Construction Controller

CONSTRUCTION CONTROLLER & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Build the financial and administrative systems behind a growing specialty contractor Location San Diego, California | Primarily in-office Employment Full-time, exempt Reports to President Team Supervises the Office Manager and Office Assistant Base salary $110,000-$155,000, depending on directly relevant experience About Soundproof San Diego Soundproof San Diego is an established, growing specialty contractor managing a mix of private and major commercial construction projects throughout Southern California. We combine acoustic expertise, thoughtful construction and disciplined execution to solve noise and sound-control challenges for residential, commercial and industrial clients. The opportunity We are seeking a hands-on Construction Controller & Administration Manager to become the senior internal owner of our accounting administration, financial controls, payroll and labour-compliance oversight, contract administration, purchasing controls and office administrative systems. This is broader than a conventional controller position. You will lead an established two-person administrative team, coordinate our outside accountant and specialised advisers, and work directly with the President, Operations Manager and project management team. The successful candidate will create dependable cash-flow visibility, strengthen construction accounting and job-cost controls, and build systems that support profitable, responsible growth. Key responsibilities Lead financial reporting, budgeting, cash management and a rolling 13-week cash-flow forecast for executive decision-making. Oversee monthly close readiness, account reconciliations and supporting schedules in coordination with the outside accountant/CPA. Prepare and analyse job-cost, WIP, percentage-of-completion, cost-to-complete, over/under billing, backlog, retention and margin information. Partner with project managers to improve cost coding, committed-cost visibility, forecasting, billing and collection information. Own payroll controls and oversee union wages, fringes, deductions, timekeeping, certified payroll, prevailing-wage reporting and required trust or agency submissions. Lead the continued implementation and optimisation of Foundation and Payroll4Construction, including procedures, exception reporting, reconciliations and staff training. Supervise AP, AR, bill payment, vendor setup, lien releases, purchasing and PO controls; oversee contract, change-order, insurance, bonding, bid-compliance and closeout administration. Coordinate year-end CPA work and support banking, bonding, insurance and audit relationships. Lead, coach and develop the Office Manager and Office Assistant; establish clear responsibilities, review points, backup coverage and written procedures. Strengthen separation of duties, approval limits and fraud-prevention controls while simplifying administrative workflows. Required qualifications At least five years of progressively responsible accounting or financial leadership experience, including substantial experience in commercial construction or with a specialty subcontractor. Strong command of construction job costing, WIP, percentage-of-completion accounting, cash-flow forecasting, accounts payable, payroll controls and reconciliations. Working knowledge of construction billing, retention, change orders, commitments, lien documentation and contract administration. Demonstrated ability to supervise administrative staff, establish controls, document processes and hold others accountable without becoming a bottleneck. Advanced spreadsheet capability and experience learning, implementing or improving construction ERP, accounting or payroll systems. Sound judgement, discretion and the ability to communicate financial and compliance matters clearly to both executives and operations teams. Preferred qualifications Experience with Foundation Software and/or Payroll4Construction. Experience with union payroll, certified payroll, prevailing wage, fringe-benefit reporting or California public works. Familiarity with Carpenter union agreements or trust reporting requirements. Accounting or finance degree, CPA, CCIFP, CPP or comparable professional training. The person who will succeed here You are comfortable operating at both the leadership and detail levels. You can investigate a payroll discrepancy, challenge an unreliable cost forecast, delegate routine processing, improve a workflow and then explain the financial implications plainly to the President. You know when to make a decision, when to verify an answer with an authoritative source and when specialised accounting, payroll, labour or legal advice is required. Compensation and benefits Base salary: $110,000-$155,000, depending on directly relevant construction-accounting, systems, payroll and leadership experience. The position is also eligible for Soundproof San Diego’s applicable employee benefits and any bonus programme established for the role. Complete benefit details will be provided during the hiring process. Equal opportunity Soundproof San Diego is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without unlawful discrimination. Pay: $110,000.00 – $155,000.00 per year Benefits: Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Have you personally prepared or reviewed WIP and cost-to-complete schedules? Have you managed job costing for a commercial contractor or subcontractor? Which construction accounting and payroll systems have you used? Have you supervised accounting or administrative staff? Describe your union, prevailing-wage or certified-payroll experience. Experience: construction accounting: 3 years (Required) Work Location: In person #J-18808-Ljbffr