Controller

We are seeking a Controller to support our client's growing business. The Controller is a key financial leadership role responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance for a growing, PE-owned construction company. This position ensures the accuracy and integrity of the company’s financial results, leads monthly/quarterly/annual close processes, manages the accounting team, and partners with executive leadership on strategic initiatives, including active M&A activity. The Controller will be a proactive, hands-on leader capable of enhancing financial discipline, improving reporting quality, and building scalable financial processes aligned with rapid growth. Key Responsibilities Financial Reporting & Analysis Lead preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Develop and maintain key financial dashboards, KPIs, job-cost reporting, and variance analyses targeted for PE sponsor and executive leadership needs. Deliver high-quality reporting packages to ownership, including performance commentary, trend analysis, and operational insights. Work closely with FP&A (or CFO/CEO if no FP&A function) to support forecasting, budgeting, and long-range planning. Accounting Operations Oversee all day-to-day accounting functions including AP, AR, payroll, job costing, billing, revenue recognition, WIP schedules, fixed assets, and general ledger integrity. Manage month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to deadlines. Optimize accounting systems and processes to support a high-growth environment, including ERP improvements and workflow automation. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local reporting requirements, including tax filings, audits, and regulatory submissions. Internal Controls & Compliance Establish, enhance, and maintain strong internal controls aligned with PE governance expectations. Develop accounting policies and procedures to improve consistency, accuracy, and operational efficiency. Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and financial consultants. Construction-Specific Accounting Leadership Own all aspects of job costing, WIP reporting, and revenue recognition across multiple projects and business units. Provide oversight for contract terms, billing accuracy, lien releases, retainage, and project closeout processes. Serve as a strategic partner to project managers and operations leaders in evaluating project profitability and risk. Private Equity Reporting & Partnership Prepare monthly financial packages, KPIs, and covenant reporting required by PE sponsors and lenders. Support the development of value-creation initiatives and operational improvement programs. Ensure financial transparency, scalability, and discipline consistent with PE standards. Mergers & Acquisitions Support Lead accounting due diligence efforts for active and future acquisitions. Evaluate financials, internal controls, systems, and risk areas of target companies. Support integration planning and execution, including chart-of-accounts alignment, policy harmonization, systems migration, and post-close financial reporting. Leadership & Team Development Manage, mentor, and develop the accounting team to support a growing multi-entity environment. Build a strong culture of accountability, accuracy, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA strongly preferred. 7–12+ years of progressive accounting experience, ideally with experience in construction, contracting, or project-based industries. Experience in a private-equity–owned environment, or fast-paced, highly analytical setting preferred. Strong knowledge of GAAP, WIP accounting, and construction revenue recognition. Demonstrated success improving accounting systems, internal controls, and reporting processes. Hands-on leadership style with the ability to manage both strategic responsibilities and detailed accounting work. Excellent communication skills with the ability to partner with PE sponsors, executive leadership, and operations teams. Experience supporting M&A activities, integrations, and financial due diligence strongly preferred. Compensation & Benefits Competitive base salary Bonus tied to company and individual performance Health, dental, vision, retirement plan, and standard benefits package Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.