Controller

At this time, we can only consider applicants with authorization to work in the United States on a permanent, full-time basis; unfortunately, we cannot provide visa sponsorship.

SUMMARY

Founded in 1999, Norcon is a Chicago-based, employee-owned General Contractor that manages the construction of simple to complex commercial projects as well as high-end residential projects. Norcon completes work all over the country through our Chicago office. We pride ourselves on being client-focused, as well as a leader in today’s progressive construction industry. Our diverse history of award-winning projects includes commercial, retail, educational, pharmaceutical, hospitality, religious and high-end residential construction. We are proud of the work we do and the team we’ve built. We believe that creating and fostering a great company culture is good for both. We work smart, hold ourselves to the highest standards, develop our team, work collaboratively, deliver great results for our clients, and have fun! As part of a planned leadership transition following the upcoming retirement of our longtime head of finance and accounting, Norcon is seeking a Controller to serve as the company’s financial leader and oversee all accounting and financial operations. The Controller will be a hands‑on financial leader responsible for Norcon's accounting and financial functions, including financial reporting, construction accounting, union and non‑union payroll, cash management, budgeting and forecasting, banking and surety relationships, audit and tax, financial controls, and management of the accounting team. Working closely with Norcon's Principals and operations leadership, the Controller will provide the financial insight and analysis needed to support sound business decisions and the company's long‑term financial health. This position is required to work at the Norcon office.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as Norcon’s financial leader and primary financial advisor to the Principals and leadership team. Lead the company’s accounting function and supervise the accounting team. Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes and ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. Prepare and analyze financial statements, budgets, forecasts, cash flow projections, and other management reporting. Lead the company’s annual budgeting, forecasting, and long‑term financial planning processes. Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, union and non‑union payroll, equipment accounting, and fixed asset management. Maintain strong internal controls, accounting policies, and financial processes. Monitor daily cash flow and liquidity, forecast cash needs for ongoing and future projects, and oversee collections and payments. Manage construction accounting, including job costing, work‑in‑progress (WIP) schedules, percentage‑of‑completion accounting where applicable, and revenue recognition. Review project budgets and monitor job costs, profitability, gross margins, and financial performance against estimates. Partner with project and operations teams to identify cost overruns, understand project financial performance, improve forecasting, and recommend corrective action. Review contract billing, retainage, collections, subcontractor payments, and lien waiver compliance. Monitor and report key financial performance indicators, including gross profit by project, backlog, overhead costs, cash position, and days sales outstanding (DSO). Analyze company and project profitability, trends, and financial performance and proactively identify opportunities for improvement. Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic and operational decision‑making and business planning. Assess financial and business risks and advise leadership on appropriate actions. Manage relationships with banks, sureties, insurance providers, and other financial partners and oversee applicable financial and bonding requirements. Coordinate the year‑end audit and serve as a primary contact for external accounting and tax partners. Oversee federal, state, and local tax compliance, including sales and use tax, payroll tax, and other construction‑related tax obligations. Maintain and improve financial systems, ERP processes, dashboards, and reporting tools. Identify opportunities to improve accounting, financial reporting, and project management processes. Perform other responsibilities as assigned by Norcon Principals.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Strong knowledge of construction accounting, job costing, WIP reporting, and revenue recognition. Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and financial reporting. Experience with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial analysis. Knowledge of construction contracts, billing, retainage, bonding, insurance, and related financial requirements. Strong business acumen with the ability to evaluate financial risk, profitability, and business performance. Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights for ownership and operational leaders. Demonstrated ability to serve as a trusted financial partner to senior leadership. Experience with construction ERP/accounting systems; familiarity with CMiC or similar platforms is preferred. Experience overseeing union payroll, reporting, and related compliance requirements. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and sound financial judgment. Proven leadership and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with accounting staff, project teams, operations leaders, ownership, and external partners. Ability to balance hands‑on accounting responsibilities with broader financial analysis and business support.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. 8+ years of progressive accounting and financial experience, including experience leading an accounting function or team. Construction industry experience is strongly preferred; general contractor experience is a plus. ESOP experience is preferred but not required. CPA, CMA, or MBA is preferred but not required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Ability to work from Norcon’s Chicago office. Strong commitment to accountability, collaboration, and the financial health of the organization. Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain a high level of confidentiality. Job Type: Full‑time Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) 401(k) with company contribution Health insurance Vision insurance Long‑term disability insurance Life insurance Paid time off Kitchen stocked with beverages and snacks Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Norcon is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an open, welcoming environment for everyone. Ability to commute/relocate Greater Chicagoland Area, Illinois: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required) #J-18808-Ljbffr Norcon, Inc.