Controller/ Sr Accountant

Aston Carter•Columbia, TN

1d•$90,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Controller to take charge of the financial operations within a dynamic and fast-growing civil construction company. This role involves close collaboration with project managers, estimators, and leadership to ensure comprehensive job tracking, precise financial accounting, and clear financial visibility, aiding the company in its goal to reach $40M and beyond.

Requirements

4+ years of accounting experience within architecture, construction, engineering, or a related/adjacent industry (civil, heavy highway, site development, mechanical, electrical, or similar).
Strong knowledge of job costing, WIP schedules, and percent-of-completion accounting.
Experience with AIA billing, retainage, subcontractor payments, and lien waivers.
Proficiency in construction-specific or project-based accounting software (e.g., Sage 300 CRE, Foundation Software, Viewpoint, QuickBooks with job costing, or similar).
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Strong understanding of GAAP as applied to the construction industry.

Nice To Haves

CPA or CMA designation.
Experience supporting surety bonding and financial statement preparation for bonding companies.
Familiarity with certified payroll and prevailing wage requirements.
Knowledge of Tennessee sales/use tax rules for construction.

Responsibilities

Manage job-level cost tracking across active grading, paving, and utility projects, including monitoring WIP schedules, percent-of-completion revenue recognition, and cost-to-complete estimates.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, providing accurate and timely reporting to ownership, including job profitability analysis, cash flow forecasting, and budget-to-actual variance reporting.
Oversee accounts payable and receivable processes, including subcontractor payments, retainage tracking, lien waiver management, and AIA billing (G702/G703) or equivalent progress billing formats.
Manage or oversee payroll for field crews and office staff, including certified payroll reporting for prevailing wage and government-funded projects as applicable.
Own the full general ledger, reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end/year-end close processes.
Coordinate with external CPAs on tax filings, audits, and compliance, managing sales/use tax obligations specific to construction materials and services in Tennessee.
Prepare financial documentation to support surety bonding capacity and insurance renewals, essential for bidding on larger commercial and public projects.
Monitor cash flow across multiple active projects, manage banking relationships, and oversee draws and line-of-credit activity.
Evaluate and improve accounting systems, internal controls, and financial workflows to support the company's growth from $25M to $40M+ in revenue.
Work closely with the estimating team, project managers, and field superintendents to align financial data with project timelines, change orders, and field conditions.

Benefits

Health Insurance — Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families
Retirement Plan — 401(k) with company match
Paid Time Off — Generous PTO package including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays
Life & Disability Insurance — Company-paid life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage
Performance Bonuses — Discretionary bonuses tied to company and individual performance
Professional Development — Support for continuing education, certifications, and industry training
Vehicle / Mileage Allowance — As applicable based on role
Employee Referral Program — Bonuses for referring qualified candidates
Work-Life Balance — Flexible scheduling where project timelines allow
Team Culture — Company events, team outings, and a close-knit work environment built on mutual respect