What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at Hays?
About the Company
A family‑owned construction and development company founded in 1918 is looking for a Controller to join their team! Based in Elmont, New York, this company builds and manages large, complex projects from start to finish, with a strong reputation for quality, accountability, and long‑term partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
They are seeking a hands‑on construction accounting professional who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves and doing the work themselves. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced construction environment and understands the realities of managing complex projects, audits, and financial controls.
- Perform hands‑on construction accounting, including detailed analysis and reconciliations
- Actively support and manage internal and external audits
- Work extensively in Excel, including reconciling, validating, and correcting data exported from accounting systems
- Monitor and manage project budgets, including analyzing variances, handling change orders, and addressing budget shortfalls
- Ensure accurate accounting for union and non‑union payroll and benefits
- Collaborate with third‑party tax professionals and maintain a solid working knowledge of construction‑related tax concepts
- Maintain strong financial controls and accuracy across multiple large‑scale projects
Qualifications
- Proven experience in construction accounting (commercial construction strongly preferred)
- Demonstrated experience handling audits from start to finish
- Advanced Excel skills, especially for financial manipulation and reconciliation
- Solid understanding of project‑based accounting and construction cost structures
- Working knowledge of construction taxes (hands‑on tax prep not required)
- Experience with union and non‑union payroll environments
- Comfortable working fully in‑office, five days per week
- Self‑starter mentality with a willingness to personally execute detailed work
What you get in return
A very competitive salary with benefits, stable family owned company, high impact role, and long term career growth!
Salary : $220,000 - $275,000