New

Controller - Construction Accounting

Alltech Engineering Corp
$120,000 - $140,000
United States, Minnesota, St. Paul
Mar 07, 2026
Construction Controller - Controller WIP - Construction accounting ASC 606 - Sage CRE Controller About the Role Own the accuracy, integrity, and interpretation of the company's financials while acting as the primary financial advisor to Ownership. The Controller oversees construction contract accounting including WIP reporting, percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, and job cost financial management. This role will utilize Sage-based contract accounting and revenue recognition frameworks and serves as the primary financial advisor to Ownership, translating accounting data into clear insight, risk awareness, and financial strategy while managing the workflow of the Accounting Group. The Controller will ensure the company remains liquid, profitable, bondable, and strategically disciplined while supporting long-term growth through economic and industry cycles. About Alltech Alltech Engineering Corp is a specialty industrial contractor providing millwright services, equipment installation, rigging, and industrial maintenance for manufacturing and processing facilities. For over 50 years, the company has supported complex machinery installation, plant relocation, and maintenance projects using highly skilled tradespeople across a wide range of industrial sectors. Responsibilities Financial Reporting & Close Management Own the monthly close process, financial statements, and reporting calendar Ensure accurate preparation, and presentation of: Income statement Balance sheet Statement of Works in Process (WIP schedule) Analytical Statements of G&A Expense Establish and enforce accounting policies and internal controls Ensure consistency with GAAP Provide leadership and direction to the accounting, AR, and AP staff Manage relationships with CPA firm, lenders, and surety partners Prepare audit, review, and tax-support schedules Contract Accounting & Revenue Recognition Oversee percent complete calculations (percentage of completion) Ensure proper recognition of earned revenue (WIP revenue) Review and approve contract asset and contract liability balances (underbillings / overbillings) Oversee cost-to-complete estimates (forecast at completion) Ensure accurate reconciliation between: Job costs Earned revenue Billings Contract assets/liabilities Analyze and explain gross margin changes (margin fade / gain) Review and challenge project manager forecasts for reasonableness and consistency Cash Flow & Working Capital Management Maintain ongoing visibility into: Operating cash balances Line of credit availability Near-term cash obligations Monitor: Accounts receivable aging Retainage receivable Accounts payable obligations Coordinate billing and collections timing with cash needs Identify liquidity risks early and propose mitigation strategies Align cash usage with Ownership's risk tolerance and growth objectives Ownership / Principal Reporting The Controller acts as the single point of financial communication between the accounting function and Ownership. This will include daily check-in on urgent issues or unexpected events, as well as more structured weekly and monthly financial reporting and strategic discussion. What Success In This Role Looks Like Timely, accurate monthly closes Trusted contract asset / liability balances (WIP integrity) Predictable cash flow No financial surprises to Ownership Strong credibility with CPA, banks, and sureties Managing workflow of the Accounting Group to assure timely and accurate invoicing, AR, AP and Job Costing. Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration (required) Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or MBA (preferred, not required) Professional Certifications (one or more preferred) CPA - Certified Public Accountant (strongly preferred) CMA - Certified Management Accountant Experience 7-12+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience 3-5+ years in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Senior Accounting leadership role Direct experience in construction or long-term contract accounting required Experience supporting companies in the specialty construction trades industry Experience working with: External CPA firms (audit/review/tax) Banks and lenders Sureties or bonding agents Experience managing an Accounting team Construction Accounting Expertise Strong understanding of percentage of completion accounting Practical experience with: Contract assets and contract liabilities (under/over billings) Job cost accounting and cost code structures Margin fade / gain analysis Retainage tracking Ability to compile, understand and challenge project forecasts Systems & Technology Hands-on experience with Sage 300 CRE Advanced Excel skills (financial modeling, reconciliations, pivot tables) Substantial experience with Microsoft Access Experience implementing or improving accounting systems and workflows Comfort producing executive summaries from ERP data Financial Management Skills Strong cash flow and working capital management experience Familiarity with: Lines of credit Covenant monitoring (formal or informal) Capital expenditure evaluation Ability to translate accounting results into financial strategy recommendations Leadership & Communication Proven ability to lead and develop accounting staff Experience acting as a primary financial interface with ownership Ability to communicate complex financial concepts to non-financial leaders High level of professional judgment and discretion Comfortable operating with autonomy and accountability Governance & Controls Experience designing and enforcing internal controls appropriate to company size Establish and enforce strict process and system controls assuring sensitive information is accessible only to authorized personnel. Understanding of segregation-of-duties principles Familiarity with audit readiness and documentation standards Strong ethical standards and attention to detail Personal Attributes High integrity and reliability Detail-oriented with a strong sense of materiality Calm under pressure; no surprises mindset Comfortable pushing back when assumptions are weak Ability and inclination to maintain confidentiality Pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach Uncompromising discretion and judgment in handling sensitive financial information