Project Accountant (Project Financial Controller)

About the Opportunity

Mendoza Companies is a multi-entity ecosystem of construction, services, and investment businesses operating under The Mendoza Way. The platform includes High-Light Electric, Inc. (HLE) — a California-based union electrical infrastructure contractor founded in 1996 delivering public works and complex electrical construction across California — along with Mendoza Trust and an international independent contractor workforce.

We partner with Caltrans, municipalities, transit authorities, and infrastructure programs throughout California, with active expansion into Nevada, Arizona, and additional U.S. markets. In 2025, HLE was recognized on the Inc. Regionals Pacific list — #116.

Mendoza Companies is guided by Mission 2040: to build a $1 billion business ecosystem connecting 1,000 families and communities through business.

This position offers the opportunity to help establish the financial foundation of Mendoza Companies' Nevada operations while partnering closely with leadership during an exciting period of expansion.

The Role

The Project Accountant serves as the financial operations controller for an assigned Area, supporting multiple concurrent projects. This role ensures structured financial setup, disciplined cost tracking, organized billing, compliant payroll reporting, and reliable cash flow coordination across all active projects. 

As Mendoza Companies continues its transition from a family-operated construction company into a structured, multi-business-unit organization under Mission 2040—and expands operations into Nevada—strong financial systems are essential to scalable growth.

This position plays a key role in establishing Mendoza Companies' financial operations in Nevada and supporting the continued growth of the Las Vegas office.

This role will work closely with the incoming Director of Construction Finance to establish structured financial operating procedures within Nevada while maintaining alignment with company-wide financial standards across all operating regions.

This role is ideal for accounting professionals who enjoy building structure, improving processes, and helping establish scalable financial operations within a growing organization.

Position Location & Work Arrangement

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

This position supports Mendoza Companies' expansion into Nevada and will play an important role in helping establish financial operations for the Las Vegas office.

During the initial transition period, this role may begin in a hybrid work arrangement. As operations continue to grow, the position is expected to transition full-time, primarily in-office role based in Las Vegas.

Occasional travel to California, and potentially Arizona, may be required to support operational alignment, training, and collaboration with Area Operations Managers and other leadership team members.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• Minimum 3–5 years in construction accounting or project financial administration.
• Direct involvement in job cost systems and cost code management.
• Experience supporting or preparing Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules.
• Exposure to billing cycles, lien documentation, and certified payroll processes.
• Minimum Qualification Requirement (One of the Following Required):
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

         OR

• Recognized accounting certification demonstrating formal training in accounting principles (see below)

Professional Certifications (Acceptable in lieu of Degree):

• Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – active or in progress
• Accredited Accounting Certificate (community college or university-based)
• Construction Accounting Certificate Program
• Prevailing Wage / Public Works Compliance Certification (paired with accounting coursework)
• Experience alone does not qualify for this position.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel to California for meetings, training, and operational coordination.
• Potential limited travel to Arizona as business needs evolve.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel when required.

What You’ll Do

• Enter project budgets and load cost codes based on estimating data. 

• Maintain accurate job cost records across multiple projects. 

• Issue purchase orders after PM approval and assign proper cost codes. 

• Enter approved change orders and validate calculations. 

• Prepare and submit contract-compliant billing packages and compile billing documentation. 

• Monitor outstanding billings and support collection follow-up. 

• Assist in preparation and coordination of stop notices and mechanic’s lien documentation under the direction of the Director of Construction Finance or Executive leadership. 

• Process vendor and subcontractor invoices. 

• Prepare weekly accounts payable check run packages. 

• Verify compliance status prior to payment inclusion. 

• Coordinate subcontractor lien releases. 

• Review certified payroll and subcontractor compliance documentation. 

• Support union dispatch coordination as needed. 

• Prepare monthly WIP draft support data. 

• Identify and communicate early cost variances. 

• Maintain audit-ready financial documentation. 

• Participate in Area financial review meetings. 

• Attend quarterly workshops, leadership sessions, and training initiatives. 

• Serve as financial recorder and Secretary, as needed, during Area DML10 meetings 
• Support the establishment and continuous improvement of financial processes for the Nevada office.
• Coordinate with California-based accounting and operations teams to maintain consistent financial reporting and operational standards.

What We Offer

We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) program
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Performance-based bonus eligibility
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to be structured, efficient, and focused on mutual fit.

• Application and screening questionnaire
• 10-minute structured pre-screen interview using an AI-supported assessment tool
• Initial HR screening interview
• Leadership panel interview

AI tools are used to support consistency, structure, and efficiency in early-stage evaluations and are regularly reviewed to ensure fairness and compliance.

Qualified candidates can expect a timely, transparent, and professional hiring process.

Pre-employment screening, reference checks, and verification of credentials are required prior to offer.

Equal Opportunity Employer

HLE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.