Basically each device with sufficient gain can be used to make a voltage controlled amplifier. Regarding BJT, many opamps are/were based on BJT. The trick is to use feedback to make the circuit properties virtually independent of active device properties. Only for the case where extremely low input (bias) current is required, a FET will be first choice.
For a BJT series feedback is used to raise the input impedance. For example, an emitter resistor converts a BJT into a voltage controlled current source. The input impedance increases and transconductance is determined by the resistor mostly.