Assistant Controller - Construction Accounting - Lawrence J Beardsley CPA, PLLC

Position Summary

The Assistant Controller for Construction is a critical leadership role, managing the financial and operational accounting processes for construction projects for multiple clients. This client facing role oversees compliance, accounts payable workflows, and financial reporting while ensuring alignment with the company's goals and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate combines deep knowledge of construction accounting with the ability to streamline processes, mentor team members, and collaborate effectively across departments. This role combines technical expertise in construction accounting with a commitment to fostering meaningful client relationships, streamlining processes, and mentoring team members.

Aligned with our values of

Key Responsibilities

• Client Accounting Services:
• Serve as the primary point of contact for multiple construction clients, ensuring their accounting needs are met with excellence and reliability.
• Mentor and train accounting team members within our firm, promoting professional growth and embodying our values-driven culture.
• Partner with our client accounting services (CAS) team and clients to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, tools, and best practices in construction accounting to provide forward-thinking solutions for our clients.
• Lead efforts to refine and improve internal and client-facing workflows, enhancing service delivery.
• Accounts Payable Management
• Oversee the processing of vendor invoices through platforms such as Timberscan (or alternative software), ensuring timely vendor payments and compliance.
• Assist clients in managing payables, receivables, and subcontractor compliance, including tracking lien waivers and insurance documentation.
• Manage trade partner payment workflows, including compliance verification and coordination with project owners for fund releases.
• Resolve invoice and payment discrepancies, collaborating with team members and trade partners.
• Compliance Oversight
• Maintain and monitor compliance checklists for trade partners, ensuring adherence to regulatory and contractual obligations.
• Assist in preparing financial compliance reports and coordinating with external auditors as required.
• Accounting Operations
• Ensure accurate data entry and reconciliation of bank and credit card transactions within accounting systems (e.g., Sage).
• Support month-end and year-end closing processes, including preparation of journal entries and financial reconciliations.
• Prepare reports on accounts payable aging, cash flow projections, and other key metrics.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration
• Train and mentor accounting team members, fostering professional growth and a culture of accountability.
• Act as a key liaison between accounting, operations, and project management teams to address financial questions and improve processes.
• Process Improvement
• Identify and implement enhancements to accounting workflows to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Stay updated on industry trends, software tools, and best practices in construction accounting.
• Reporting and Communication
• Provide regular updates to executive leadership on financial performance and compliance.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of financial statements, reports, and audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Active CPA license preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in accounting, with at least 2 years in the construction industry.
• Expertise in public accounting, specifically serving construction clients and managing multiple client accounts.
• Strong proficiency in accounting systems (e.g., Sage, Timberscan) and project management tools (e.g., ProCore).
• Deep understanding of construction accounting standards, including WIP reporting, retainage, and cost allocation.

Skills and Competencies

• Passion for delivering exceptional client service and fostering lasting client relationships.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills to balance multiple client priorities.
• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to communicate complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.

Our Culture and Purpose:

We believe in creating a beautiful, purpose-driven firm where clients and team members thrive. Through our work, we elevate humanity by fostering growth and success for our stakeholders. This role is integral to providing innovative solutions that empower construction clients to make a meaningful impact on their communities.

By joining us, you become part of a team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and purpose-driven work in the pursuit of enhancing lives.

Working Conditions

• This position operates in a primarily in person work environment, requiring travel to office and client sites as necessary to support project teams and leadership.