Financial Controller

Peterson Service Company is seeking an energetic, forward-thinking, and growth-oriented Financial Controller to lead our accounting department and financial strategy. This dynamic opportunity is ideal for an ambitious accounting leader looking to drive operational improvements, manage day-to-day financial operations, work-in-progress (WIP) accounting, weekly cash flow forecasting, job costing, enterprise system management, and corporate risk mitigation.

Peterson Service Company is a trusted Union commercial HVAC and mechanical service provider serving South Jersey and the surrounding region. We pride ourselves on operational excellence, strong client relationships, and a collaborative executive leadership team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Financial Leadership & Reporting: Oversee month-end and year-end close processes. Deliver detailed financial statements, budget variance reports, and operational KPIs to executive leadership.
• Commercial HVAC Job Costing & WIP: Direct percentage-of-completion accounting, monitor job profitability, evaluate direct labor and material burden costs, and maintain accurate Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules.
• Cash Flow & Working Capital: Conduct rolling weekly cash flow forecasts, optimize AR collections and AP billings, and oversee banking relationships and credit facility terms.
• Payroll Administration & Union Accounting: Direct weekly payroll processing (including union payroll compliance), general ledger maintenance, fixed asset accounting, and corporate financial controls.
• ERP & Operational Integration: Manage software integration, specifically leveraging Coins Construction Software alongside modern cloud platforms to streamline financial reporting across departments.
• Insurance, Tax & Corporate Compliance: Manage company-wide commercial insurance programs (general liability, commercial auto, workers' compensation) and employee health insurance plans. Supervise NJ sales tax filings, business licensing, fleet lease management, and external CPA audit coordination.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration (CPA/CMA a plus).
• 5 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years as a Controller or Accounting Manager ready for the next step in their career.
• Proven background in HVAC, mechanical contracting, union trade environments, commercial service, or construction trades.
• Expertise in GAAP, WIP accounting, job costing, weekly payroll management, and corporate financial administration.
• Advanced MS Excel capabilities and strong familiarity with the Microsoft 365 (MS365) suite.

PREFERRED SKILLS & MINDSET

• Hands-on experience with Coins Construction Software or similar industry ERPs (ServiceTitan, Jonas, Foundation).
• Tech-forward mindset with an eagerness to modernize accounting processes and leverage new technology.
• Experience overseeing commercial liability insurance renewals, claims management, and employee health benefit administration.
• Familiarity with NJ state tax compliance, union payroll/ benefits reporting, and corporate reporting standards.
• High energy and strong leadership skills to interface between field leaders, department heads, and executive leadership.

Base Salary: $100,000 – $125,000 annual base annual performance bonus.

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health and dental insurance coverage, plus paid vacation time.

Retirement: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.