What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Controller - Accounting position at JH KELLY and Careers?
At JH Kelly, we’re seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Assistant Controller to join our Accounting team and drive financial accuracy, integrity, and strategic insights across our dynamic construction operations. If you’re energized by leading financial reporting, mastering construction accounting complexities, mentoring a talented team, and thriving in a fast-paced environment, this is your opportunity to make a mark with a legacy construction leader.
About Us
Celebrating over a century of excellence, JH Kelly is a fourth-generation, family-owned construction powerhouse known for tackling complex commercial and heavy industrial projects. With offices in Vancouver, Longview, Seattle, Bellingham, WA, and Milwaukie, OR, we’re an industry leader fueled by an award-winning team committed to safety, quality, and a dynamic, tight-knit culture. Learn more about our story at www.jhkelly.com
Who We’re Looking For
We’re searching for a strategic thinker with exceptional analytical skills, unwavering attention to detail, and proven leadership ability. You’re proactive, collaborative, and thrive on ensuring financial precision while providing insights that support business decisions. If you have deep expertise in construction accounting, a passion for compliance and cost control, and the ability to mentor and develop a team in a high-intensity environment, you’re the kind of force multiplier we need to elevate our financial operations. This role is based in Longview, WA.
What You’ll Do
As an Assistant Controller, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our financial reporting processes, as well as providing strategic financial insights to support decision-making across the organization. You’ll lead a team of accounting professionals while overseeing critical construction accounting functions.
Salary Range: $90,000–$110,000 (DOE) FLSA exempt.
Here’s a deeper dive into your responsibilities:
Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
- Provide variance analysis and explanations for financial performance.
- Conduct financial analysis to support strategic decision-making, such as pricing strategies, investment opportunities, and business expansion initiatives.
- Prepare ad hoc financial reports and analysis as requested by management.
Construction Accounting Oversight
- Oversee the construction accounting process, including job costing, revenue recognition, and project profitability analysis.
- Collaborate with project managers to track project costs and monitor budget vs. actual performance.
- Develop and implement cost control measures to optimize project profitability.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Cost Management
- Budgeting and forecasting to assist in the development of annual budgets and long-term financial forecasts.
- Monitor budget performance and provide regular updates to management.
- Identify areas for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
Compliance, Audit & Controls
- Ensure compliance with GAAP and other regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate with external auditors to facilitate annual audits and ensure compliance with audit requirements.
- Maintain internal controls and procedures to safeguard company assets and ensure financial accuracy.
Team Leadership
- Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of accounting staff, including assigning tasks, providing performance feedback, and supporting professional growth.
What You Bring
- Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of experience in construction accounting. At least 2 years of experience supervising or leading an accounting team or staff (e.g., senior accountant, staff accountant, accounting clerk) strongly preferred.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. Preferred: CPA certification.
- Technical Skills: Preferred experience with Viewpoint Vista software and Power BI. Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage). Above average proficiency in MS Office tools, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Skills & Mindset:
- Proactive problem solver with strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop accounting team members.
- Strong work ethic, self-starter, and ability to prioritize and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and demonstrate self-motivation. Commitment to exceptional customer service.
- Ability to develop and implement innovative strategies and solutions.
- Demonstrates exceptional functional acumen in construction project accounting, ensuring accurate job costing, financial reporting, and compliance with industry regulations.
- Adapting to Change. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with employees and vendors at all levels of the organization.
- Focus on a collaborative and teamwork-driven environment.
- High achiever who excels in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment.
Physical Requirements
This office position requires the ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer. Candidates must have the ability to perform repetitive tasks such as typing and using a mouse. Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching are necessary. The role also requires good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for handling office equipment weighing up to 20 pounds. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, is essential. The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Salary Range: $90,000–$110,000 (DOE) FLSA exempt.
Benefits Package
- Comprehensive Medical/Vision/Rx – Dental/Ortho Coverage: JH Kelly pays 87.5% of total premiums.
- Paid Vacation and Holidays: Generous PTO model to support work-life balance.
- 401K: 50% company match on the first 6% of employee contributions.
- Life Insurance, AD&D, STD & LTD: Paid 100% by JH Kelly.
- Annual Performance Bonuses: Opportunity for additional compensation based on performance.
- Profit Sharing: Participate in JH Kelly’s profit-sharing program. Averaging 9% of total compensation over the past 10 years.
Why JH Kelly?
Join a family-oriented team with a legacy of excellence and a passion for innovation. You’ll work on high-impact projects across our regions, collaborating with a dynamic team to deliver exceptional results. This role offers growth potential, empowering you to become a key player in our award-winning environment.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a brief cover letter. Tell us how you’ve led financial reporting, optimized construction accounting processes, and developed teams in the past.
Salary : $90,000 - $110,000