Controller

Summary: To provide direction and control over the financial and accounting activities in a project-driven mechanical contracting environment by safeguarding company assets, ensuring accurate and timely reporting (including job cost and Work-in-Progress reporting), supporting operational decision-making, and leading the development and execution of financial plans that drive profitable growth. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Business Partnership Serve as a proactive business partner to executive leadership, project management, estimating, and operations—translating financial results into actionable insights. Prepare and present monthly financial packets and dashboards; explain results, trends, and variances to leadership and operations. Work directly with Project Managers and the service team to review project performance, backlog, margin risks, and corrective action plans. Support estimating and contract review by validating cost assumptions, labor burden rates, markups, and financial terms that impact profitability and cash flow. Accounting Operations & Close Oversee all accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, payroll, fixed assets, and related reconciliations. Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close to deliver accurate, timely financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) and management reporting. Prepare, review, and post journal entries; ensure proper accruals, deferrals, and cut‑off each period. Perform and/or review key account reconciliations (cash, AR/AP, payroll liabilities, inventory/stock, fixed assets) and resolve discrepancies promptly. Manage weekly check runs/ACH payments, vendor statement reconciliation, and AP aging review; maintain strong purchasing and vendor communication. Oversee invoicing support functions such as cash application, AR aging review, and dispute resolution to keep receivables current. Review payroll registers and related tax filings for accuracy; ensure timely processing of union fringes, deductions, and payroll liabilities as applicable. Own job costing and project accounting processes, ensuring accurate cost coding, labor allocation, and visibility into project performance. Review, and analyze Work‑in‑Progress (WIP) schedules, including revenue recognition and percentage‑of‑completion reporting where applicable. Partner with Project Managers to review budgets, forecasts, change orders, under/over‑billings, margin fade, and corrective actions. Set up new jobs and cost codes, validate budgets and labor burden rates, and ensure consistent cost coding across field, service, and shop activities. Compile WIP inputs (costs incurred, estimated costs to complete, billings, retainage) and reconcile WIP to the general ledger and billing records. Review change orders, claims, and contract modifications for proper accounting treatment and timely inclusion in forecasts and billings. Identify margin fade, cost overruns, and unapproved change exposure early; elevate issues and track follow‑through on recovery actions. Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting Coordinate and direct preparation of the annual operating plan and financial budget with supporting analysis; provide rolling forecasts and variance explanations. Build and maintain department‑level budgets (field, service, shop, overhead) including labor planning, fleet/equipment, and benefit burden assumptions. Maintain a consistent forecasting cadence; track key KPIs (gross margin, labor productivity, backlog, cash conversion) and communicate risks/opportunities. Update labor burden and overhead allocation rates as needed; ensure rates are reflected in job costing, estimates, and management reporting. Cash Flow, Banking & Treasury Manage cash flow forecasting, working capital, credit facilities, and banking relationships; proactively identify liquidity risks and opportunities. Monitor daily cash position, deposits, and disbursements; prioritize payments to support project execution and maintain vendor relationships. Prepare bank reporting packages and covenant schedules; coordinate draws, renewals, and communication with lenders as required. Manage vendor credit limits and payment terms; monitor retainage and release timing to support working capital planning. Billing & Collections Oversee billing and collections processes (progress billing, T&M, service) to support timely cash conversion and accurate revenue reporting. Lead collection efforts on past‑due accounts; make follow‑up calls/emails, resolve disputes, and coordinate with operations to clear billing obstacles. Controls, Compliance & External Reporting Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and standard operating procedures to ensure compliance, accuracy, and safeguarding of assets. Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and legal counsel; manage annual audits, tax filings, and regulatory compliance requirements. Support bonding/surety and insurance requirements as needed, including timely financial reporting, covenant compliance, and renewal coordination. Oversee compliance needs for construction and public work requirements as applicable (e.g., certified payroll, prevailing wage reporting, subcontractor documentation, lien waiver controls). Administer or partner in administration of employee benefit plans and business insurance programs, working with brokers and vendors. Prepare and/or review recurring compliance filings (sales & use tax, personal property tax, payroll tax) and ensure timely submissions and payments. Oversee union reporting and fringe submissions, certified payroll support, and subcontractor documentation tracking as applicable to projects. Maintain segregation of duties and perform periodic control reviews/testing; correct control gaps and document procedures. Maintain audit‑ready support schedules (fixed assets, debt, WIP tie‑outs, accruals) and respond to auditor, surety, and insurer requests. Systems & Process Improvement Ensure effective use of construction accounting systems (e.g., Sage Timberline/Sage 300 CRE or equivalent) and lead continuous improvement through process and technology enhancements. Maintain standard financial and job cost reports; develop dashboards that improve visibility for PMs and leadership. Administer user access, workflows, and configuration within the accounting system; train users and document processes to drive consistency. Support integrations with timekeeping, project management, and AP automation tools; troubleshoot data issues and improve data quality. Relationships & Other Duties Maintain strong vendor, supplier, and customer relationships in coordination with purchasing and operations to support smooth project execution. Support and manage relationships with key financial vendors (banking, insurance, audit/tax providers). Provide hands‑on backup coverage for critical functions (billing, AP, payroll, cash application) during peak workloads or staff absences. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Executive Vice President. Recruit, train, develop and motivate an efficient and competent financial organization. Ensure that a high level of competency is developed and maintained by the accounting staff by providing appropriate training and by promoting attendance at appropriate educational programs. Conduct performance reviews and recommend salaries and salary adjustments for accounting staff. Provide advice and assistance to accounting personnel. Core Competencies High integrity, sound judgment, and discretion with confidential information. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills; attention to detail. Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment. Collaborative leadership style with the ability to mentor and develop a high‑performing team. Continuous improvement mindset—drives process, system, and reporting enhancements. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA/CMA preferred. 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including leadership responsibility; construction or mechanical contracting experience strongly preferred. Demonstrated expertise in job costing, WIP reporting, and construction revenue recognition/percentage‑of‑completion concepts. Strong working knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. Proficiency with construction accounting systems (Sage Timberline/Sage300CRE or equivalent) and advanced Excel skills. Experience partnering with operations and project teams; ability to communicate financial information clearly to non‑financial stakeholders. #J-18808-Ljbffr