Controller - Construction

Position Summary

At National Coatings, integrity, experience, and quality are the heart of everything we do. These values guide us in delivering high-performance coating solutions that are innovative, durable, and built to last. With decades of expertise, we take pride in protecting and enhancing surfaces across commercial, industrial, and specialty applications.

We believe in hiring the right people, to make the right decisions, to do the job the right way - ensuring that every project meets the highest standards. We do this while fostering a culture where those that display teamwork, innovation, and excellence thrive. If you're looking to grow with a company and are ready for a challenge, National Coatings is the place for you!

The Controller owns all accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls. Reporting directly to the CFO, this role partners closely with project management, estimating, and operations to drive profitability, cash flow, and financial discipline across a portfolio of commercial painting contracts. The ideal candidate brings construction accounting expertise - particularly with job costing, WIP schedules, and subcontractor financial workflows.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close

• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
• Prepare financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Maintain and present WIP (work-in-progress) schedules
• Produce cash flow forecasts and 13-week rolling projections
• Deliver management reporting packages to the CFO and ownership

Job Costing & Project Finance

• Oversee job cost accounting for all active contracts
• Analyze cost-to-complete and over/under billing positions
• Collaborate with operations on budget variance and change order tracking
• Review contract billings, AIA pay applications, and retainage
• Monitor subcontractor and supplier commitments vs. actuals

Accounts Payable & Receivable

• Oversee AR aging, collections, and dispute resolution
• Manage AP workflow, check runs, and vendor terms
• Ensure lien waiver compliance on all projects
• Coordinate with GCs on billing and payment schedules

Payroll & Labor Compliance

• Oversee weekly payroll processing
• Ensure compliance with prevailing wage and certified payroll requirements
• Track labor burden rates and update cost models accordingly

Controls, Audit & Compliance

• Design and maintain internal controls over financial reporting
• Coordinate year-end audit/review with external CPA firm
• Manage surety bond relationships and support bonding capacity
• Ensure compliance with sales/use tax, business licenses, and contractor registrations
• Maintain proper insurance certificates and documentation

Strategy & Leadership

• Partner with the CFO on annual budgeting, forecasting, and strategic initiatives
• Evaluate equipment purchases, leases, and capital expenditures
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team (1-3 staff)
• Drive continuous improvement in systems, processes, and reporting tools
• Support banking relationships, line of credit management, and covenant compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 7+ years of accounting experience, with 2+ years in a controller or senior accounting role
• Construction or specialty trade industry experience required
• Proficiency in construction accounting software (Sage 300/Timberline, Viewpoint, Foundation, or similar)
• Deep understanding of percentage-of-completion accounting and WIP schedules
• Experience with certified payroll reporting
• Strong Excel skills; ability to build and maintain financial models

Preferred

• CPA license or CPA candidate, MBA, or advanced degree in Accounting
• Experience with commercial painting, drywall, flooring, or other finishing trades
• Familiarity with AIA billing, G702/G703 documents, and retainage management
• Experience managing surety relationships and prequalification packages
• Exposure to job cost estimating and bid review processes
• Knowledge of prevailing wage regulations (Davis-Bacon, state equivalents)
• Experience with ERP implementations

Benefits Included:

• Medical Insurance w/ PPO and HSA Plan Options (Company Pays 95% of HSA Plan for Employee-Only)
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match up to $2,000
• FSA / Dependent Care Savings Accounts
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability (Company Paid)
• Short-Term Disability, Accident, and Voluntary Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays

Equal Employment Opportunity

National Coatings is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.