Assistant Controller - UIC Construction

Overview:

UIC Construction (UICC) is seeking an Assistant Controller to support financial operations and project management teams across active construction projects. This role is responsible for developing, managing, and distributing project cost control data, including cost input, tracking, and reporting. The Assistant Controller partners closely with project teams to plan, manage, and execute cost accounting functions for both government and private sector projects. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership capability, thrives in a collaborative environment, and is committed to operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

Essential functions will include:

Project Operations Support:

• Support the development of the initial Project Plan by providing administrative coordination and cost control input.
• Assist in creating the initial Project Budget, including rolling forward bid day estimates and developing detailed phase codes with the project team to track production and costs accurately.
• Review contract documents to ensure administrative and operational requirements are met.
• Manage and maintain project management software tools to support accurate tracking and reporting.
• Proactively analyze project issues and collaborate with project teams to support timely resolution.
• Participate in project closeout activities to ensure completion is efficient, accurate, and timely.
• Maintain organized and accurate digital and hard copy project files.
• Provide accounting and business operations support as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Business Operations \& Project Financial Controls:

• Prepare accurate financial and project reporting, including budgets, monthly and quarterly variance analyses, and required documentation for government and private sector projects.
• Establish and maintain organized digital and hard\-copy company and project files.
• Partner with the Project Management Team to identify and track project\-specific reporting requirements.
• Set up new projects in the job cost accounting system, including job numbers, phase codes, and budgets to support detailed cost and production tracking.
• Review weekly timesheets for proper project coding and validate labor and equipment recap accuracy.
• Maintain job cost master files, including contract changes, modifications, and budget adjustments.
• Reconcile payroll reports and review journal entries related to equipment rent and cost corrections within the job cost system.
• Analyze project cost data and provide reporting support for monthly Project Review meetings.
• Evaluate Cost at Completion projections, investigate significant variances, and collaborate with project teams to resolve discrepancies.
• Support preparation of Schedules of Values and other required financial documentation.
• Review subcontractor certified payroll reports to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Evaluate project management reporting for accuracy and timeliness, including job cost variance reports, job status reports, cash flow projections, and subcontractor payment tracking.
• Manage accounts receivable activities, including invoicing accuracy and follow\-up on outstanding balances.
• Coordinate timely payment processing for subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.

Client \& External Relations:

• Promote UICC’s reputation as a respected member of the community and construction industry.
• Represent UICC professionally at external meetings and events, as required.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, subcontractors, architects, and design consultants.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Management.
• Minimum of eight (8\) years of progressive accounting experience.
• Demonstrated experience with Sage 300\.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, with strong Excel capability.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and external stakeholders; must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.
• Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Regularly required to sit for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Must be able to communicate clearly through speech and hearing.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 20 lbs.

Working Conditions:

• Work is typically performed in a professional office environment.
• Extended periods of computer use and screen time.
• May be required to work beyond normal business hours during peak periods (e.g., audits, budgeting, etc).
• Must maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive financial information.