Controller at GHJ (Los Angeles, CA)Controller

GHJ Search and Staffing serves as the recruitment division of GHJ, a prominent national accounting and advisory firm. Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis across a broad range of industries. GHJ’s relationship with our Global Advisory and Accounting Network provides the resources needed to better understand client’s needs, attract a higher caliber of candidates and assess candidate potential.

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Oversee daily accounting operations, including general ledger, AP/AR, payroll accounting, reconciliations, and financial reporting.

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Lead the transition from quarterly to monthly close, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements.

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Manage construction job costing, WIP reporting, cost-to-complete estimates, and percentage-of-completion accounting.

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Analyze project profitability, labor costs, and margins to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.

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Develop and maintain fully burdened labor rates for engineering, shop, and field operations.

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Evaluate overhead coverage and provide financial insights to support project bidding, pricing, and operational decisions.

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Oversee inventory accounting, valuation, reconciliations, and internal controls.

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Partner with project managers and estimators to improve cost tracking and project financial performance.

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Support the implementation of new accounting software and improvements to financial reporting processes.

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Supervise and develop the Accounting Manager while supporting organizational change and process improvements.

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Collaborate with the Fractional CFO on financial analysis, reporting, and ESOP-related accounting.

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Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

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7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including financial reporting and accounting operations leadership.

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Construction accounting experience required, preferably in commercial construction or specialty contracting.

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Strong expertise in job costing, WIP reporting, and project profitability analysis.

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Hands-on experience with inventory accounting, labor burden rates, and overhead allocation.

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Strong knowledge of GAAP, revenue recognition, and financial close processes.

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Advanced Excel skills and experience with accounting or ERP systems.

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Experience implementing new accounting systems, improving processes, or leading operational changes.

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Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to explain financial information to nonfinancial stakeholders.

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CPA preferred; experience in fire protection, mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical contracting is a plus.

Why Join?

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Employee-Owned Company: Join an established, ESOP-owned business with a strong presence in the specialty construction industry.

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Meaningful Business Impact: Help leadership understand project profitability, labor costs, and where operational improvements can drive stronger margins.

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Financially Established Organization: Join a profitable business with a substantial project backlog and continued opportunities for growth.

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Opportunity to Modernize: Lead improvements to financial reporting, accounting systems, job costing, and operational processes.

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Collaborative Leadership: Work directly with an experienced Fractional CFO and partner with operations to support better financial decision-making.

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Broad Ownership: Take on a leadership role that combines hands-on accounting, team development, systems implementation, and strategic financial analysis.