Controller in Seattle, Washington at R W Anderson Homes

Position SummaryWe are seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to take full ownership of accounting and financial reporting across three privately owned companies in residential construction, restoration, and property maintenance.

The Controller will be personally involved in daily accounting: reconciling accounts, investigating discrepancies, reviewing job costs, and training staff, while setting accounting standards and holding the department accountable to them. The Controller works closely with ownership and company leadership and serves as their primary source of reliable financial information.

The ideal candidate has already run the accounting function of a privately owned construction or service business, has fixed messy books, and can show how they improved the department.Key Responsibilities1. Accounting Operations & Financial Reporting

• Own daily accounting operations for multiple legal entities, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and bank reconciliations.
• Establish and maintain a reliable, timely monthly close.
• Prepare and review profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and supporting schedules for each company and for the group.
• Identify and correct discrepancies, unreconciled transactions, misclassified expenses, and reporting inconsistencies.
• Review and approve journal entries, corrections, and reclassifications.
• Oversee intercompany transactions, transfers, reimbursements, and reconciliations.
• Coordinate with external CPAs on tax preparation, adjustments, year-end close, and compliance.

2. Construction & Project Accounting

• Manage job costing, work in progress (WIP), progress billing, cost-plus billing, and retainage.
• Review project budgets, actual costs, estimated costs to complete, and gross margins.
• Identify cost overruns, billing gaps, and missed bills or billings before they affect profitability.
• Evaluate change orders, customer credits, and project closeout financials.
• Work with Project Managers and sSuperintendents to improve billing accuracy and documentation.
• Support standardized project financial reporting and variance tracking.

3. Budgeting, Forecasting & Profitability Analysis

• Lead the annual budgeting process for all operating companies.
• Review monthly budget-to-actual results and investigate significant variances.
• Prepare forecasts and flag potential revenue shortfalls, cost overruns, and cash flow concerns.
• Analyze divisional margins and overhead, also recommend corrective action for underperforming areas.
• Establish financial benchmarks and key performance indicators (KPIs) for each division.

4. Cash Flow, Banking & Financing

• Manage cash flow and working capital across all entities.
• Prioritize vendor, subcontractor, payroll, and other payments based on cash availability.
• Maintain relationships with banks and commercial lenders; support lines of credit, renewals, and loan documentation.
• Manage construction draws and lender reporting.
• Advise ownership on distributions, major expenditures, and financing options.

5. Accounts Receivable & Collections

• Oversee receivables and collections for Construction, Restoration, and Maintenance operations.
• Monitor aging reports and escalate overdue balances.
• Communicate directly with customers, property owners, and insurance representatives on outstanding payments.
• Resolve billing disputes, reconcile invoice discrepancies, and evaluate proposed settlements.
• Coordinate with legal counsel when escalation is necessary.

6. Insurance, Risk & Compliance

• Coordinate insurance programs with brokers and carriers, including general liability, workers' compensation, auto, umbrella, builder's risk, and project-specific coverage.
• Support renewals, premium reviews, and audits.
• Monitor licensing, bonding, and financial compliance requirements.
• Coordinate the financial aspects of employee health insurance and benefits.

7. Payroll & Personnel Cost Management

• Oversee payroll-related financial processes and coordinate with payroll providers.
• Monitor payroll, benefit costs, and labor costs by company and division.
• Review compensation changes, bonuses, and incentive structures for financial sustainability.
• Participate in evaluating payroll providers and outsourced services.

8. Vendor Management & Accounts Payable

• Oversee vendor and subcontractor payment processes and approvals.
• Ensure proper expense allocation among companies, divisions, and projects.
• Review significant vendor expenses and identify savings.
• Monitor recurring expenses, equipment costs, vehicle financing, and service agreements.

9. Process Improvement & Systems

• Develop and enforce financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Evaluate and improve accounting, project management, and payroll systems (e.g., QuickBooks, Buildertrend).
• Improve workflow and communication between accounting, administrative, and field personnel.
• Provide practical recommendations that balance operational needs with financial discipline.

Management Responsibilities

• Directly supervise accounting and finance staff: assign tasks, set deadlines, review work quality, and train and develop team members.
• Set accounting standards and hold the department and operational managers accountable to them.
• Challenge unsupported expenditures and partner with department managers to keep decisions aligned with budgets.

QualificationsRequired

• 10–15+ years of accounting experience, including responsibility inside smaller, privately owned businesses.
• Construction accounting expertise: job costing, WIP, cost-plus billing, retainage, and project profitability.
• Experience with intercompany transactions and producing accurate financial statements for individual companies and the group.
• Proven record of cleaning up messy accounting, establishing a reliable monthly close, and preventing missed bills or billings.
• Willingness to personally reconcile accounts, investigate discrepancies, and train staff.
• Strong command of financial statements, general ledger accounting, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Experience working with banks, lenders, insurance brokers, CPAs, and attorneys.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, especially in resolving payment disputes.
• Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
• Sound judgment and discretion with confidential financial and personnel information.

Preferred

• CPA license. The credential is valuable but demonstrated results running a comparable department matter more.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration (equivalent experience considered).
• Familiarity with QuickBooks, Buildertrend, and construction management systems.
• Experience supporting a multi-company group in residential construction, restoration, or property services.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $140,000–$180,000, based on experience and demonstrated results.
• Benefits: Health insurance and other company benefits per current plans.

Scope of AuthorityThe Controller exercises independent judgment in managing financial operations, setting accounting standards, identifying risks, and recommending corrective action. Final authority for major financing commitments, ownership distributions, organizational restructuring, and significant expenditures remains with ownership.

RW Anderson Homes is committed to maintaining a workplace built on respect, fairness, and equal opportunity. We consider all qualified applicants based on merit, experience, and ability—without regard to personal background or characteristics protected by law.

Hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records. The hiring process will be conducted in compliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain and correct background information

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during either the application or the recruiting process, please email your request to office@rwandersonhomes.com