Controller

Join a Company That Grows People At Lewis, we're not just trimming trees we're building a future. As the second-largest utility vegetation management company in North America and a proud employee-owned business, we believe every person on our team matters. When you join Lewis, you're not just taking a job you're investing in your future. Experience the great outdoors while working in nature, not stuck behind a desk! Elevate your career with us we prioritize training and internal promotions! Join a vibrant team that champions safety, values your feedback, and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie! Shape your future with us through our fantastic Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)! Responsibilities What You'll Do as a Controller: Lead the accounting operations of the company, including accurate financial reporting, cost control, and visibility into customer profitability and job performance. Partner closely with operational leadership to execute company initiatives, including system redesign and process improvement projects. Lead key accounting functions, including general ledger, fixed assets, and accounts payable. Ensure accounting accuracy, integrity, and compliance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close and consolidation processes. Deliver timely, complete, and accurate financial statements. Partner with operations to analyze financial performance, explain variances, and provide actionable insights. Drive continuous improvement across the accounting organization by assessing procedures, identifying inefficiencies and control gaps, and implementing streamlined, standardized, and automated solutions. Support scalability, growth, and timely financial reporting through improved accounting processes. Serve as the accounting lead for system implementations, upgrades, and enhancements related to financial reporting and accounting operations. Partner with IT and business leaders to implement and optimize system performance, data integrity, and automation. Develop and enhance financial reporting to provide profitability analysis and performance insights to operational leaders. Support data‑driven decision‑making through clear, timely, and useful financial reporting. Lead the design and continuous improvement of cost accounting and job cost reporting. Establish and maintain cost accounting frameworks, policies, procedures, and methodologies. Ensure accurate profitability reporting and provide insight into margins, cost drivers, cost variances, and operational performance. Develop, implement, and maintain standardized internal controls to safeguard company assets and reduce the risk of errors and fraud. Interpret GAAP and determine how new standards and complex transactions should be recognized. Resolve complex or judgment‑based accounting matters. Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing team of accounting professionals. Foster a culture of support, excellence, and continuous improvement. Set departmental goals and KPIs in support of Finance organization objectives. Monitor team progress and hold team members accountable for results. Carry out other duties as assigned. Qualifications What You Bring: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Certified Public Accountant designation. Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting experience. At least 7 years of supervisory experience. Deep knowledge of GAAP and regulatory reporting. Experience interpreting and implementing new accounting standards. Experience developing and implementing internal control frameworks. Experience leading accounting teams and supporting cross‑functional operations. Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, operationally driven environment. Ability to act quickly and confidently in ambiguous situations using logic and strategic judgment. Ability to manage stressful situations with composure and professionalism. Strong business acumen with a focus on margin improvement and operational efficiency. Ability to evaluate, mentor, motivate, and develop a high‑performing workforce. Ability to quickly adapt to new software and office tools. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and Outlook. Experience using relevant business systems. Preferred MBA. Experience leading accounting operations in a field‑based, operational, or multi‑location business. Experience with system redesign, process improvement, automation, or financial systems implementation. Experience with cost accounting and job cost reporting. Experience partnering directly with operations leadership. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Expert knowledge of GAAP and regulatory reporting. Strong ability to interpret and apply new accounting pronouncements. Strong understanding of internal controls and risk mitigation. Ability to assess processes, identify control gaps, and implement improved procedures. Strong business acumen and ability to understand business operating models and objectives. Ability to critically assess and resolve complex business process challenges. Proactive problem‑solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and recommend effective solutions. Ability to evaluate risks, costs, and benefits when making recommendations. Strong leadership and management skills. Ability to coach team members with clear, constructive feedback. Ability to address performance issues promptly and professionally. Excellent interpersonal skills with a high level of honesty and integrity. Ability to earn the trust and confidence of senior management. Strong oral and written communication skills. Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team. Improvement‑minded approach to leadership, processes, and team development. Physical Demands Ability to: Stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time, reach, and perform repetitive computing tasks regularly. Communicate clearly in person, by phone, and through virtual platforms. Review financial reports, spreadsheets, business systems, documents, and computer screens for extended periods. Occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb stairs, and lift or move up to 25 lbs. Travel occasionally by ground and/or air transportation, including overnight stays. Continuously: Sitting, communicating, using computers Frequently: Reviewing financial data, working in spreadsheets, preparing reports, analyzing business performance Occasionally: Walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing stairs, traveling, lifting or moving up to 25 lbs. Rarely: Exposure to field or operational work environments Never: Confined spaces Environmental Conditions Regularly: Office environment Occasionally: Travel‑related environments, meeting rooms, field or operational locations Rarely: Outdoor exposure, temperature extremes, active jobsite exposure Never: Confined spaces Comments: PPE required per OSHA and ANSI standards when visiting field or operational locations. Occasional travel may be required, including overnight stays. Tools & Equipment Equipment may include: Computers, phones, scanners, fax machines, and copiers Microsoft Office, including Excel and Outlook Financial reporting systems Accounting and consolidation systems General ledger, fixed asset, and accounts payable systems Cost accounting and job cost reporting tools Business intelligence, reporting, and data analysis tools Communication and collaboration platforms What We Offer Non‑Union Benefits: Competitive pay Employee Stock Ownership Plan Paid training and certifications Career advancement opportunities Health, dental, vision, and HSA options 401(k) and retirement savings options Paid time off Employee Assistance Program #J-18808-Ljbffr