Controller, Construction

Construction Controller

Commercial Construction (Future Opportunities)San Francisco Bay Area | Full-time | On-site or Hybrid (role dependent)

Building Talent partners with commercial construction firms across the San Francisco Bay Area on ongoing and upcoming Controller-level accounting leadership searches.

This posting reflects roles we regularly support as contractors grow, ownership structures evolve, or long-tenured Controllers plan for succession.

These are senior, hands-on leadership roles within mid-sized commercial general contractors and specialty contractors. The Controller serves as a key partner to ownership and operations — overseeing project accounting, financial reporting, cash flow, and internal controls while leading accounting teams through increasing complexity.

We are specifically seeking professionals with direct construction industry accounting leadership experience. Corporate or non-project-based Controller backgrounds are not a fit for these roles.

Core Responsibilities

• Oversight of job cost accounting, WIP, and revenue recognition
• Leadership of project accounting, AP, payroll, and month-end close processes
• Partnership with ownership and operations on forecasting, backlog analysis, and risk management
• Review of contracts, change orders, billing, and cash flow management
• Management and development of accounting teams and internal controls
• Coordination with external CPAs, auditors, banks, bonding agents, and advisors

Required Experience

• 7+ years of progressive construction accounting experience
• Prior Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior construction accounting leadership role
• Deep understanding of project-based accounting within commercial construction environments

Preferred Software Experience

• Viewpoint Vista or Spectrum, Sage 300 CRE (Timberline), CMiC, or similar construction ERP
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, complex formulas; reporting automation a plus)
• Experience with construction payroll, including union or prevailing wage environments, preferred

Backgrounds That Align Well

• Controllers within mid-sized Bay Area contractors
• Senior Accounting Managers ready to step into a Controller seat
• Leaders comfortable operating in closely held or family-owned firms
• Professionals who balance hands-on execution with strategic partnership

This is an evergreen posting — not tied to one immediate opening. If your background aligns with what our construction clients regularly seek, we’ll reach out directly when the right opportunity arises.

Let’s Chat.

Note: These roles are based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Candidates should currently reside locally or be able to reliably work on-site as required. U.S. work authorization is required.