Business Unit Controller

Location: Syracuse, NY

The Opportunity

An established national construction organization is seeking an experienced Business Unit Controller to oversee the financial operations of a major business unit.

This position will serve as a key financial partner to operational leadership, providing oversight of accounting operations, job-cost accounting, financial reporting, billing, collections, cash flow, and compliance. The Controller will play an important role in translating financial results into actionable insights for business and project leaders while helping identify risks, improve processes, and strengthen overall financial performance.

The ideal candidate will have a strong construction accounting background and be comfortable operating in a hands-on environment where financial results are closely tied to project performance.

What You'll Own

Business Unit Accounting

• Oversee the day-to-day accounting operations for the business unit, including general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and job-cost accounting.

• Establish and maintain effective accounting controls, policies, and procedures in coordination with corporate finance teams.

• Partner with the corporate general ledger function on account maintenance, month-end entries, adjustments, and related accounting matters.

• Ensure financial activity is accurately captured and aligned with established accounting policies and company requirements.

Financial Close & Reporting

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities and ensure financial statements are accurate and delivered on schedule.

• Own the business unit's month-end close process in accordance with the corporate reporting calendar.

• Prepare and oversee WIP reporting, management reports, variance analysis, and other financial reporting.

• Partner with FP&A to ensure accurate and timely monthly financial results.

• Provide financial insight to leadership regarding business performance, trends, and areas requiring attention.

Operational Finance & Project Performance

• Participate in recurring financial review meetings with business unit and operational leadership.

• Analyze project and business performance, including margin movement, underbillings, change orders, and other indicators of financial risk.

• Identify financial risks and opportunities and work with operational teams to develop appropriate responses.

• Provide financial guidance that supports informed decision-making at both the business-unit and individual project levels.

• Help improve operational efficiency and financial performance through stronger processes, reporting, and controls.

Billing, Receivables & Cash Management

• Oversee customer billing activities, including progress billings and contract-based invoicing.

• Monitor accounts receivable and support effective collection efforts.

• Oversee accounts payable processes and vendor payment activities.

• Partner with operational teams to address billing issues and maintain healthy cash flow.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Manage financial and operational documentation associated with insurance reporting, bonding requirements, lien waivers, and other compliance obligations.

• Ensure business unit processes remain aligned with applicable accounting standards and organizational requirements.

• Identify control gaps and opportunities to strengthen financial processes and reporting accuracy.

What We're Looking For

Required

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

• 6+ years of experience in construction accounting, contractor accounting, or a closely related environment.

• Strong understanding of GAAP and core accounting principles.

• Demonstrated expertise with job-cost accounting, WIP reporting, and percentage-of-completion revenue recognition.

• Hands-on experience working with accounting and payroll systems.

• Advanced Excel skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with exceptional attention to detail.

• Ability to communicate effectively with both accounting/finance professionals and operational leadership.

• Strong organizational and documentation skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred

• Experience supporting a large or multi-location construction organization.

• Exposure to business intelligence and AI-enabled financial tools.

• Experience partnering directly with project managers and operational leadership.

• Background in process improvement, systems implementation, or financial reporting optimization.

• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Compensation & Benefits

The organization offers a competitive compensation package with an anticipated base salary of $100,000–$125,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits include:

• Medical and dental coverage

• 401(k)

• Paid holidays and vacation

• Performance/merit-based bonus opportunities

• Tuition reimbursement

• Professional development and training opportunities

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is more than a traditional accounting role. The Business Unit Controller will have a direct connection to the operational side of the business and will help leadership understand what is driving financial performance at both the business-unit and project levels.

The position provides broad exposure to construction finance, project accounting, WIP, profitability analysis, billing, collections, and operational decision-making while offering the opportunity to work closely with experienced corporate and field leadership.

For a construction accounting professional ready to take ownership of a business unit's financial performance, this role offers significant responsibility and visibility within an established organization.