Controller, Electrical Contractor (Small Shop)

Overview

This hands-on Controller role serves as the financial lead for a growing electrical contracting organization focused primarily on industrial/commercial projects. Responsibilities span the full accounting function—from day-to-day bookkeeping through financial reporting, banking, and surety relationships. The position also supports job pricing, cash management, and growth through direct involvement in job costing, billing, payroll, and accounts payable.

Reports to: Owner/President
Employment type: Full-time
Location: Austin, TX

Responsibilities

Job Costing and WIP

• Set up jobs, cost codes, and budgets; track actual vs. estimated labor hours and material costs
• Prepare monthly WIP schedules including costs to complete, over/under billings, and projected gross profit
• Meet monthly with project managers and the owner to review job status, change orders, and margin
• Flag cost overruns and underbilling early

Billing and Receivables

• Prepare progress billings, pay applications (AIA G702/G703 as needed), and T&M and service invoices
• Track retainage, change orders, and stored materials billing
• Follow up on past-due accounts
• Manage lien notices and releases

Payables and Payroll

• Process vendor, supplier, and subcontractor invoices coded to the correct job
• Collect lien waivers, W-9s, and insurance certificates
• Run weekly or biweekly payroll, including certified payroll on prevailing wage jobs
• Handle union fringe reporting and remittances (if applicable)
• Allocate labor burden and workers’ compensation to jobs

Financial Reporting and Close

• Complete the monthly close, including reconciliations, accruals, and journal entries
• Prepare monthly financial statements and job cost reports
• Maintain compliance with GAAP and ASC 606 for long-term contracts
• Coordinate with the outside CPA on year-end, reviews or audits, and tax filings

Banking, Surety, and Cash Management

• Prepare financial and WIP packages for the bank and surety
• Monitor loan covenants and bonding requirements
• Maintain a rolling cash flow forecast tied to billing and payment timing
• Manage line of credit draws, vehicle and equipment financing, and supplier account terms

Controls, Compliance, and Systems

• Maintain practical internal controls over purchasing, disbursements, and payroll
• Handle sales/use tax, insurance audits, and licensing-related filings
• Manage the accounting software and recommend improvements as the company grows
• Support budgeting and pricing decisions with overhead and burden rate analysis

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (or equivalent experience)
• 5 to 7 years of accounting experience, with at least 3 years in construction or job cost accounting
• Working knowledge of WIP, percentage-of-completion, retainage, and progress billing
• Experience running payroll and AP/AR
• Proficiency in Excel and construction accounting software
• Comfortable working independently and wearing multiple hats

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or CCIFP, or progress toward either
• Electrical or specialty trade contractor experience
• Experience with Quickbooks Online
• Experience with prevailing wage and certified payroll
• Experience preparing financials for sureties and banks

Skills and Competencies

• Hands-on, detail-oriented, and comfortable doing the work as well as managing it
• Clear communication with the owner, project managers, and field staff
• Sound judgment on forecasting and cash management
• Discretion with confidential information
• Ability to build simple, scalable processes as the organization grows

Working Conditions

• Remote with occasional on-site work
• Busier during month-end, year-end, audit, and bonding renewal periods
• Standard business hours

Compensation & Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development support