis and over/under billings.
• Ensure compliance with ASC 606 revenue recognition standards.
• Partner with project managers to monitor project performance, forecasting, and profitability.

• Oversee progress billing, time-and-material billing, and contract invoicing.
• Manage accounts receivable, collections, retainage, and cash flow.
• Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts.
• Support banking relationships and reporting requirements.

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process.
• Prepare GAAP-compliant financial statements.
• Deliver reporting on project profitability, backlog, pipeline, and budget-to-actual performance.
• Provide financial analysis and actionable insights to management.
• Coordinate external audits, reviews, and corporate reporting requirements.

• Oversee payroll and accurate labor cost allocation.
• Ensure compliance with prevailing wage, certified payroll, union reporting, and applicable tax requirements.
• Coordinate workers' compensation, liability insurance, and bonding audits.
• Partner with external tax advisors to maintain regulatory compliance.

• Oversee inventory and cost accounting processes.
• Support operational teams in identifying cost savings and process improvements.
• Improve financial systems, reporting accuracy, and ERP utilization.

• Lead and mentor a small accounting team.
• Provide hands-on support during close cycles and peak workload periods.
• Train project managers and operational leaders on financial processes and reporting.
• Foster collaboration between accounting, project management, and field operations.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 6+ years of progressive construction accounting experience.
• Strong experience with:
  • Job costing and WIP reporting
  • Percentage-of-completion accounting (ASC 606)
  • Project financial analysis and forecasting
  • Construction contracts, billing, and change order management
  • Cash flow and working capital management
• Experience with construction-focused ERP systems.
• Advanced Excel and financial analysis skills.

• Experience in mechanical contracting, industrial construction, or specialty contracting environments.
• Familiarity with union environments, certified payroll, and bonding requirements.
• Experience supporting audits and corporate financial reporting.

• Strong project and construction accounting expertise.
• Ability to communicate financial information to operational stakeholders.
• Hands-on, detail-oriented leadership style.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Collaborative and service-oriented approach to supporting operations.