Project Accountant (Project Financial Controller) – Nevada

High Light Electric•Las Vegas, NV

1d•$30 - $45•Hybrid

About The Position

Mendoza Companies is a multi-entity ecosystem of construction, services, and investment businesses operating under The Mendoza Way. The platform includes High-Light Electric, Inc. (HLE) — a California-based union electrical infrastructure contractor founded in 1996 delivering public works and complex electrical construction across California — along with Mendoza Trust and an international independent contractor workforce. We partner with Caltrans, municipalities, transit authorities, and infrastructure programs throughout California, with active expansion into Nevada, Arizona, and additional U.S. markets. In 2025, HLE was recognized on the Inc. Regionals Pacific list — #116. Mendoza Companies is guided by Mission 2040: to build a $1 billion business ecosystem connecting 1,000 families and communities through business. This position offers the opportunity to help establish the financial foundation of Mendoza Companies' Nevada operations while partnering closely with leadership during an exciting period of expansion. The Project Accountant serves as the financial operations controller for an assigned Area, supporting multiple concurrent projects. This role ensures structured financial setup, disciplined cost tracking, organized billing, compliant payroll reporting, and reliable cash flow coordination across all active projects. As Mendoza Companies continues its transition from a family-operated construction company into a structured, multi-business-unit organization under Mission 2040—and expands operations into Nevada—strong financial systems are essential to scalable growth. This position plays a key role in establishing Mendoza Companies' financial operations in Nevada and supporting the continued growth of the Las Vegas office. This role will work closely with the incoming Director of Construction Finance to establish structured financial operating procedures within Nevada while maintaining alignment with company-wide financial standards across all operating regions. This role is ideal for accounting professionals who enjoy building structure, improving processes, and helping establish scalable financial operations within a growing organization.

Requirements

Minimum 3–5 years in construction accounting or project financial administration.
Direct involvement in job cost systems and cost code management.
Experience supporting or preparing Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules.
Exposure to billing cycles, lien documentation, and certified payroll processes.
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field OR Recognized accounting certification demonstrating formal training in accounting principles (Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – active or in progress, Accredited Accounting Certificate (community college or university-based), Construction Accounting Certificate Program, Prevailing Wage / Public Works Compliance Certification (paired with accounting coursework)).
Valid driver's license and ability to travel when required.

Responsibilities

Enter project budgets and load cost codes based on estimating data.
Maintain accurate job cost records across multiple projects.
Issue purchase orders after PM approval and assign proper cost codes.
Enter approved change orders and validate calculations.
Prepare and submit contract-compliant billing packages and compile billing documentation.
Monitor outstanding billings and support collection follow-up.
Assist in preparation and coordination of stop notices and mechanic’s lien documentation under the direction of the Director of Construction Finance or Executive leadership.
Process vendor and subcontractor invoices.
Prepare weekly accounts payable check run packages.
Verify compliance status prior to payment inclusion.
Coordinate subcontractor lien releases.
Review certified payroll and subcontractor compliance documentation.
Support union dispatch coordination as needed.
Prepare monthly WIP draft support data.
Identify and communicate early cost variances.
Maintain audit-ready financial documentation.
Participate in Area financial review meetings.
Attend quarterly workshops, leadership sessions, and training initiatives.
Serve as financial recorder and Secretary, as needed, during Area DML10 meetings
Support the establishment and continuous improvement of financial processes for the Nevada office.
Coordinate with California-based accounting and operations teams to maintain consistent financial reporting and operational standards.