Assistant Controller

Big Construction, LLC•Chicago, IL

just now•Onsite

About The Position

BIG Construction is seeking an Assistant Controller to play a critical role in strengthening and scaling its accounting function. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for ensuring financial accuracy, supporting operational decision-making, and building processes that can scale with the business. The Assistant Controller will partner closely with the VP, Finance and Administration, project teams, and cross-functional leaders to bring clarity to financials, improve consistency across projects, and ensure disciplined and visible operations. This role offers an opportunity to go beyond transactional accounting and influence business operations.

Requirements

7–12+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in construction
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
Strong understanding of construction accounting, including job cost, WIP, and billing
Experience owning or heavily supporting month-end close
Ability to analyze financial data and translate it into clear insights
Experience working with accounting systems and reporting tools
Proficiency in Excel and financial analysis
Strong attention to detail with a process-oriented mindset
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities effectively
Accountability – Takes full ownership of responsibilities and outcomes
Financial Acumen – Understands how financial data connects to business performance
Problem Solving – Identifies issues quickly and works toward practical solutions
Communication – Clearly explains financial concepts to non-finance partners
Continuous Improvement – Looks for ways to make processes more efficient and scalable
Collaboration – Works effectively across teams and builds strong partnerships

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with payroll processing, including union environments

Responsibilities

Lead and own the monthly close process, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger.
Prepare and review journal entries and account reconciliations, including credit cards.
Deliver timely, accurate financial reporting and analysis.
Maintain fixed asset schedules and depreciation.
Support year-end financial statement review and tax processes, including preparation of workpapers and coordination with external accountants.
Own WIP reporting and revenue recognition processes, ensuring accuracy and alignment with project performance.
Own project accounting outcomes, including job costing, billing, and WIP accuracy.
Review job cost activity to assess project-level financial risk and ensure accurate reporting.
Oversee client billing and lien waiver processes to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contract requirements.
Process biweekly payroll and weekly union payroll.
Ensure compliance with quarterly and year-end payroll filings and union reporting/payment requirements.
Partner with HR on wage updates, payroll changes, and employee leave impacts.
Own cash flow visibility, including forecasting support and monitoring of working capital and A/R trends.
Partner with operations to support A/R collections and resolve aging balances.
Prepare ad hoc financial reporting for banking and surety requests.
Perform monthly calculation and monitoring of financial covenant compliance.
Supervise and mentor Project Accountant(s) to ensure accurate job cost, billing, and financial reporting.
Provide guidance, accountability, and development support to accounting team members.
Maintain strong internal controls and consistent processes across the accounting function.
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.