Assistant Controller

How We Build at BIG BIG Construction is a construction management firm specializing in the interior built environment. Founded and led by millennials, we prioritize right-fit solutions over legacy processes and leverage a high-value network to deliver exceptional results. Guided by our core values—Drive, Trust, Ideas, and Build—we’re committed to building meaningful relationships by understanding and addressing the needs of all stakeholders. Our proven process—Ask, Listen & Learn. Align. Budget. Contract. Execute. Retain.—ensures every project is approached with curiosity, collaboration, and precision. At our core, our brand promise remains simple: We will ask. We will listen. We will learn. We will deliver. The Opportunity Ahead BIG Construction is looking for an Assistant Controller to play a critical role in strengthening and scaling our accounting function as we continue to grow. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for ensuring financial accuracy, supporting operational decision-making, and building processes that can scale with the business. You’ll partner closely with the VP, Finance and Administration, project teams, and cross-functional leaders to bring clarity to our financials, improve consistency across projects, and ensure we are operating with discipline and visibility. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to go beyond transactional accounting and truly influence how the business runs. Who Thrives in This Role This role is a strong fit for someone who: Takes ownership and follows through without needing to be asked twice Is comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment where not everything is perfectly defined Balances attention to detail with the ability to see the bigger picture Communicates clearly and confidently with both finance and non-finance partners Enjoys digging into problems, identifying root causes, and improving processes Can shift between hands-on execution and higher-level thinking Builds trust through consistency, reliability, and sound judgment Where You’ll Make Your Mark In this role, you’ll take ownership of core accounting operations while helping bring structure, visibility, and consistency to how we manage financial performance across the business. You will own the accuracy and integrity of financial data and outputs across the business. Financial Close & Reporting Lead and own the monthly close process, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger Prepare and review journal entries and account reconciliations, including credit cards Deliver timely, accurate financial reporting and analysis Maintain fixed asset schedules and depreciation Support year-end financial statement review and tax processes, including preparation of workpapers and coordination with external accountants Construction Accounting & Project Oversight Own WIP reporting and revenue recognition processes, ensuring accuracy and alignment with project performance Own project accounting outcomes, including job costing, billing, and WIP accuracy Review job cost activity to assess project-level financial risk and ensure accurate reporting Oversee client billing and lien waiver processes to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contract requirements Payroll & HR Partnership Process biweekly payroll and weekly union payroll Ensure compliance with quarterly and year-end payroll filings and union reporting/payment requirements Partner with HR on wage updates, payroll changes, and employee leave impacts Cash Flow, Banking & Financial Health Own cash flow visibility, including forecasting support and monitoring of working capital and A/R trends Partner with operations to support A/R collections and resolve aging balances Prepare ad hoc financial reporting for banking and surety requests Perform monthly calculation and monitoring of financial covenant compliance Team Leadership & Development Supervise and mentor Project Accountant(s) to ensure accurate job cost, billing, and financial reporting Provide guidance, accountability, and development support to accounting team members Controls, Compliance & Process Improvement Maintain strong internal controls and consistent processes across the accounting function Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy What Building Success Looks Like In the first 6–12 months, success in this role looks like: Monthly close is timely, accurate, and well-organized Financial reporting is trusted by leadership and used to drive decisions WIP and job cost reporting are consistent and clearly understood across teams Payroll processes are smooth, accurate, and compliant Project accounting is operating with strong oversight and accountability Cash flow visibility is improved, with fewer surprises Key processes are documented, repeatable, and scalable Strong working relationships are built across accounting, operations, and HR The Tools You Bring 7–12+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in construction Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance Strong understanding of construction accounting, including job cost, WIP, and billing Experience owning or heavily supporting month-end close Familiarity with payroll processing, including union environments (preferred) Ability to analyze financial data and translate it into clear insights Experience working with accounting systems and reporting tools Proficiency in Excel and financial analysis Strong attention to detail with a process-oriented mindset Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities effectively Core Competencies & Attributes Accountability – Takes full ownership of responsibilities and outcomes Financial Acumen – Understands how financial data connects to business performance Problem Solving – Identifies issues quickly and works toward practical solutions Communication – Clearly explains financial concepts to non-finance partners Continuous Improvement – Looks for ways to make processes more efficient and scalable Collaboration – Works effectively across teams and builds strong partnerships The BIG Basics This role is expected to consistently demonstrate BIG Construction’s core values: Drive – Takes initiative, owns outcomes, and pushes work forward with urgency and accountability Trust – Builds credibility through accuracy, transparency, and follow-through Ideas – Brings forward thoughtful improvements and challenges the status quo where needed Build – Strengthens processes, relationships, and team capability over time Work Environment & Physical Demands Onsite in the Chicago office Ability to remain in a seated position for extended periods Ability to move about the office to access equipment and supplies Occasional lifting of materials or event items (up to 10 lbs) Final Notes on the Build This description outlines primary responsibilities but may evolve as BIG continues to grow. Other duties may be assigned as needed. Pay: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Disability insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance On-site gym On-the-job training Paid sick time Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Referral program Vision insurance Location: Chicago, IL 60606 (Preferred) Ability to Commute: Chicago, IL 60606 (Preferred) Work Location: In person