Controller

Job Title: Controller

Location: Chico, CA

Industry: Construction

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on financial leader to guide the financial operations of our construction company. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker who thrives on details and is comfortable rolling up their sleeves. You will own the general ledger (GL), oversee cost accounting, and act as an internal auditor while mentoring a small administrative team and collaborating with executive leadership on long-term financial strategy.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and reconcile the general ledger; ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data.
• Oversee job costing and allocation of direct and indirect costs; support WIP and over/under billing analysis.
• Implement and monitor internal controls to ensure compliance and reduce risk.
• Prepare and deliver financial reports to external CPAs for year-end audits.
• Manage payroll taxes, sales/use taxes, and income tax prepayments; support CPA quarterly reviews.
• Produce month-end management reports; oversee inventory reconciliations and accruals.
• Supervise accounts payable/accounts receivable, payroll, check runs, and deposits; ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Lead and mentor a 3–5 person admin team, driving personnel and process improvements.
• Develop and maintain budgeting, forecasting, and reporting tools, including deferred revenue and WIP schedules.
• Partner with leadership on corporate law, tax strategy, and long-term financial planning.
• Step into any direct report’s role temporarily to ensure continuity and coverage.

Essential Skills

• 7–10 years in a senior financial leadership role, with a proven ability to manage both strategic and operational responsibilities.
• 3–5 years of direct experience in the construction industry, including general contractors or subcontractors.
• Demonstrated success managing $12–25M in annual revenue and $8–15M in expenses.
• Mastery of general ledger management, GAAP, and accrual accounting principles.
• Deep understanding of construction job cost accounting, including over-under billings, work-in-progress (WIP) reporting, and deferred revenue recognition.
• Strong working knowledge of California-specific tax regulations, including sales/use tax, payroll tax, and corporate income tax.
• Proficient in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and inventory reconciliation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Jonas Construction Software preferred; Sage 300 experience highly transferable.
• Advanced Excel capabilities (e.g., macros, pivot tables).
• Familiarity with EBI reporting tools or building custom dashboards is a plus.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a small administrative team.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on conflict resolution, team collaboration, and clear communication.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, small-business environment, with the flexibility to wear multiple hats.

Work Environment

Office environment with some flexibility for a work-from-home schedule. The team in accounting and HR consists of 5 members. The role offers the opportunity for long-term growth, including potential minority ownership through a retention plan, in a collaborative environment where performance drives success. The location is Chico, CA, with remote flexibility based on performance and business needs. The schedule is full-time, executive-level, with 5 days in-office preferred and schedule flexibility.