Director of Finance & Project Controls

C

CLT Recruiters

Director of Finance & Project Controls

New York City, NY
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Director of Finance & Project Controls

    Full-Time | On-Site | Executive-Level

    Role Overview

    We are seeking an experienced Director of Finance & Project Controls to lead financial operations, job-cost systems, forecasting, reporting, and process design for a growing luxury residential general contracting firm. This executive leader will build the financial infrastructure necessary to support large, complex, high-end residential projects and a rapidly expanding pipeline.

    This role owns the financial operating system—from stabilizing current accounting processes to designing and executing the company’s next-generation finance and ERP platform. The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on: capable of solving immediate needs while architecting scalable, long-term systems.

    Key Responsibilities

    1. Project Financial Control & Job Costing

    • Oversee financial performance of all active construction projects.
    • Maintain disciplined job-cost tracking by project, trade, and cost category.
    • Reconcile budgets, committed costs, change orders, and actuals.
    • Identify early financial or schedule-driven risks and escalate proactively.
    • Partner closely with project managers to align field execution with financial outcomes.

    2. Accounting Environment Optimization

    • Improve structure and reliability within the current accounting system (QuickBooks or similar).
    • Refine cost codes, chart of accounts, and standardized coding practices.
    • Reduce reliance on spreadsheets by implementing stable workflows and integrated processes.
    • Establish consistent, auditable month-end close procedures.

    3. Reporting, Forecasting & Financial Visibility

    • Develop recurring dashboards for job performance, cash flow, labor reporting, overhead allocation, and change-order exposure.
    • Build rolling forecasts aligned with backlog, production schedules, and pipeline metrics.
    • Deliver decision-grade financial insights to leadership on a timely, predictable cadence.

    4. Process Design & Internal Controls

    • Standardize workflows for subcontractor billing, AP/AR, owner billing, and change-order management.
    • Implement internal controls that protect margin and reduce financial leakage.
    • Strengthen documentation standards, audit trails, and approval structures.

    5. Systems Architecture & ERP Implementation

    • Evaluate ERP platforms aligned with operational needs and growth trajectory.
    • Define financial data structure, system integration needs, and workflow architecture.
    • Lead a phased ERP implementation over a 12–18 month horizon.
    • Serve as the internal owner and champion of all finance-related systems.

    6. Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership

    • Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and project controls staff.
    • Build strong partnerships across project management, field leadership, and executive leadership.
    • Act as a trusted advisor by ensuring accuracy, transparency, and a solutions-oriented approach.

    Key Qualifications

    • 7–15 years of experience in construction finance, project controls, or job-cost accounting.
    • Strong understanding of:
      • Cost-plus and fixed-fee structures
      • AIA billing and retainage
      • WIP and percent-complete accounting
      • Subcontractor and vendor payment workflows
    • Hands-on experience optimizing QuickBooks or similar accounting platforms.
    • Experience designing or implementing ERP systems (e.g., Sage Intacct, Procore Financials, Dynamics).
    • Advanced Excel skills and a desire to replace manual spreadsheets with system-driven processes.
    • Background in luxury residential construction or complex renovations.
    • Strong cash-flow management experience in a project-driven environment.
    • Knowledge of GAAP and regional construction-related regulatory requirements.
    • Experience managing and developing finance or accounting teams.
    • Ability to translate financial information into clear, actionable guidance for non-financial team members.

    Cultural Fit

    You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

    • A systems thinker with a builder’s mindset.
    • Comfortable bringing order to imperfect or evolving environments.
    • A calm, credible presence who can communicate across all levels of the organization.
    • A leader who can execute today while designing tomorrow.
    • Highly collaborative, detail-oriented, and committed to excellence.
    • Proactive, solutions-oriented, and accountable.

    Compensation & Benefits

    • Competitive executive-level salary, commensurate with experience.
    • Performance-based bonus opportunities.
    • Comprehensive health insurance.
    • 401(k) plan.
    • Paid time off and holidays.