Director of Finance & Accounting (Construction Controller)

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on, analytical, and experienced Director of Finance & Accounting (Construction Controller) to lead our accounting and financial operations while overseeing human resources administration, payroll, union reporting, and labor compliance.

This position combines the responsibilities of a traditional Construction Controller with higher-level financial management, forecasting, cash flow planning, and strategic business analysis.

The ideal candidate is more than an accounting manager. We are looking for a financial leader who understands how construction businesses operate, can translate financial information into actionable recommendations, and serves as a trusted advisor to executive management.

Equally important, this individual must be a strong leader who embraces our core values, develops employees, promotes accountability, and contributes positively to our company culture.

Key Responsibilities

1. Accounting Department Leadership

• Serve, Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop accounting and administrative personnel.
• Establish clear responsibilities, performance expectations, and accountability throughout the department.
• Promote a positive workplace culture built around Leading with Respect and Able's core values.
• Encourage teamwork, open communication, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and financial reconciliations.
• Coordinate with outside CPAs on annual financial reviews, tax preparation, and other financial matters.
• Improve financial reporting efficiency, accuracy, and accountability.
• Cross-train personnel and establish processes that ensure continuity of accounting operations.

2. Executive Leadership & Business Development

• Serve as a trusted financial advisor to the President and executive management team.
• Demonstrate and promote Able's philosophy of Leading with Respect in all leadership and management activities by championing the company's core values.
• Provide financial insight and analysis to support business development, estimating, and operational decisions.
• Develop financial dashboards and key performance indicators.
• Evaluate profitability by project, department, and business segment.
• Support financial planning associated with leadership succession and company growth.
• Collaborate with operations, estimating, and business development to improve financial performance.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen company operations, financial performance, and organizational effectiveness.

3. Financial Management & Strategic Planning

• Oversee all accounting and financial operations.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Develop annual budgets, financial forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Monitor company profitability, overhead, working capital, and financial performance.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to executive management.
• Evaluate financial risks, business opportunities, and capital expenditures.
• Support long-term financial planning and corporate growth initiatives.
• Maintain banking relationships and coordinate financial reporting for bonding and surety requirements.

4. Construction Accounting & Project Financial Management

• Oversee job costing and project financial reporting for HVAC subcontracting and general contracting operations.
• Prepare and analyze monthly Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules.
• Work closely with project managers to identify cost overruns, profit fade, and financial risks.
• Oversee construction billing, retainage, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.
• Ensure accurate labor cost allocations and project accounting.

5. Payroll, Certified Payroll, Union Reporting & Labor Compliance

• Direct and oversee all payroll operations for office, field, and shop employees.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of weekly payroll, including regular wages, overtime, deductions, and fringe benefits.
• Oversee preparation, verification, and submission of certified payroll reports for California prevailing wage and federal Davis-Bacon projects.
• Oversee union payroll reporting, fringe benefit contributions, remittances, and reconciliations in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Oversee labor compliance documentation, recordkeeping, reporting, and audit preparation.
• Coordinate responses to labor compliance inquiries, payroll audits, and requests from government agencies, general contractors, and union benefit administrators.
• Maintain effective internal controls to ensure payroll accuracy, timely reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Supervise and train payroll and accounting personnel responsible for these functions.

6. Human Resources Administration

• Oversee HR administration, including onboarding, offboarding, employee records, and benefits administration.
• Coordinate, administer, and maintain Able’s business insurance and employee benefit programs, including policy renewals, coverage compliance, administration, and relationships with insurance brokers and providers.
• Maintain employee handbook policies and HR procedures.

Required Qualifications

• CPA certification or advanced financial management credentials including Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience in a construction company with $20 million–$75 million in annual revenue.
• Experience with federal and California public works construction contracts.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing accounting operations and supervising accounting personnel.
• Strong knowledge of financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Experience with construction accounting, job costing, WIP reporting, and revenue recognition.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing payroll, certified payroll, union reporting, and construction labor compliance.
• Strong analytical, organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional accountability.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• Leads with Respect: Treats employees fairly, listens actively, communicates openly, and promotes mutual respect.
• Develops People: Invests in training, mentorship, accountability, and opportunities for employee success.
• Thinks Beyond Accounting: Understands the financial implications of business decisions.
• Is Hands-On: Comfortable managing people while working directly with financial information.
• Is a Problem Solver: Investigates issues, identifies root causes, and develops practical solutions.
• Has an Ownership Mentality: Takes responsibility and follows through.
• Communicates Effectively: Can explain complex financial information to project managers and executives.
• Is Adaptable: Thrives in a small-business environment where responsibilities overlap.
• Is Forward-Thinking: Helps management anticipate challenges rather than simply report past results.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Salary: $160,000–$200,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Medical and dental insurance.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.