Controller

ESA South is a veteran-owned design-build and construction management firm headquartered in Pensacola, Florida. Since 1999, we have been delivering construction solutions across healthcare, federal, mission-critical, industrial, administrative, and infrastructure markets throughout the United States. Position Summary The Controller is responsible for directing and managing all accounting, financial reporting, government contract compliance, budgeting, cash management, and internal control functions of the company. This role ensures compliance with U.S. Government contracting regulations, including Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR),Davis-Bacon Act and other applicable federal regulations. The Controller provides financial leadership to support strategic decision-making, operational efficiency, profitable project execution, and corporate growth. The ideal candidate combines strong construction accounting expertise with strong knowledge of federal government contracting and project-based financial management. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Direct all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and financial reporting. Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements. Maintain accounting policies and procedures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Lead month-end and year-end close processes. Develop and monitor internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure financial integrity. Government Contract Compliance Ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations, including: Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Develop and maintain indirect cost rate structures. Ensure proper treatment and segregation of direct and indirect costs. Construction Project Accounting Oversee project accounting for all construction contracts. Monitor project budgets, labor costs, equipment costs, subcontractor expenses, and materials expenditures. Review and analyze work-in-progress (WIP) schedules and revenue recognition. Partner with project managers to evaluate project profitability and forecasting. Ensure accurate billing under fixed-price, cost-plus, time-and-materials, IDIQ, and task order contracts. Monitor contract funding limitations and compliance with contract requirements. Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning Lead annual budgeting and strategic financial planning processes. Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts. Analyze operating results and provide recommendations to executive management. Prepare financial models and forecasts to support business planning and growth initiatives. Monitor key financial and operational performance indicators. Payroll & Labor Compliance Oversee payroll processing and labor accounting. Ensure compliance with: Certified payroll reporting Prevailing wage regulations Monitor labor charging practices and timekeeping compliance. Coordinate annual financial statement audits and tax filings. Manage internal and external audit activities. Assess financial risks and implement mitigation strategies. Maintain documentation supporting regulatory compliance and audit readiness. Leadership & Team Development Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and finance personnel. Promote a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement. Establish departmental goals and performance standards. Support succession planning and employee development initiatives. Required Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration required. CPA designation strongly preferred. Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred. Experience 10+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience. 5+ years in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role. Significant experience in construction accounting and federal government contracting. Experience managing project-based accounting environments. Technical Knowledge Strong knowledge of: GAAP FAR Government contract accounting Construction accounting principles Revenue recognition standards WIP reporting ** Experience with CMMC Level 2 controls is a plus ** Familiarity with ERP/accounting systems such as Deltek ComputerEase, Costpoint, Acumatica, Sage Intacct, or similar. ** Advanced Microsoft Office 365, Excel and financial modeling skills. Financial leadership Strategic thinking Government contract compliance expertise Construction industry knowledge Analytical and problem-solving ability Organizational effectiveness Communication and presentation skills Team leadership and development Ethical decision-making Performance Metrics Timely and accurate financial reporting Indirect rate management and compliance Project profitability performance Cash flow management effectiveness Budget accuracy and forecast reliability Office environment with periodic travel to project sites and customer locations. Ability to obtain and maintain any required government security clearances. Occasional travel for audits, contract reviews, and business meetings. #J-18808-Ljbffr