Project Controller - Design-Build (DDC / Joint Venture)

The Project Controller oversees all financial operations of a design-build project performed under a NYC DDC (Department of Design and Construction) contract. Operating within a joint venture (JV) structure, the role reports directly to the Vice President of Accounting and Program Manager. The Project Controller ensures timely and accurate billing, financial reporting, certified payroll submission, and compliance with prevailing wage requirements. This role is essential to driving financial transparency, regulatory compliance, and profitability throughout the project lifecycle. The ideal candidate will have strong experience managing cost reporting and JV billings on NYC public works projects.

Core Responsibilities:

• Manage full-cycle project accounting (AP, AR, JV billings, compliance, forecasting) in alignment with NYC public sector standards.
• Prepare and submit certified payroll reports in compliance with NYC DDC, New York State Labor Law requirements.
• Monitor and ensure prevailing wage compliance for all subcontractors and field staff; coordinate with labor compliance consultants and auditors.
• Generate and review monthly owner requisitions in DDC format, including reconciliation of retainage, allowances, change orders, and force accounts.
• Lead and coordinate joint venture financial operations, including partner billings, internal funding reconciliations, and JV audits.
• Facilitate recurring project financial meetings with program and accounting leadership, presenting updates on cost performance, margins, and forecasts.
• Develop and manage robust budget tracking, cost coding, and variance analysis processes.
• Interface with project team to ensure accurate documentation of change orders, time & material work, and subcontractor back charges.
• Maintain complete and auditable financial documentation in accordance with DDC and internal protocols.
• Coordinate timely subcontractor and vendor payments using Textura or other approved platforms.
• Collaborate with the VP of Accounting to ensure compliance with corporate controls, treasury functions, and project-specific financial metrics.
• Travel to project sites periodically to support field compliance, payroll verification, and document audits.
• Collaborate with the entire JV team to set up operations involving project financials.

Software & Tools:

• Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) - financial tracking, change orders
• CMiC - job cost accounting, invoicing, payables/receivables
• Textura - subcontractor billing, lien waivers, certified payroll
• PMIS platforms (e.g., DDC PMSS, e-Builder) - document control and financial workflows
• Passport - secure submissions, audit trail compliance

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline
• Minimum 8 years of construction accounting experience, including at least 2 years on design-build or DDC projects
• Strong understanding of certified payroll processes, prevailing wage requirements, and labor compliance audits
• Proven ability to manage complex public sector requisition packages (e.g., DDC, NYCHA, SCA)
• Familiarity with cost-plus, GMP, and lump sum contract models
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel and construction accounting platforms
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to present cost reports and financial status updates to JV leadership and public agencies
• Willingness to travel to job sites as required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with NYC agency projects (DDC, DEP, DOT, NYCHA, SCA)
• Knowledge of MWBE compliance tracking and reporting
• CPA, CMA, or construction finance certification (preferred but not required)