Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (or equivalent experience)
5 to 7 years of accounting experience, with at least 3 years in construction or job cost accounting
Working knowledge of WIP, percentage-of-completion, retainage, and progress billing
Experience running payroll and AP/AR
Proficiency in Excel and construction accounting software
Comfortable working independently and wearing multiple hats
Responsibilities
Set up jobs, cost codes, and budgets; track actual vs. estimated labor hours and material costs
Prepare monthly WIP schedules with costs to complete, over/under billings, and projected gross profit
Prepare progress billings, pay applications, and service invoices
Process vendor, supplier, and subcontractor invoices, coded to the correct job
Complete the monthly close, including reconciliations, accruals, and journal entries
Prepare financial and WIP packages for the bank and surety
Maintain practical internal controls over purchasing, disbursements, and payroll
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plan with company match
Paid time off and holidays
Professional development support
Full Job Description
Controller, Electrical Contractor (Small Shop)
Position Summary The Controller is the financial lead for a fast-growing electrical contracting company, responsible for the full accounting function from day-to-day bookkeeping through financial reporting and banking and surety relationships. This is a hands-on role: you will manage job costing and billing, run payroll and AP, and also provide the financial guidance the owner needs to price work, manage cash, and grow. The company's primary focus is industrial/commercial projects. Reports to: Owner/President Employment type: Full-time Location: Austin, TX Key Responsibilities Job Costing and WIP
Set up jobs, cost codes, and budgets; track actual vs. estimated labor hours and material costs
Prepare monthly WIP schedules with costs to complete, over/under billings, and projected gross profit
Meet monthly with project managers and the owner to review job status, change orders, and margin
Flag cost overruns and underbilling early
Billing and Receivables
Prepare progress billings, pay applications (AIA G702/G703 as needed), and T&M and service invoices
Track retainage, change orders, and stored materials billing
Follow up on past-due accounts and manage lien notices and releases
Payables and Payroll
Process vendor, supplier, and subcontractor invoices, coded to the correct job
Collect lien waivers, W-9s, and insurance certificates
Run weekly or biweekly payroll, including certified payroll on prevailing wage jobs
Handle union fringe reporting and remittances (if applicable)
Allocate labor burden and workers' compensation to jobs
Financial Reporting and Close
Complete the monthly close, including reconciliations, accruals, and journal entries
Prepare monthly financial statements and job cost reports
Maintain compliance with GAAP and ASC 606 for long-term contracts
Work with the outside CPA on year-end, reviews or audits, and tax filings
Banking, Surety, and Cash Management
Prepare financial and WIP packages for the bank and surety
Monitor loan covenants and bonding requirements
Maintain a rolling cash flow forecast tied to billing and payment timing
Manage line of credit draws, vehicle and equipment financing, and supplier account terms
Controls, Compliance, and Systems
Maintain practical internal controls over purchasing, disbursements, and payroll
Handle sales/use tax, insurance audits, and licensing-related filings
Manage the accounting software and recommend improvements as the company grows
Support budgeting and pricing decisions with overhead and burden rate analysis
Qualifications Required
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (or equivalent experience)
5 to 7 years of accounting experience, with at least 3 years in construction or job cost accounting
Working knowledge of WIP, percentage-of-completion, retainage, and progress billing
Experience running payroll and AP/AR
Proficiency in Excel and construction accounting software
Comfortable working independently and wearing multiple hats
Preferred
CPA or CCIFP, or progress toward either
Electrical or specialty trade contractor experience
Experience with Quickbooks Online
Experience with prevailing wage and certified payroll
Experience preparing financials for sureties and banks
Skills and Competencies
Hands-on, detail-oriented, and comfortable doing the work as well as managing it
Clear communication with the owner, project managers, and field staff
Sound judgment on forecasting and cash management
Discretion with confidential information
Ability to build simple, scalable processes as the company grows
Working Conditions
Remote, occasionally on site
Busier during month-end, year-end, audit, and bonding renewal periods
