Assistant Controller

Job Description

Job Description

ASSISTANT CONTROLLER

Reports to : Controller & President
Status : Regular, Full-time, Exempt
Location : Fairbanks, AK
Compensation : $85k-$95k DOE

JOB SUMMARY : We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Assistant Controller to support the Controller in overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, construction job costing, financial controls, and contract administration. This position plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial and contract information throughout the organization and across construction projects.

The Assistant Controller will work closely with the Controller, project management, operations, and accounting teams to oversee project financial performance, contract compliance, billing and collections, change orders, commitments, and other contract-related financial activities. This role will also support month-end and year-end close processes, maintain effective internal controls, and ensure that contractual and financial requirements are properly documented, monitored, and communicated. The ideal candidate will have strong construction accounting experience, excellent analytical and organizational skills, and a solid understanding of construction contracts, project costing, financial reporting, and contract administration.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Assist with the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Maintain accurate general ledger accounts and ensure transactions are properly recorded and classified.
• Prepare and review account reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and adjusting entries.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Support the Controller with financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and cash-flow management.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, company policies, and internal controls.

Construction & Job Cost Accounting

• Assist with Contract Administration including subcontract, COI and certified payroll management and tracking.
• Maintain accurate job costing for both payroll and accounts payable accounting.
• Accurate setup and entries for projects, budgets, subcontracts and change orders.
• Review change orders, commitments, purchase orders, and subcontractor costs for proper accounting treatment.

Accounts Payable, Receivable & Cash Management

• Perform and oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
• Review vendor invoices, subcontractor billings, lien waivers, and payment documentation.
• Monitor customer billings, collections, retainage, and outstanding receivables.
• Assist with daily/weekly cash management.
• Coordinate with project teams to resolve billing and payment issues.

Payroll & Compliance

• Perform and oversee payroll accounting and reconciliation, including construction labor and job-cost allocations.
• Assist with preparation of payroll-related journal entries and reconciliations.
• Support compliance with applicable tax, insurance, bonding, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with external audits, tax filings, insurance audits, and other financial reviews.

Contract Administration

• Oversee and support the financial and administrative aspects of construction contracts from execution through closeout.
• Review contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, and related agreements to identify financial, billing, insurance, bonding, retainage, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain accurate contract records, including contract values, amendments, change orders, commitments, retainage, and payment terms.
• Monitor contract status and ensure required documentation, approvals, and financial information are complete and up to date.
• Coordinate with project managers and operations personnel to ensure contract requirements are properly understood, documented, and followed.
• Review and track change orders, contract modifications, amendments, and potential changes and ensure approved changes are accurately reflected in the accounting and project management systems.
• Monitor contract billing requirements, including schedules of values, progress billings, retainage, supporting documentation, and payment applications.
• Review subcontractor and vendor agreements for compliance with contractual and financial requirements.
• Monitor subcontractor compliance documentation, including insurance certificates, licenses, bonds, lien waivers, releases, and other required documentation.
• Support project teams with contract-related financial questions, documentation, and reporting.
• Maintain organized and audit-ready contract files and supporting documentation.
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing contract records, financial documentation, and supporting schedules.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of construction accounting and job costing.
• Experience with WIP schedules and percentage-of-completion accounting preferred.
• Experience with construction contracts, subcontractors, retainage, change orders, and project billing.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting principles.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with construction accounting software SAGE 100 Contractor is preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict reporting deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with accounting, project management, and operations teams.
• Advanced knowledge and skills in computerized accounting systems.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
2. Two (2) years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within the construction industry.
3. Valid State Driver’s License and be qualified to operate a vehicle.
4. Ability to pass a drug and background screening.

PREFERRED

1. Five (5) years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within the construction industry.

BENEFITS

• 401K -Employer matching up to 4%.

• Paid Holidays (11/year).

• Paid Vacation (accrued weekly, starts at 2 weeks/year).

• 100% Employer paid Medical / Dental / Vision for you and your immediate family.

• 100% Paid Employee Life Insurance.

• Potential for Annual Incentive.