Job Description

Commercial Construction Controller

Irvine, California | In office

Compensation: $125,000–$150,000 + Bonus + Stock Purchase Opportunity

Elevate Studio Partners is partnering with an established specialty construction firm in Irvine to identify an experienced Controller to lead accounting operations, financial reporting, and team performance.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who understands the financial mechanics of construction. The Controller will oversee the monthly close, financial statements, WIP reporting, job costing, contract billing, and accounting staff while serving as a financial partner to business unit leadership.

The company is bringing two established operations together under a unified accounting structure. The right person will help strengthen reporting, standardize processes, develop the accounting team, and provide leadership with clear financial visibility.

This position reports directly to the Business Unit President.

Core Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting and Accounting
• Lead the monthly close and preparation of accurate, timely financial statements.
• Prepare and review income statements, balance sheets, cash flow reporting, and supporting schedules.
• Own the preparation, analysis, and presentation of monthly WIP reports.
• Review job profitability, project performance, cost-to-complete estimates, overbillings, and underbillings.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and approve journal entries.
• Prepare monthly reporting packages for executive leadership.
• Maintain compliance with GAAP, internal policies, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Coordinate tax filings, including sales and use tax reporting.
• Support annual audits, tax preparation, and external reporting requirements.

Construction Accounting

• Oversee job costing, contract billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, collections, payroll, and banking activity.
• Manage job setup and project closeout processes.
• Coordinate monthly contract billings and related documentation.
• Maintain lien rights and oversee conditional and unconditional lien waivers.
• Monitor contract values, change orders, time-and-material tickets, and project cost activity.
• Partner with project management and operations teams to analyze financial performance and resolve project accounting issues.
• Improve forecasting, budgeting, cash flow management, and financial controls.

Leadership and Business Partnership

• Manage, coach, and develop the accounting team.
• Oversee hiring, training, performance management, goal setting, and succession planning.
• Establish clear expectations and track individual and department performance.
• Build cross-training and professional development plans across the accounting function.
• Partner with the Business Unit President to establish financial priorities and support strategic decisions.
• Collaborate across departments to improve reporting, accountability, and operational performance.
• Help integrate accounting practices across two previously independent business operations.

Required Experience

• 10–15 years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Strong construction accounting experience within a general contractor or specialty subcontractor environment.
• Demonstrated responsibility for WIP reporting, income statements, and balance sheets.
• Experience leading the month-end close and preparing complete financial reporting packages.
• Strong knowledge of job costing, percentage-of-completion accounting, contract billing, forecasting, and cash flow.
• Prior responsibility for managing and developing accounting staff.
• Working knowledge of GAAP and internal financial controls.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience working within an ERP or construction accounting system.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting the integration of multiple business units, divisions, or accounting operations.
• Experience with Penta or a comparable construction ERP.
• CPA or CMA designation.
• Bilingual communication skills.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary of $125,000–$150,000, based on experience.
• Discretionary annual bonus.
• Eligibility to purchase company stock after one year of employment.
• Medical and health benefits.
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Dedicated private office.
• Up to 50 remote workdays per year, used at the employee’s discretion.

Work Structure

This is primarily an onsite leadership position based in Irvine, California. The Controller will work closely with executive leadership, accounting staff, project teams, and field operations.

The company values in-person collaboration while providing meaningful annual flexibility through its remote workday program.

Limited travel may be required, generally no more than four times per year.

Why Consider This Opportunity

• Direct partnership with the Business Unit President.
• Ownership of the complete construction accounting function.
• Opportunity to shape accounting processes during a significant period of integration and growth.
• Visible role with influence across finance, operations, and executive leadership.
• Long-term ownership opportunity through the company’s employee stock purchase program.
• Established organization with a strong regional presence and long-term project pipeline.

Elevate Studio Partners is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to any protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.