Sundt Strengthens Financial Leadership With New Corporate Controller Appointment

Veteran construction finance executive Anthony Hakes joins employee-owned contractor as company prepares for leadership transition in its accounting operations.

Highlights

• Sundt Construction has appointed Anthony Hakes as corporate controller.
• Hakes brings more than three decades of construction accounting and advisory experience.
• He will oversee accounting operations and support financial planning initiatives across the company.
• The appointment supports a planned leadership transition ahead of the retirement of current controller Patrick Dooley in 2027.
• Hakes previously led construction-focused accounting services at CBIZ and held multiple industry leadership roles.

Sundt Expands Finance Leadership Bench

As contractors face increasingly complex project financing, compliance requirements and operational demands, strong financial management remains a critical component of long-term business performance. Against that backdrop, Sundt Construction has named Anthony Hakes as its new corporate controller, adding a seasoned construction finance professional to its executive team.

Based in Tempe, Arizona, Sundt said Hakes will direct the company's accounting operations while helping guide financial planning efforts across the organization. The move also establishes a succession path within the firm's finance department as longtime controller Patrick Dooley prepares to retire in June 2027.

The appointment comes as large contractors continue investing in financial leadership to improve project oversight, risk management and strategic growth planning.

Extensive Construction Accounting Experience

Hakes joins Sundt with more than 30 years of experience serving construction businesses through accounting, auditing and advisory services. Prior to joining the contractor, he held leadership positions at CBIZ and CBIZ CPAs PC, where he led the firm's construction practice and worked with contractors across the United States.

His background includes advising construction companies on financial operations, growth strategies and industry-specific accounting challenges. He also served on the board of directors of CBIZ CPAs PC during a period of significant expansion for the firm.

In addition to his professional experience, Hakes holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Iowa State University. He is both a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional.

Industry Involvement Supports Construction Expertise

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Hakes has maintained an active presence within construction industry organizations. His involvement includes leadership roles with the Arizona chapter of the Associated General Contractors and participation on committees focused on emerging financial and operational issues affecting contractors.

Such industry engagement can provide valuable insight into evolving regulatory requirements, workforce trends and financial management practices that increasingly influence construction business performance.

Source: SUNDT