Assistant Controller

BOWA•McLean, VA

About The Position

The Assistant Controller is a key member of the finance team, responsible for overseeing day-to-day accounting operations and supporting the CFO in delivering accurate, timely financial information. This role serves as a working manager — hands-on with the numbers while also coaching and developing a small accounting team. The Assistant Controller will play a critical role in maintaining job costing accuracy, strengthening internal controls, and driving process improvements across the accounting function.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 1–2 years in a supervisory role
Strong knowledge of GAAP and job costing principles
Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage, or similar construction ERP)
Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, financial modeling)

Nice To Haves

CPA license or active CPA candidate
Experience with WIP accounting and percentage-of-completion revenue recognition
Familiarity with lien waivers, subcontractor compliance, and prevailing wage

Responsibilities

Own the month-end and year-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate completion
Prepare and review journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and financial statements
Oversee job costing for active remodeling projects, including WIP (work-in-progress) schedules
Manage intercompany transactions and ensure proper elimination entries
Maintain fixed asset schedules and depreciation reporting
Supervise and mentor accounting staff including AP, AR, and payroll personnel
Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular 1:1s, and support professional growth
Delegate effectively while maintaining accountability for output quality
Assist in preparing monthly financial packages for leadership review
Analyze project margins and flag cost overruns or billing discrepancies
Support cash flow forecasting and working capital management
Respond to ad hoc reporting requests from operations and ownership
Maintain and strengthen internal controls across AP, AR, payroll, and job costing
Coordinate external audits and tax preparation with outside CPA firm
Ensure compliance with GAAP, sales tax, and subcontractor 1099 requirements
Monitor lien waiver and certificate of insurance tracking for subcontractors
Identify and implement workflow improvements within the accounting department
Serve as a key user for accounting and project management software integrations
Document accounting policies and procedures; keep the accounting manual current