Controller/ Senior Accountant

Aston Carter

$90K — $150K *
Real Estate & Construction
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 4+ years of accounting experience in construction or related fields
  • Strong knowledge of job costing and percent-of-completion accounting
  • Proficiency in AIA billing and subcontractor payment processes
  • Experience with construction-specific accounting software
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
  • Solid understanding of GAAP for the construction industry

Responsibilities

  • Manage job-level cost tracking for grading, paving, and utility projects
  • Prepare monthly and annual financial statements with job and cash flow analysis
  • Oversee accounts payable/receivable processes including AIA billing
  • Manage payroll for field crews and office staff with certified reporting as needed
  • Own general ledger responsibilities and month-end/year-end closes
  • Coordinate with external CPAs for tax filings and compliance
  • Prepare financial documentation for surety bonding and insurance renewals
  • Monitor cash flow and banking relationships across projects
  • Evaluate and enhance accounting systems to support revenue growth
  • Collaborate with project managers and estimating teams on financial data alignment

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage including dental and vision
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Generous paid time off including vacation and sick leave
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance
  • Discretionary performance bonuses based on performance
  • Support for professional development and certifications
  • Vehicle or mileage allowance as applicable
  • Flexible scheduling to promote work-life balance
  • Team-oriented culture with company events and outings
Full Job Description
Job Title: Controller/Senior Accountant
Job Description
We are seeking a Senior Accountant/Controller to take charge of the financial operations within a dynamic and fast-growing civil construction company. This role involves close collaboration with project managers, estimators, and leadership to ensure comprehensive job tracking, precise financial accounting, and clear financial visibility, aiding the company in its goal to reach $40M and beyond.
Responsibilities
  • Manage job-level cost tracking across active grading, paving, and utility projects, including monitoring WIP schedules, percent-of-completion revenue recognition, and cost-to-complete estimates.
  • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, providing accurate and timely reporting to ownership, including job profitability analysis, cash flow forecasting, and budget-to-actual variance reporting.
  • Oversee accounts payable and receivable processes, including subcontractor payments, retainage tracking, lien waiver management, and AIA billing (G702/G703) or equivalent progress billing formats.
  • Manage or oversee payroll for field crews and office staff, including certified payroll reporting for prevailing wage and government-funded projects as applicable.
  • Own the full general ledger, reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end/year-end close processes.
  • Coordinate with external CPAs on tax filings, audits, and compliance, managing sales/use tax obligations specific to construction materials and services in Tennessee.
  • Prepare financial documentation to support surety bonding capacity and insurance renewals, essential for bidding on larger commercial and public projects.
  • Monitor cash flow across multiple active projects, manage banking relationships, and oversee draws and line-of-credit activity.
  • Evaluate and improve accounting systems, internal controls, and financial workflows to support the company's growth from $25M to $40M+ in revenue.
  • Work closely with the estimating team, project managers, and field superintendents to align financial data with project timelines, change orders, and field conditions.

Essential Skills
  • 4+ years of accounting experience within architecture, construction, engineering, or a related/adjacent industry (civil, heavy highway, site development, mechanical, electrical, or similar).
  • Strong knowledge of job costing, WIP schedules, and percent-of-completion accounting.
  • Experience with AIA billing, retainage, subcontractor payments, and lien waivers.
  • Proficiency in construction-specific or project-based accounting software (e.g., Sage 300 CRE, Foundation Software, Viewpoint, QuickBooks with job costing, or similar).
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
  • Strong understanding of GAAP as applied to the construction industry.

Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • CPA or CMA designation.
  • Experience supporting surety bonding and financial statement preparation for bonding companies.
  • Familiarity with certified payroll and prevailing wage requirements.
  • Knowledge of Tennessee sales/use tax rules for construction.

Work Environment
This role is based onsite in an office setting, with a flexible 'come and go' environment allowing for adjustments in working hours as long as the required work is completed. The company offers a seat at the leadership table within a rapidly scaling organization that values doing things the right way. It boasts a tight-knit, family-oriented culture where colleagues support one another, providing a supportive and engaging work environment.
Pay
Senior Accountant Level: $90,000-125,000
Controller Level: $125,000-150,000
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Columbia, TN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $150000.00/yr.
Health Insurance - Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their familiesRetirement Plan - 401(k) with company matchPaid Time Off - Generous PTO package including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidaysLife & Disability Insurance - Company-paid life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coveragePerformance Bonuses - Discretionary bonuses tied to company and individual performanceProfessional Development - Support for continuing education, certifications, and industry trainingVehicle / Mileage Allowance - As applicable based on roleEmployee Referral Program - Bonuses for referring qualified candidatesWork-Life Balance - Flexible scheduling where project timelines allowTeam Culture - Company events, team outings, and a close-knit work environment built on mutual respect
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Columbia,TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 25, 2026.

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