What are the responsibilities and job description for the Construction Controller position at Ferguson Construction?
About Us
Ferguson Construction (FC) is a regionally established General Contractor that has been in business for over 100 years. FC has vast experience in the heavy and light industrial, commercial, healthcare, and institutional markets. Along with our in-house design department, Ferguson self performs concrete, masonry, steel erection, general carpentry, and sheet metal roofing and siding trades. FC corporate headquarters is located in Sidney, Ohio. FC operates regional offices in Sidney, Dayton and Columbus, Ohio, as well as east of Indianapolis, Indiana. The company employees 350 employees and is growing.
Ferguson is different from other General Contractors in a variety of ways. One of the more noteworthy aspects of the organization is the fact that two of our senior-most executives, our CEO and President, have been with the organization (when tenure is combined ) over 70 years. This provides unique stability that unifies the organization in a way that affords material competitive advantage. Ferguson is very collegial, collaborative and friendly. It is a highly principled organization that offers all employees opportunities to contribute, develop and flourish in ways other organizations don't offer. Our culture is very family-friendly and supportive of employees who have obligations outside of work.
About This Position
This on-site position is based in our Sidney, Ohio regional office.
The Controller will be responsible for overseeing all financial and accounting functions of the company. There will be a strong emphasis on project cost tracking and reporting. This role requires a detail-oriented professional with strong analytical skills to ensure financial integrity, compliance, and profitability across all projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Management & Reporting: Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger activities. Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, cash flow) to senior management.
- Job Costing & Budgeting: Implement and maintain robust job cost tracking systems. Work closely with project managers to develop project budgets, monitor costs, analyze variances, and provide recommendations to enhance project profitability.
- WIP Management: Prepare and manage the Work-in-Progress (WIP) reports and schedules, ensuring accurate revenue recognition and project projections.
- Cash Flow & Risk Management: Monitor cash flow, manage billing and collections processes (including AIA billing, progress billing, and retainage), and work with insurance and bonding companies to maintain proper coverage.
- Compliance & Controls: Ensure compliance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and all local, state, and federal construction industry regulations. Develop and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard company assets.
- Audits & Tax: Coordinate all internal and external audit processes and collaborate with external CPA firms for timely tax preparation and filing.
- Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and improve financial systems and processes to enhance operational efficiency, potentially including evaluating and implementing new accounting software.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting required, and CPA strongly preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting experience required. Experience in construction would be helpful, but is not required.
- Preferred Skills: Strong knowledge of construction accounting principles, including job costing and WIP reporting.
- Proficiency in construction accounting software (e.g., Sage 300/Timberline, Procore, Viewpoint) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills are required. Candidates without all of these skills are still encouraged to apply.
- Attributes: Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with the capacity to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
- Leadership: Proven ability to lead a team and collaborate cross-functionally with project managers and executives.
