What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller - Construction / Trades position at Cogent Talent Solutions?
The Controller manages the company's accounting operations and financial integrity. This includes cash flow management, payroll, AR/AP, tax reporting, job billing, and audit preparation. In addition to traditional accounting functions, the Controller supports collections, contract administration, WIP forecasting, and serves as a key link between leadership and financial data. The role also owns relationships with outside CPAs, manages reporting deadlines, and is working to delegate tactical functions to allow greater focus on strategic planning.
\n$95,000 - $110,000 a year
Key Responsibilities:
- Accounting & Reporting
- Lead monthly close processes, bank reconciliations, and cash reporting.
- Prepare internal financials and coordinate with CPA for year-end tax prep.
- Maintain and ensure accuracy of general ledger, payroll tax filings, and 941/942 forms.
- Manage job billing, contract documentation, lien releases, and certificates of insurance.
- Payroll & Compliance
- Process weekly payroll for all departments, including certified payroll reporting for prevailing wage jobs.
- Submit payroll taxes and ensure DOL compliance.
- Coordinate benefit deductions and handle 401(k) uploads and employer match reporting.
- Financial Planning & Job Costing
- Work with CEO/COO on forecasting, balance sheet reviews, and monthly P&L snapshots.
- Coordinate with external CPA on job costing adjustments and over/under billing entries.
- Support adoption of monthly balance sheet forecasting and cash flow tracking.
- Flag red-line financial concerns for action across service, alarm, and contract divisions.
- Collections, Cash Flow & Client Follow-Up
- Support AR collections efforts by reviewing aging reports, calling key accounts, and escalating issues.
- Apply and code incoming checks, deposit daily payments, and process credit card transactions.
- Serve as escalation point for disputed charges or delayed payments.
- Monitor and recommend improvements to payment application accuracy.
- Cross-Functional Support
- Work closely with Service and Admin teams to align billing timelines and resolve revenue delays.
- Coordinate with department heads to review and approve vendor invoices.
- Manage fleet finance records and vehicle lease tracking; assist with insurance and claims administration.
- Support office manager with overflow admin tasks and backup during absences.
Required Skills & Competencies:
- Mastery of accounting functions including GL, payroll, tax, and job cost reconciliation.
- Strong time management under weekly payroll and monthly reporting deadlines.
- Experience in job costing, over/under billing, and construction finance.
- Familiarity with prevailing wage compliance, certified payroll, and DOL requirements.
- Proficiency with accounting software (CE), Excel, and bank portal systems.
Preferred Background:
- 7 years of accounting experience with 3 in construction or contracting environments.
- Background in AR collections, insurance claims, and benefit enrollment procedures.
- Experience working with external CPAs on job costing adjustments and reconciliations.
- Familiarity with vehicle fleet finance records and Excel-based tracking models.
Performance Metrics:
- Month-End Close Timeliness: All core reporting submitted within 10 business days.
- Collections Impact: Reduction in AR aging over 60 days.
- Payroll Accuracy: Weekly payroll processed on time with <1% error rate.
- Audit Readiness: Timely coordination with CPA and clean year-end audit results.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
- Office-based with high collaboration across Accounting, Admin, Service, and Ops teams.
- Occasional extended hours during payroll and audit periods.
- Some backup duties for HR, fleet, and office coordination when necessary.
Benefits: Health, Vision, Dental
Performance-based bonus
401k with matching
Short-term & long-term disability
Salary : $95,000 - $110,000