Job Title: Controller

Location: Tempe, AZ (on-site)

Type: Permanent 

Salary: $110,000–$130,000 annually, dependant on experience

We are partnered with a well-established, employee-owned commercial general contractor based in Tempe, AZ. The organization is known for its strong safety culture, collaborative leadership team, and long-term commitment to employees through its ESOP structure.

They are seeking a Controller to lead the company’s financial operations, provide strategic insight to senior leadership, and help scale systems and processes to support continued growth. This role is ideal for a construction finance leader who enjoys being hands-on, influencing decision-making, and building strong financial discipline across projects and teams.

This is a high-impact leadership role with direct exposure to executive leadership and a meaningful influence on profitability and ESOP value.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning across projects and operations
• Develop cash flow strategies and profitability models to support growth
• Establish and monitor break-even performance, margins, and financial KPIs
• Provide financial insight and recommendations to executive and operational leadership

Construction Accounting & Financial Operations

• Oversee all accounting operations, including AP, AR, general ledger, payroll, and month-end close
• Ensure accurate job costing, WIP reporting, and project financial analysis
• Evaluate financial risk related to bids, contracts, and cost controls
• Maintain strong internal controls and financial data integrity

Compliance, Audit & Governance

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and ESOP reporting requirements
• Act as primary liaison with external auditors and tax advisors
• Support audit readiness and continuous improvement of controls and policies

Systems, Process Improvement & Optimization

• Lead and optimize the use of CMiC or similar construction ERP systems
• Improve reporting, forecasting, and real-time financial visibility
• Leverage automation and analytics to reduce manual work and improve accuracy
• Continuously enhance financial systems to support executive decision-making

Payroll, Incentives & Cross-Functional Support

• Oversee payroll administration and regulatory compliance
• Partner with HR and leadership on incentive, bonus, and commission structures tied to project performance
• Support alignment between financial results, compensation, and ESOP objectives

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration
• CPA designation strongly preferred
• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience within construction
• Strong expertise in job costing, WIP, forecasting, and project-based accounting
• Experience with CMiC or similar construction-focused ERP systems
• Proven ability to improve processes, strengthen controls, and scale financial operations
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence both executive and field leadership

How to Apply

If you’re a construction-focused Controller looking for a role where your work directly impacts business performance and employee ownership value, we’d love to hear from you. Apply directly or contact nadine@toptiertalentgroup.com for immediate consideration.