McKinstry

Project Controller

McKinstry • $123K — $214K *
Seattle, WA 98115In-Person
Real Estate & Construction
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
  • CPA strongly preferred; MBA with technical accounting depth may substitute for exceptional candidates.
  • 15+ years of progressive finance experience on large, complex programs ($200M+).
  • Demonstrated experience as primary financial owner on high-visibility projects with executive accountability.
  • Deep expertise in cost control, multi-stream revenue recognition (ASC 606), and audit-ready documentation.
  • Strong command of AP management for subcontractors or vendors.
  • Proven ability to influence across multiple functions without direct authority.

Responsibilities

  • Own financial controls for a dedicated program engagement including budget management and cost forecasting.
  • Lead owner billing compliance and ensure timely invoice-to-cash processes.
  • Manage accounts payable for subcontractors, overseeing compliance and payment chains.
  • Serve as the financial interface to Legal, Tax, and F&A on multi-entity billing and revenue policies.
  • Present financial status and risk escalations to senior leadership and owner representatives.
  • Partner with FP&A on rate substantiation and executive reporting at program milestones.
  • Conduct reviews of contracts and change orders to identify financial risks and billing requirements.

Benefits

  • Competitive pay and profit-sharing plan.
  • 401(k) with employer match.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with low deductible options.
  • Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance.
  • Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave.
  • Transgender inclusive benefits and commuter benefits.
  • Pet insurance and paid community service time.
  • Learning and development opportunities through McKinstry University.
Full Job Description
The Opportunity with McKinstry

McKinstry is looking to add a Project Controller to our growing team in Seattle, WA. This position will serve as the single point of financial accountability for McKinstry's most complex and high-value program engagements. This role provides senior-level financial stewardship - integrating project cost control, multi-stream revenue management, owner billing compliance, and executive-level reporting - while operating as a credible financial leader across delivery, legal, tax, and client-facing stakeholders. Additional responsibilities include:
  • Own all financial controls for a single, dedicated program engagement - including cost coding, budget management, cost-to-complete forecasting, and audit-ready substantiation documentation across multiple revenue stream types (manufacturing/goods, professional services, construction, and commissioning).
  • Lead owner billing compliance across complex, open-book contract structures; ensure invoice-to-cash discipline aligned with owner cost breakdown and reporting requirements, preventing payment cycle delays at scale.
  • Manage large, active subcontractor accounts payable book - overseeing payment chain discipline, lien waiver compliance, and sub-tier financial controls; directly influence AP staff as volume warrants.
  • Serve as the primary financial interface to Legal, Tax, and F&A - coordinating on multi-entity billing structure, revenue recognition policy under ASC 606, multi-state tax nexus, and contract terms with financial implications.
  • Present financial status, cost control updates, and risk escalations directly to SVP- and C-suite-level leadership; represent McKinstry in owner financial meetings with clarity, credibility, and recommended resolution paths.
  • Partner with FP&A on rate substantiation, cost-to-complete modeling, and executive financial reporting through all major program milestones.
  • Conduct thorough reviews of contract language, change orders, and subcontract agreements to identify financial risk and billing requirements; advise project leadership proactively.
  • Lead month-end WIP close, Write-Up/Down reporting, and earned revenue review; drive continuous improvement of financial controls and standard operating procedures for large-program delivery.
  • Mentor project finance staff to help build more robust processes in cost control, billing compliance, and financial communication across all projects.

What You Need To Succeed At McKinstry

Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
  • CPA strongly preferred; MBA with demonstrated technical accounting depth considered in lieu of CPA for candidates with exceptional program finance track records.
  • 15+ years of progressive experience leading financial controls on large, complex, long-cycle programs ($200M+). Qualifying backgrounds include construction, capital projects, manufacturing, real estate development, energy, or infrastructure.
  • Demonstrated experience as the primary financial owner on high-visibility engagements with direct executive and C-suite accountability.
  • Deep expertise in cost control, cost-to-complete and milestone forecasting, multi-stream revenue recognition under ASC 606, and audit-ready financial documentation.
  • Strong command of subcontractor or vendor AP management at scale, including payment chain oversight and compliance documentation.
  • Demonstrated executive presence - comfortable presenting complex financial data to C-suite and owner representatives, escalating risk with recommended solutions, and influencing across Legal, Tax, F&A, and Operations without direct authority.
  • Proven ability to build financial processes in ambiguous, first-of-kind environments; learning agility to master new systems, contract structures, and program-specific requirements without a defined playbook.
  • Advanced proficiency in Excel and ERP financial systems; familiarity with owner-directed project management and billing platforms.

