Controller – Construction Operations & Finance

Elite Electric•Portland, OR

45d•Hybrid

About The Position

We’re a growing commercial electrical subcontractor delivering high-quality work across a variety of projects, from large-scale commercial construction to complex tenant improvements. We are looking for an experienced Controller who can do more than manage the books—we’re looking for someone who understands the construction business and can help oversee the company as a whole. This position will work closely with ownership and leadership to monitor the financial and operational health of the company, evaluate project performance, identify risks, and help ensure that our projects and overall business remain profitable. The ideal candidate is someone who understands that successful construction management goes beyond accounting. You should be comfortable looking at a project from start to finish, asking questions, identifying problems early, and working with project managers, field personnel, and leadership to find solutions. The Controller will oversee the company’s financial and business operations, with a strong focus on project profitability, job costing, cash flow, and overall company performance. This person will serve as a key member of the leadership team and will be expected to understand what is happening across the business—not just within the accounting department. You will work closely with ownership and project management to: Monitor the profitability of individual projects and the company as a whole Identify projects that are performing well, at risk, or trending toward a loss Analyze job costs, labor, materials, change orders, billing, and project progress Review project performance and help identify areas where the company may be losing money Provide leadership with accurate, timely information to make business decisions Oversee accounting and financial operations Monitor cash flow and the company's overall financial position Help establish processes and accountability to improve profitability and efficiency

Requirements

5+ years of experience in the construction industry, accounting, finance, project management, operations, or a related field
Strong understanding of commercial construction and how projects are managed from estimating through completion
Experience with construction project financials, job costing, budgets, and profitability
Ability to understand financial statements and use financial information to make business decisions
Experience identifying cost overruns, project risks, and profitability issues
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and leadership skills
Ability to work directly with owners, project managers, and field personnel
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to take ownership of responsibilities and operate independently
Proficiency with accounting and construction management software; experience with QuickBooks is a plus

Nice To Haves

Construction industry experience is highly valued
Willing to consider candidates who have strong experience managing construction operations, projects, or financial performance—even if their career path does not fit a traditional Controller role.

Responsibilities

Review project budgets, contracts, committed costs, actual costs, and projected final costs
Monitor job profitability from project start through completion
Analyze job costing and WIP reports to identify cost overruns and potential losses
Work closely with Project Managers and leadership to understand project performance
Identify projects that are trending over budget or below expected margins and communicate concerns to ownership
Review labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and other project costs
Monitor change orders, billings, retainage, and accounts receivable to ensure projects are being properly billed
Help identify missed billings, unapproved change orders, cost overruns, and other factors affecting profitability
Evaluate whether projects are meeting expected margins and provide recommendations when they are not
Help establish and maintain accountability for project budgets and financial performance
Participate in project reviews and provide financial and operational insight
Understand the relationship between field operations, project management, estimating, accounting, and profitability
Work closely with ownership to monitor the overall health and performance of the company
Analyze revenue, gross profit, overhead, cash flow, and operating expenses
Help leadership identify opportunities to increase profitability and reduce unnecessary costs
Develop and monitor budgets and forecasts
Track company performance against financial and operational goals
Identify business risks and bring potential problems to leadership's attention before they become larger issues
Help improve processes, systems, and internal controls throughout the company
Evaluate operational efficiency and make recommendations for improvement
Assist ownership with strategic planning and business decisions
Help establish measurable performance expectations and accountability across departments
Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including AR, AP, payroll, general ledger, and bank reconciliations
Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting
Maintain accurate job costing and WIP schedules
Monitor cash flow and accounts receivable
Prepare budgets, forecasts, and financial projections
Ensure financial records are accurate and timely
Oversee tax preparation, audits, and other financial compliance activities
Evaluate and improve accounting procedures, systems, and internal controls
Work with outside CPAs, banks, insurance providers, and other financial professionals as needed