Controller

Controller

Detroit, Michigan Area | On-Site

Company Overview

Our client is a well-established, family-owned business with a strong reputation and a history of serving customers throughout the construction, equipment, and industrial sectors. The organization operates multiple business units and is entering an exciting growth phase, creating an opportunity for a hands-on Controller to play a key leadership role in the company's future.

Position Summary

The Controller will serve as the senior financial leader for the organization, responsible for overseeing all accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial controls. This is a highly visible, hands-on position that requires both strategic thinking and a willingness to dive into day-to-day financial operations.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive business partner who can provide financial insight to ownership, improve processes, strengthen reporting, and support continued growth across multiple business entities.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Lead all accounting and financial operations for multiple business units.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Develop budgets, forecasts, and financial models to support business decisions.
• Provide ownership and leadership with timely financial analysis and recommendations.
• Monitor key performance indicators and drive financial accountability throughout the organization.

Accounting & Controls

• Manage the month-end and year-end close processes.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of the general ledger and financial records.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and cash management.
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
• Coordinate external audits, tax preparation, and regulatory reporting.

Business Partnership

• Partner with operational leaders to improve profitability and drive business performance.
• Analyze job costing, project profitability, equipment utilization, and operational metrics.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and efficiency gains.
• Support strategic planning, acquisitions, capital investments, and growth initiatives.

Leadership & Process Improvement

• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and administrative staff.
• Improve financial systems, reporting tools, and business processes.
• Establish scalable financial infrastructure to support future growth.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the finance function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA preferred but not required.
• 7 years of progressive accounting and financial leadership experience.
• Previous Controller, Assistant Controller, or Senior Finance Manager experience.
• Experience within construction, equipment leasing, industrial services, manufacturing, transportation, or related industries is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Experience working in entrepreneurial, privately held, or family-owned businesses.
• Proven ability to operate both strategically and tactically.
• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, and financial reporting tools.

Desired Traits

• Hands-on leader who enjoys being involved in the details.
• Strong business acumen and operational mindset.
• High level of integrity and accountability.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Comfortable working directly with ownership and influencing decisions.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique

• Direct interaction with ownership and executive leadership.
• Significant visibility and influence on company performance.
• Opportunity to help build and scale a growing organization.
• Diverse responsibilities across multiple operating businesses.
• Strong company culture with long-term stability and growth potential.

Compensation: Competitive base salary, performance bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.

Location: Detroit, Michigan Area (On-Site)