Controller-Mechanical Construction

Kimmel & Associates • San Diego, CA

6d • $120,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Our client is an established commercial mechanical contractor specializing in large-scale HVAC projects across the United States. The company has built its reputation on delivering complex mechanical solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, operational efficiency, and customer relationships. With a growing nationwide project portfolio and a hands-on leadership team, it offers an opportunity to contribute directly to operational performance and long-term growth.

The Controller oversees all accounting and financial operations and serves as a key business partner to the CEO. This hands-on, player-coach leadership role manages the company's accounting functions, strengthens financial controls, and ensures accurate reporting across a multi-state construction operation. Responsibilities include close processes, work-in-progress reporting, percentage-of-completion accounting, job costing, payroll, benefits administration, and financial compliance. The Controller also provides strategic financial guidance while leading and working alongside the accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and project accounting teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
• Minimum of 5 years in a Controller or Assistant Controller position within a commercial construction company or specialty trade contractor.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, construction accounting, and financial reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with WIP schedules, percentage-of-completion accounting, ASC 606, and construction job costing.
• Experience overseeing multi-state payroll operations and certified payroll compliance.
• Experience managing 401(k) administration, employee benefits, and incentive compensation programs.
• Familiarity with surety and banking relationships, financial audits, and external reporting requirements.
• Experience implementing internal controls and improving accounting processes.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage, develop, and work alongside an accounting team.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of construction insurance programs, including OCIP and CCIP.
• Understanding of R&D tax credits and Section 179D deductions.
• Experience with Sage 300 CRE or comparable construction accounting software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and project accounting.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes while ensuring compliance with GAAP.
• Direct work-in-progress (WIP) reporting, percentage-of-completion accounting, and ASC 606 revenue recognition.
• Oversee project-level financial reporting, job costing, cost analysis, and contract performance monitoring.
• Maintain relationships with banks, surety providers, external auditors, and other financial partners.
• Manage in-house, multi-state payroll operations, including certified payroll requirements and related compliance.
• Oversee employee benefits administration, 401(k) plan coordination, and relationships with third-party administrators.
• Manage company insurance programs, including workers' compensation, general liability, and OCIP/CCIP requirements.
• Administer employee bonus and incentive compensation programs.
• Identify opportunities to maximize financial benefits through available R&D tax credits and Section 179D deductions.
• Develop, implement, and maintain effective internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial reporting standards.
• Lead, mentor, and support the accounting team while remaining actively involved in daily operations.
• Partner with the CEO and operational leadership to provide financial analysis, budgeting support, forecasting, and recommendations that improve business performance.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, improve reporting accuracy, and strengthen financial visibility across the organization.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Additional benefits and compensation opportunities.
• Direct access to executive leadership and the opportunity to influence financial and operational strategy.
• Long-term career growth within an established commercial mechanical contracting organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior