POSITION OVERVIEW: As the Sector/Divisional Controller - Utilities & Rail, you will be responsible for overseeing all project accounting across a portfolio of construction-focused subsidiaries within a ~$800 million organization. This role acts as a key business partner to sector operational leadership, project managers, and corporate finance overseeing approximately $125M-$150M in annual revenue. Reporting to the Corporate Controller, this role is responsible for the integrity of sector financial reporting, month-end close activities, project accounting oversight, billing and collections coordination, balance sheet reconciliations, internal controls, and compliance with company policies and U.S. GAAP. The Sector/Divisional Controller will help drive consistency, visibility, and financial discipline across a multi-state AEC operating environment while developing a high-performing accounting team.

A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE:

• Lead day-to-day project accounting operations for the Utilities and Rail sectors, including month-end close, account reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Partner with sector leaders and project managers to monitor project performance, including backlog, work in process, unbilled receivables, write-offs, change orders, and cost overruns.
• Ensure proper accounting and reporting associated with retainage, mobilization and contract billing structures.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of sector-level financial statements, management reports, variance analyses, and other decision-support reporting for the Corporate Controller and business leadership.
• Support bonding capacity requirements through accurate financial reporting.
• Assist with implementation of ERP systems and software, including access, design and setup as needed
• Lead or support integration of newly acquired subsidiaries, including alignment of accounting practices and procedures
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and standard operating procedures to support compliance, consistency, and scalability across multiple states and operating units.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules, responding to requests, and ensuring documentation is complete and accurate.
• Collaborate with tax, payroll, AP, AR, and corporate accounting teams on cross-functional issues, including intercompany activity, allocations, and process improvements.
• Coach, develop, and review the work of 10-15 project accountants and accounting staff supporting the Utilities and Rail sectors.
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting, data quality, automation, and workflow efficiency within the accounting function.
• Perform other accounting leadership duties and special projects as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
• CPA strongly preferred

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibility in a controller, assistant controller, accounting manager, or similar role
• Experience in the architecture, engineering, consulting, construction, or broader professional services environment, with strong understanding of project-based accounting
• Demonstrated experience overseeing multi-entity or multi-state accounting operations and applying sound internal control practices
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, account reconciliations, audit support, and compliance requirements
• Deep understanding of project lifecycle accounting, including revenue recognition, billing, collections, backlog, work in process, and project profitability analysis
• Ability to translate financial data into actionable insights for operational leaders and executive stakeholders
• Proven leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities, with strong communication and cross-functional partnership skills
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with ERP and project accounting systems used in the AEC or professional services industry
• Preferred systems experience includes BST, UNANET, Deltek, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Trimble Spectrum/Viewpoint or similar ERP and project accounting platforms used in the AEC industry

LEVEL UP WITH LJA

At LJA, we're 100% employee-owned. This drives results, rewards ambition and supports long-term success for every team member. With almost 100 locations and 3,000+ employee-owners (and growing), we're building something big! We want you to be part of it. Your future grows here.

• Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year's.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets. Along with mental health support.
• Family Support: Paid maternity and parental leave to help you focus on what matters most.
• Education Support: Tuition reimbursement and in-house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.
• Referral Bonuses: Know great talent? Get rewarded for helping us grow.
• Community Impact: Company-sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
• Professional Development: Memberships to industry organizations to keep you connected and growing.
• Career Growth: Great internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.
• Fun Culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, etc.

To Executive Search Firms & Staffing Agencies: LJA Engineering, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies that have not signed a service agreement. All unsolicited resumes will be considered LJA's property. This includes resumes submitted directly to hiring managers without contacting LJA's Human Resources Talent Department.