Controller, Project Management

Avison Young•Springfield, NJ

About The Position

Avison Young is a global commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm that provides transaction, management, financial, and consulting services. The company emphasizes collaboration, employee growth, and an inclusive workplace. The Controller of Project Management and Construction bridges field execution and financial governance, overseeing the financial, contractual, and schedule performance of the construction and project management portfolio. The role also leads a team of 4–5 accountants. The Controller ensures projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget through project controls, job costing, proactive risk management, financial compliance, and reporting. The position oversees construction accounting and financial reporting, project budgeting and forecasting, revenue recognition, internal controls, audits, scheduling and progress measurement, change orders, and construction-related compliance. It partners with Project Managers and provides financial analyses and reporting to executive leadership and stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting.
At least 7 years of progressive experience in construction project controls, project accounting, or construction financial management.
Proven track record managing large-scale commercial projects.
Advanced proficiency in construction management and accounting software, such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, and ACC.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including financial modeling, pivot tables, and macros.
Strong analytical mindset.
Thorough knowledge of construction law and lien laws.
Exceptional cross-functional leadership skills.
Executive-level communication abilities.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or MBA.
CPA license.

Responsibilities

Manage the monthly financial reporting close process and deliver timely, accurate income statements, balance sheets, and variance analyses to executive leadership.
Oversee full-lifecycle construction accounting, including work-in-progress reporting and labor, materials, equipment, and indirect cost allocations.
Partner with Project Managers to establish initial project budgets, cost baselines, and financial forecasts.
Monitor budget-to-actual expenditures, track commitments, review vendor invoices, and manage accounts receivable and payable for active job sites.
Produce cash flow projections and profitability analyses for executive leadership and stakeholders.
Oversee and optimize revenue recognition methodologies, including percentage-of-completion accounting under ASC 606, for long-term construction contracts.
Ensure appropriate accounting treatment for unbilled revenue, deferred revenue, billings in excess of costs, and estimated contract losses.
Design, implement, and maintain SOX-compliant internal financial controls, particularly for revenue cycles, job costing, and procurement.
Coordinate internal and external audits and provide documentation and control testing related to project accounting and financial reporting.
Direct planning, scheduling, and progress-measurement systems across concurrent construction projects.
Monitor schedule performance against baseline plans, identify critical-path items, and assess potential schedule impacts.
Manage the change order lifecycle, including scope adjustments, pricing negotiations, and contractual modifications with subcontractors, owners, and vendors.
Ensure compliance with lien waivers, certified payroll, retainage tracking, insurance verification, and local regulatory codes.
Review prime contracts and subcontracts for commercial risks, indemnity clauses, and financial exposure.
Perform other duties as assigned.