Controller

Controller / CFO – ConstructionLocation: Fort Lauderdale, FLEmployment Type: Full-Time, On-SiteIndustry: General Contracting / ConstructionAscendo Resources is partnering with a well-established General Contractor in Fort Lauderdale, FL to identify an experienced Controller / CFO to lead the company’s accounting and financial operations.This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role that will work closely with ownership, project management, operations, and external financial partners. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in construction accounting, including WIP reporting, percentage-of-completion accounting, AIA billing, job costing, project profitability analysis, payroll, AP, contracts, and financial reporting.The Controller / CFO will serve as the financial leader of the organization while remaining actively involved in the day-to-day accounting function. This individual will be responsible for improving financial visibility, maintaining strong internal controls, supporting project teams, and ensuring that ownership has accurate and timely information to make strategic business decisions.Key ResponsibilitiesConstruction Accounting & Financial ManagementOversee and manage all accounting and financial operations for the company.Lead the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes and ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.Prepare and review financial statements in accordance with GAAP and established company accounting policies.Manage and analyze WIP schedules, percentage-of-completion accounting, job costing, project profitability, committed costs, earned revenue, and project forecasting.Review project financial performance and identify potential cost overruns, margin erosion, billing issues, and opportunities for improved profitability.Partner with ownership and project management teams to monitor project costs, budgets, change orders, billing status, and overall financial performance.Analyze financial data, operating trends, and key performance indicators to identify opportunities for cost savings and improved profitability.Prepare cash flow forecasts and assist ownership with short- and long-term financial planning.Maintain the general ledger, chart of accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, and supporting schedules.Billing, Accounts Receivable & Project CollectionsOversee preparation and submission of AIA G702/G703 billings, progress billings, contract invoices, and other construction-related billing.Review project billing schedules to ensure invoices are submitted accurately and in accordance with contract requirements.Monitor accounts receivable, retainage, aging, and project collections.Work directly with project management and clients to resolve billing discrepancies and collection issues.Ensure change orders, contract modifications, and project documentation are properly reflected in billing and financial reporting.Accounts Payable & Vendor ManagementOversee the accounts payable function, including invoice processing, coding, approvals, subcontractor payments, and vendor reconciliations.Review subcontractor and vendor documentation prior to payment.Ensure compliance with contract terms, lien requirements, releases, insurance documentation, and internal approval procedures.Maintain appropriate controls surrounding payments, vendor setup, and disbursements.Payroll & Employee-Related AccountingOversee payroll processing and payroll-related accounting activities.Ensure accurate allocation of labor costs to appropriate projects and cost codes.Monitor payroll taxes, deductions, benefits, and other payroll-related obligations.Coordinate with HR, payroll providers, and outside advisors as necessary.Contracts, Compliance & Risk ManagementOversee the financial and accounting aspects of construction contracts and subcontracts.Review contracts for billing terms, payment requirements, retainage, insurance, bonding, and other financial considerations.Maintain a strong working understanding of construction lien laws, contract requirements, tax regulations, and industry-specific compliance requirements.Assist with financial documentation related to bonding capacity, insurance renewals, lender requirements, and surety relationships.Coordinate financial information and reporting with insurance brokers, bonding companies, banks, lenders, and other external partners.Internal Controls & Process ImprovementDevelop, document, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, internal controls, and financial reporting standards.Evaluate existing accounting processes and implement improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and financial visibility.Establish procedures that ensure consistency across project accounting, billing, payroll, AP, contracts, and reporting.Identify opportunities to automate or streamline accounting workflows.Maintain appropriate segregation of duties and safeguards over company assets.Audit, Tax & External ReportingServe as the primary accounting contact for the company’s outside CPA firm, tax advisors, lenders, insurance providers, and bonding partners.Coordinate annual financial statement reviews, audits, tax filings, and other compliance requests.Prepare supporting schedules and documentation for audits, financial reviews, insurance renewals, and bonding requirements.Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.Assist with sales tax, payroll tax, and other construction-related tax reporting as required.Leadership & Team DevelopmentSupervise, mentor, and support accounting and administrative staff.Establish clear responsibilities, deadlines, and accountability across the accounting department.Provide training and guidance to accounting staff and project teams regarding financial processes and procedures.Foster strong communication between accounting, project management, operations, and ownership.Serve as a trusted financial advisor to ownership and senior leadership.Qualifications10+ years of progressive accounting experience within the construction industry required.Strong preference for candidates with experience working for a General Contractor or subcontractor and a deep understanding of construction-specific accounting workflows.Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required or strongly preferred.CPA highly preferred, but substantial construction accounting leadership experience may be considered in lieu of certification.Strong knowledge of GAAP and construction accounting principles.Demonstrated experience with:WIP reportingPercentage-of-completion accountingJob costingProject profitability analysisAIA billingRetainageAccounts payable and receivablePayrollConstruction contractsFinancial statement preparationExperience reviewing project budgets, forecasts, committed costs, and cost-to-complete estimates.Understanding of construction contracts, lien laws, tax regulations, insurance requirements, and bonding processes.Experience coordinating with external CPA firms, auditors, banks, sureties, and tax advisors.Prior leadership or supervisory experience within an accounting department.Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify financial trends, risks, and opportunities for improved profitability.Advanced Excel and financial reporting skills.Experience using Sage 300 / Timberline strongly preferred.Experience with other construction ERP/accounting systems will also be considered.Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with ownership, project managers, field operations, vendors, subcontractors, and external partners.Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced construction environment.Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.Ideal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate is a seasoned construction accounting leader who understands both the financial and operational sides of the business. This person should be comfortable operating at the Controller/CFO level strategically, while also remaining hands-on enough to review WIP schedules, troubleshoot project accounting issues, oversee billing and collections, and support the accounting team when needed.Experience within a General Contractor or subcontractor environment will be particularly valuable, as this individual must understand how accounting interacts with project management, contracts, subcontractors, job costs, retainage, lien documentation, bonding, and project profitability.This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced construction accounting professional looking to take ownership of the financial function and play a meaningful role in the continued growth and success of an established General Contractor.EOCAscendo is a certified minority owned staffing firm, and we welcome and celebrate diversity.Ascendo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law