Director of Construction Finance

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.

The Role

The Director of Construction Finance serves as a strategic financial leader responsible for driving financial visibility, forecasting discipline, and operational financial governance across multiple construction business units.

This role acts as the financial control center between field operations and executive leadership, ensuring that project performance is accurately translated into forecasting, cash flow visibility, margin protection, and actionable financial insights.

The position requires a leader who understands construction operations deeply and can bring structure, clarity, and discipline to a fast-moving, field-driven environment while partnering closely with executives, operations leaders, estimating, and project teams.

What You’ll Do

• Internalize and produce monthly WIP reporting across all business units.


• Validate cost-to-complete assumptions and percentage-of-completion calculations.


• Approve billing releases and ensure timely and accurate change order pricing.


• Oversee cost code discipline and budget transfer approvals.


• Produce weekly executive financial dashboards highlighting margin, billing lag, and cash projection status.


• Deliver consolidated monthly financial performance reviews to executives and ownership.


• Develop and present structured financial proposals and process improvements for executive and ownership review.


• Identify early margin erosion indicators and implement corrective measures.


• Collaborate with external CPA by feeding validated operational financial data into month-end processes.


• Lead structured forecast review sessions with AOMs and Project Managers.


• Strengthen financial literacy within operations through training and accountability.


• Review financial exposure in contracts in coordination with internal departments.


• Support claims strategy by substantiating financial impacts and modeling recovery scenarios.


• Participate in DML10 meetings periodically or as required to reinforce financial discipline within business units.


• Remain available to address urgent financial matters impacting company risk, cash flow, or margin. 

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Construction Management, Business, Mathematics, or related field


• 7+ years of experience in construction finance, project controls, or operational finance


• Strong knowledge of construction job costing and financial project management


• Experience with WIP reporting and percentage-of-completion accounting


• Experience building forecasts, cash flow models, and cost-to-complete analysis


• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills


• Experience with construction accounting or project management systems (e.g., Vista, Procore, or similar)


• Strong communication skills with ability to work across executive and operational teams

Preferred

• Public works, heavy civil, or infrastructure construction experience


• Experience developing financial reporting systems or forecasting frameworks


• Experience supporting claims analysis or cost recovery processes


• Union construction experience

What to Expect in This Role

This role operates at the intersection of construction operations and financial leadership within a dynamic, multi-project environment.

You will partner closely with executive leadership, operations, estimating, and finance teams across active projects.

The environment requires strong ownership, proactive communication, and the ability to navigate shifting operational priorities while maintaining financial discipline and accuracy.

This position includes occasional travel to project sites and regional offices (approximately 10–20%).

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


• 10–15 minute structured pre-screen interview using an AI-supported assessment tool


• Initial HR screening interview


• Leadership panel interview (may include in-person sessions depending on scheduling)


• Final interview with the CEO

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 and transparent 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.