Preferred:
  • Experience in commercial or industrial construction, or design-build environments.
  • Experience managing open-book, cost-reimbursable, or GMP-equivalent contract structures where cost transparency to the client or owner is required.
  • Familiarity with construction accounting principles: WIP accounting, percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, job cost accounting, and lien waiver management.
  • Knowledge of construction contract types (GMP, lump sum, T&M) and associated billing and change order processes.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Dynamics, or Procore.

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:
  • Competitive pay
  • 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:
  • Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance.
  • Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave.
  • Transgender inclusive benefits
  • Commuter benefits
  • Pet insurance
  • "Building Good" paid community service time.
  • Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University.
  • McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers.

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

The pay range for this position is $123,570 - $214,100 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.

#LI-DB1

About McKinstry

McKinstry is an engineering company specializing in designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining high-performing buildings. Its professional staff and tradespeople deliver consulting, construction, energy, and facility services. As an early adopter of the DBOM process, the company advocates collaborative and sustainable solutions that are designed to ensure occupant comfort, improve systems efficiency, reduce facility operational costs, and ultimately optimize client profitability for the life of their building. McKinstry works with school districts, universities, municipalities, hospitals, and private companies nationwide. Its clients care about long-term planning, saving energy, and driving out waste, and have sophisticated facilities that require nothing but the best. The company was established in 1960 in Seattle, Washington.

McKinstry Careers

Joining McKinstry presents a prime opportunity to be part of a team that values innovation, leadership, and diversity training. McKinstry, a leader in designing, constructing, and managing efficient buildings, offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to professionals eager to drive sustainable changes in the industry.

Explore Job Opportunities

McKinstry is actively hiring and offers a range of positions that suit different skills and career aspirations. From engineering to project management, McKinstry seeks passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Explore open positions that match your professional interests and skills.

Internship Programs

McKinstry provides robust internship programs designed to foster growth and offer real-world experience in a supportive environment. Internships are a cornerstone of McKinstry’s commitment to professional development, helping interns to enhance their resumes and prepare for full-time roles through hands-on projects and mentorship.

Employee Benefits and Company Culture

McKinstry is dedicated to supporting its team members not only in their professional lives but also in their personal growth and well-being. The company offers competitive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside opportunities for leadership development and diversity training. The culture at McKinstry is built on a foundation of respect and inclusion, where every team member’s contribution is valued.

Professional Growth and Development

Career growth at McKinstry is propelled by continuous learning and innovation. Employees are encouraged to take leadership roles within projects, participate in networking events, and engage in ongoing education programs. McKinstry supports career advancement through professional development courses and certifications.

Networking and Innovation

At McKinstry, networking and innovation go hand in hand. Employees are encouraged to collaborate across teams and disciplines, driving innovation that leads to industry-leading solutions and practices. McKinstry’s commitment to sustainability and efficient building solutions offers a unique platform for professionals to impact the future of the built environment.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity training and inclusion are integral to McKinstry’s ethos. The company strives to create a workplace where diverse perspectives are embraced, and everyone has the opportunity to succeed. McKinstry believes that a diverse workforce fosters creativity and innovation, which are critical for leadership in the industry.

Applying for a Position

When applying for a position at McKinstry, candidates are advised to tailor their resumes to highlight relevant experience and skills. The interview process is designed to assess not only professional qualifications but also a candidate’s fit within McKinstry’s culture and values.

Stay Connected with McKinstry Careers

Keep up to date with the latest from McKinstry through the Careers Blog. Gain insights from insider perspectives, and stay informed about new job opportunities and company news. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences.

Join McKinstry

Search for open positions that align with your skills and interests on the McKinstry Jobs portal. Discover what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at McKinstry, where your career development is supported by an unwavering commitment to innovation and leadership.

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Learn more about McKinstry
Size
5,001 employees
Industry
Real Estate & Construction
* Ladders Estimates

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