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Accounting Manager / Controller Track (Construction & HVAC)

Location: Arizona

Industry: Union HVAC / Mechanical Contracting

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to oversee and manage the day-to-day accounting operations of a growing union HVAC contracting company. This position is ideal for a seasoned accounting professional who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and has the ability to build structure, maintain accurate financial records, and operate independently.

The Accounting Manager will initially work closely with an outsourced accounting and advisory firm that provides financial oversight, guidance, and internal control management. During this transition period, the successful candidate will collaborate with the advisory team to ensure accounting operations are properly established, financial reporting is accurate, and internal controls are maintained.

As the company grows and the accounting function matures, this individual will be expected to transition into the role of Controller and assume full responsibility for the accounting department and financial operations of the company.

This is a hands-on role requiring a strong understanding of full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, payroll administration, internal controls, and construction-related accounting practices. The successful candidate must be capable of managing accounting operations with minimal reliance on the operational team while ensuring the financial integrity of the organization.

Essential Responsibilities

Accounting Operations

• Manage all aspects of full-cycle accounting.
• Maintain the general ledger and prepare journal entries.
• Perform monthly bank, credit card, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable functions.
• Manage cash receipts, vendor payments, and cash flow monitoring.
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Ensure accurate and timely month-end and year-end close processes.
• Maintain fixed asset schedules and depreciation records.
• Ensure accounting records are complete, accurate, and maintained in accordance with company policies and GAAP.

Payroll & Union Compliance

• Process and oversee payroll activities, including union payroll requirements.
• Maintain compliance with collective bargaining agreements and union reporting requirements.
• Coordinate payroll tax filings and related compliance activities.
• Support certified payroll reporting and other labor-related reporting requirements as applicable.
• Ensure payroll records are accurate, complete, and properly documented.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly financial statements and management reports.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning.
• Monitor financial performance and identify trends, opportunities, and concerns.
• Analyze project profitability and financial results.
• Support management with financial information necessary for strategic decision-making.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Work directly with the outsourced accounting and advisory firm to ensure compliance with established accounting policies and internal controls.
• Maintain accurate supporting documentation for all financial transactions.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, efficiency, and reporting accuracy.
• Assist with implementation and documentation of accounting procedures and best practices.
• Ensure the integrity and reliability of financial data.
• Maintain segregation of duties and internal control procedures appropriate for a growing organization.

Leadership & Department Development

• Serve as the primary accounting resource for the organization.
• Establish and maintain accounting workflows that support business growth.
• Develop scalable accounting processes and procedures.
• Partner with ownership and the advisory team to strengthen financial operations.
• Transition into full leadership of the accounting department as the organization continues to mature.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting required.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Minimum 3 years managing full-cycle accounting responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience preparing financial statements and managing month-end close processes.
• Experience in construction, HVAC, mechanical contracting, specialty trades, or other project-based industries strongly preferred.
• Experience with construction accounting principles, including job costing, work-in-progress (WIP) reporting, percentage-of-completion concepts, project profitability analysis, and contract billing processes is highly preferred.
• Experience with union payroll and union reporting requirements preferred.
• Experience working in a startup, entrepreneurial, or high-growth environment is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Ability to independently manage daily accounting operations with minimal supervision.
• Experience implementing and maintaining internal controls.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with accounting, payroll, and financial reporting software.
• Ability to operate effectively in a startup environment with limited administrative support.

Important Candidate Requirements

This position is designed for an experienced accounting professional capable of independently managing the accounting function of a growing business. While training will be provided regarding company-specific procedures, systems, and workflows, accounting fundamentals and full-cycle accounting processes will not be taught.

Candidates must possess significant hands-on experience in full-cycle accounting, including:

• General ledger management
• Month-end and year-end close
• Account reconciliations
• Financial statement preparation
• Payroll oversight
• Accounts payable and accounts receivable management
• Cash management
• Financial reporting and analysis
• Budgeting and forecasting support

Construction job costing and WIP reporting experience is strongly preferred.

Candidates without substantial full-cycle accounting experience or who require training in core accounting functions will not be considered for this position.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a self-sufficient accounting professional who can step into a growing organization, take ownership of the accounting function, and provide financial leadership with limited operational support. This individual should be comfortable creating structure where needed, operating in a startup environment, and partnering with an outsourced advisory team to build a scalable accounting department.

We are seeking a professional who is proactive, accountable, detail-oriented, and capable of growing into the Controller role as the company continues to expand. The ideal candidate will bring both strong accounting fundamentals and practical experience supporting project-based businesses where job costing, project profitability, cash flow management, and operational reporting are critical to success.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Accounting Manager, Senior Accountant, Assistant Controller, Construction Accountant, Construction Accounting Manager, or Controller seeking a leadership role with significant growth potential and long-term impact.

Reporting Structure

Initially, this position will report directly to the outsourced accounting and advisory firm responsible for financial oversight, internal controls, and accounting guidance. The successful candidate will work closely with both company ownership and the advisory team to establish and maintain sound accounting practices.

As the accounting department matures and the company continues to grow, the successful candidate will assume increasing responsibility for the accounting function and financial operations, ultimately transitioning into the Controller role.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated ability to independently manage accounting operations. A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered to the successful candidate.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to help build the accounting foundation of a growing union HVAC contractor while receiving mentorship and support from an experienced outsourced accounting and advisory team. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, implement best practices, develop scalable financial processes, and ultimately lead the accounting function as the company continues its growth trajectory.