Gateway Search Associates Inc
Controller - Construction & Government Contracts
Gateway Search Associates Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, us, 15289
Job Description
Our client is actively seeking a hands-on Controller to lead the accounting team of 3-5 staff. Candidates must possess proven experience in construction accounting, particularly within heavy civil, infrastructure, or government-funded projects. This is a critical leadership role overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, job cost analysis, and financial compliance. The ideal candidate brings a blend of tactical accounting skills and strategic insight, with deep knowledge of WIP schedules, progress billing, revenue recognition, and percentage-of-completion accounting.
Key Responsibilities • Lead and manage all core accounting functions including general ledger, AP/AR, progress billing, and subcontractor payments. • Perform detailed analysis of job costs and integrate cost data with construction estimates to monitor performance and profitability. • Oversee Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules and ensure proper revenue recognition under percentage-of-completion accounting. • Maintain compliance with government contract accounting standards, Davis-Bacon Act, and audit requirements. • Ensure accurate financial reporting, month-end close, and budget-to-actual variance analysis. • Collaborate with project managers to support cost control, forecasting, and resource planning. • Manage internal controls and help develop systems to improve accuracy, efficiency, and transparency in reporting. • Offer mentorship and structure for ongoing improvements.
Requirements • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA a plus). • Minimum 7+ years in construction accounting, with heavy civil or government project experience required. • Strong command of GAAP, job cost accounting, and construction cost control systems. • Proficiency with construction-specific accounting software (e.g., Sage 300 CRE, Viewpoint, Foundation, or similar). • Prior experience working with federal, state, or municipal government contracts, including compliance and audit support. • Demonstrated experience managing both accounting operations and project-based financial reporting.
Key Responsibilities • Lead and manage all core accounting functions including general ledger, AP/AR, progress billing, and subcontractor payments. • Perform detailed analysis of job costs and integrate cost data with construction estimates to monitor performance and profitability. • Oversee Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules and ensure proper revenue recognition under percentage-of-completion accounting. • Maintain compliance with government contract accounting standards, Davis-Bacon Act, and audit requirements. • Ensure accurate financial reporting, month-end close, and budget-to-actual variance analysis. • Collaborate with project managers to support cost control, forecasting, and resource planning. • Manage internal controls and help develop systems to improve accuracy, efficiency, and transparency in reporting. • Offer mentorship and structure for ongoing improvements.
Requirements • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA a plus). • Minimum 7+ years in construction accounting, with heavy civil or government project experience required. • Strong command of GAAP, job cost accounting, and construction cost control systems. • Proficiency with construction-specific accounting software (e.g., Sage 300 CRE, Viewpoint, Foundation, or similar). • Prior experience working with federal, state, or municipal government contracts, including compliance and audit support. • Demonstrated experience managing both accounting operations and project-based financial reporting.