Assistant Controller Operations Jobs in Illinois

Description

How We Build at BIG

BIG Construction is a construction management firm specializing in the interior built environment. Founded and led by millennials, we prioritize right-fit solutions over legacy processes and leverage a high-value network to deliver exceptional results.

Guided by our core values-Drive, Trust, Ideas, and Build-we're committed to building meaningful relationships by understanding and addressing the needs of all stakeholders.

Our proven process-Ask, Listen & Learn. Align. Budget. Contract. Execute. Retain.-ensures every project is approached with curiosity, collaboration, and precision.

At our core, our brand promise remains simple: 

We will ask. We will listen. We will learn. We will deliver.

The Opportunity Ahead

BIG Construction is looking for an Assistant Controller to play a critical role in strengthening and scaling our accounting function as we continue to grow. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for ensuring financial accuracy, supporting operational decision-making, and building processes that can scale with the business.

You'll partner closely with the VP, Finance and Administration, project teams, and cross-functional leaders to bring clarity to our financials, improve consistency across projects, and ensure we are operating with discipline and visibility.

This is an opportunity for someone who wants to go beyond transactional accounting and truly influence how the business runs.

Who Thrives in This Role

This role is a strong fit for someone who:

Takes ownership and follows through without needing to be asked twice
Is comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment where not everything is perfectly defined
Balances attention to detail with the ability to see the bigger picture
Communicates clearly and confidently with both finance and non-finance partners
Enjoys digging into problems, identifying root causes, and improving processes
Can shift between hands-on execution and higher-level thinking
Builds trust through consistency, reliability, and sound judgment

Where You'll Make Your Mark

In this role, you'll take ownership of core accounting operations while helping bring structure, visibility, and consistency to how we manage financial performance across the business. You will own the accuracy and integrity of financial data and outputs across the business.

Financial Close & Reporting
Lead and own the monthly close process, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger
Prepare and review journal entries and account reconciliations, including credit cards
Deliver timely, accurate financial reporting and analysis
Maintain fixed asset schedules and depreciation
Support year-end financial statement review and tax processes, including preparation of workpapers and coordination with external accountants

Construction Accounting & Project Oversight
Own WIP reporting and revenue recognition processes, ensuring accuracy and alignment with project performance
Own project accounting outcomes, including job costing, billing, and WIP accuracy
Review job cost activity to assess project-level financial risk and ensure accurate reporting
Oversee client billing and lien waiver processes to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contract requirements

Payroll & HR Partnership
Process biweekly payroll and weekly union payroll
Ensure compliance with quarterly and year-end payroll filings and union reporting/payment requirements
Partner with HR on wage updates, payroll changes, and employee leave impacts

  Cash Flow, Banking & Financial Health
Own cash flow visibility, including forecasting support and monitoring of working capital and A/R trends
Partner with operations to support A/R collections and resolve aging balances
Prepare ad hoc financial reporting for banking and surety requests
Perform monthly calculation and monitoring of financial covenant compliance

Team Leadership & Development
Supervise and mentor Project Accountant(s) to ensure accurate job cost, billing, and financial reporting
Provide guidance, accountability, and development support to accounting team members

Controls, Compliance & Process Improvement
Maintain strong internal controls and consistent processes across the accounting function
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy

What Building Success Looks Like

In the first 6-12 months, success in this role looks like:

Monthly close is timely, accurate, and well-organized
Financial reporting is trusted by leadership and used to drive decisions
WIP and job cost reporting are consistent and clearly understood across teams
Payroll processes are smooth, accurate, and compliant
Project accounting is operating with strong oversight and accountability
Cash flow visibility is improved, with fewer surprises
Key processes are documented, repeatable, and scalable
Strong working relationships are built across accounting, operations, and HR

The BIG Basics

This role is expected to consistently demonstrate BIG Construction's core values:

Drive - Takes initiative, owns outcomes, and pushes work forward with urgency and accountability
Trust - Builds credibility through accuracy, transparency, and follow-through
Ideas - Brings forward thoughtful improvements and challenges the status quo where needed
Build - Strengthens processes, relationships, and team capability over time

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Onsite in the Chicago office
Ability to remain in a seated position for extended periods

Ability to move about the office to access equipment and supplies

Occasional lifting of materials or event items (up to 10 lbs)

Final Notes on the Build

This description outlines primary responsibilities but may evolve as BIG continues to grow. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

The Tools You Bring

7-12+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in construction
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Strong understanding of construction accounting, including job cost, WIP, and billing
Experience owning or heavily supporting month-end close
Familiarity with payroll processing, including union environments (preferred)
Ability to analyze financial data and translate it into clear insights
Experience working with accounting systems and reporting tools
Proficiency in Excel and financial analysis
Strong attention to detail with a process-oriented mindset
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities effectively

Core Competencies & Attributes

Accountability - Takes full ownership of responsibilities and outcomes
Financial Acumen - Understands how financial data connects to business performance
Problem Solving - Identifies issues quickly and works toward practical solutions
Communication - Clearly explains financial concepts to non-finance partners
Continuous Improvement - Looks for ways to make processes more efficient and scalable
Collaboration - Works effectively across teams and builds strong partnerships