Controller, Project Management

Our Story

Avison Young is a global commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm, offering transaction, management, financial and consulting services. We’ve designed our corporate structure to best serve our clients by enhancing collaboration across our organization.

At Avison Young, we are committed to providing a comprehensive suite of commercial real estate services to our clients while fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture for our employees. Our collaborative approach and emphasis on personal and professional growth create an environment where individuals can thrive. Real estate can have a significant positive impact on people’s lives – and we’re in the business of making spaces and places work better for people. Our purpose is to create real economic, social and environmental value as a global real estate advisor, powered by people.

If you're looking for career opportunities where you can excel and contribute to a strong company culture, we want to hear from you. Join our highly motivated team and take pride in your work as we create a better future together.

Overview

The Controller of Project Management and Construction bridges the gap between field execution and financial governance. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing the financial, contractual, and schedule performance of our construction and project management portfolio. This position will also be responsible for a team of 4-5 accountants. The ideal candidate ensures that all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and under strict budget constraints by implementing robust project controls, precise job costing, and proactive risk-management frameworks, while maintaining rigorous financial compliance and reporting standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage the monthly financial reporting close process, delivering timely and accurate income statements, balance sheets, and variance analyses to executive leadership.
• Oversee full-lifecycle construction accounting, including WIP (Work-in-Progress) reporting, labor, materials, equipment, and indirect cost allocations.
• Partner with Project Managers to establish accurate initial project budgets, cost baselines, and financial forecasts.
• Monitor budget-to-actual expenditures, track commitments, review vendor invoices, and manage accounts receivable/payable specific to active job sites.
• Produce cash flow projections and profitability analyses for executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Oversee and optimize revenue recognition methodologies (such as the percentage-of-completion method under ASC 606) for long-term construction contracts.
• Ensure proper accounting treatment for unbilled revenue, deferred revenue, billings in excess of costs, and estimated losses on contracts.
• Design, implement, and maintain internal financial controls compliant with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) regulations, particularly concerning revenue cycles, job costing, and procurement.
• Coordinate internal and external audit processes, providing documentation and testing controls related to project accounting and financial reporting.
• Direct the planning, scheduling, and progress-measurement systems across multiple concurrent construction projects.
• Monitor schedule performance against baseline plans, identifying critical path items and evaluating potential schedule impacts.
• Manage the change order lifecycle—tracking scope adjustments, pricing negotiations, and contractual modifications with subcontractors, owners, and vendors.
• Ensure strict adherence to compliance mandates, including lien waivers, certified payroll, retainage tracking, insurance verification, and local regulatory codes.
• Review prime contracts and subcontracts for commercial risks, indemnity clauses, and financial exposure.
• and of course, other duties as assigned
• Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting (Master’s degree or MBA is a plus).
• 7+ years of progressive experience in construction project controls, project accounting, or construction financial management.
• Proven track record managing large-scale commercial projects
• Advanced proficiency in construction management and accounting software (e.g., Quickbooks, Netsuite, ACC).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (financial modeling, pivot tables, macros).
• CPA license is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical mindset, thorough knowledge of construction law and lien laws, exceptional cross-functional leadership skills, and executive-level communication abilities.

Our Equal Opportunity Commitment

Avison Young is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity within our workforce. Our non-discrimination policy ensures that all individuals are treated equally, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. We believe in fostering a positive and inclusive work environment that values accessibility and fair recruitment practices for all employees. We hope you will join us in committing to create a workplace that is fair, equitable, and welcoming to all.

Benefits offered to full time W2 employees

Traditional and Roth 401k with generous employer match and immediate vesting

12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave after one year of tenure

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance

Company paid Short & Long-Term Disability

Voluntary Critical Illness and Accident Coverage

Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter & Transit Pre-Tax Benefits

Wellness program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Work-Life Balance

• Competitive paid vacation days
• 2 personal/wellness days
• Paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays
• Annual volunteer day for Day of Giving