Controller

We are looking for a highly skilled, detail-oriented Controller to join our SageWater management team! We’re growing, and we’re looking for more great people to help us continue to grow!

ABOUT US:

SageWater is the nation’s leading provider of turnkey plumbing and mechanical infrastructure solutions for multifamily condominium and apartment communities. We deliver expert diagnosis, design, and construction services with minimal disruption to residents.

Operating nationwide, SageWater offers a collaborative, growth-focused environment where employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both internal operations and client outcomes.

Position Summary:

The Controller leads our accounting team and owns all accounting results and processes. This role balances the demand for accounting accuracy and discipline with the ambiguity and constant change of a growing, specialized construction-industry business operating across multiple divisions. You will manage the full month-end close process and partner closely with operational teams to support informed business decisions.

The Controller will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing internal controls, ensuring compliance with company policies, and driving overall financial integrity. This role works closely with executive leadership and plays a key part in budgeting, forecasting, audit coordination, and strategic planning initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to take ownership of the accounting function while contributing to process improvements and the continued growth of the organization.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Team & Accounting Operations

• Lead, support, and develop the accounting team, fostering accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations across accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, general ledger, consolidations, and compliance.
• Drive efficiency and automation across accounting workflows and systems.

Close, Reporting & Technical Accounting

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close, including detailed analysis and reconciliation of all general ledger accounts and preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Review detailed workpapers and financial statements on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, including actual-to-budget variance analysis.
• Develop and maintain accrual processes to ensure accurate, timely financial reporting.
• Perform technical accounting research and document positions as new GAAP standards take effect (e.g., revenue recognition, leases).

Project & Construction Accounting

• Lead monthly percentage-of-completion (POC) meetings and oversee work-in-progress (WIP) and job cost reporting.
• Develop accurate, timely job cost analytics - including distributing budget-vs-actual data for active projects - to support operational and management decision-making.
• Partner with operations leaders to drive financial and operational improvements across divisions.

Planning, Budgeting & Cash

• Assist in the planning, coordination, and implementation of the annual budget process in collaboration with the executive team.
• Prepare and distribute monthly actual-vs-budget reporting for SG&A and other functions on a timely basis.

Internal Controls, Compliance & Audit

• Design and implement internal controls, monitor compliance, and maintain thorough process documentation, building toward Sarbanes-Oxley-level control readiness.
• Manage and assist in the preparation of external audit and tax schedules, and serve as a primary liaison to auditors and tax advisors.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Serve as the company's accounting systems expert (ERP/NetSuite, Ramp, UKG Ready), continuously improving data transparency, integrity, and usefulness.
• Revise processes and systems as needed to strengthen reporting and scale with the business.
• Prepare executive-level summaries that distill detailed data for a wide variety of ad hoc requests.
• Assist in system implementation

Qualifications & SKILLS:

• BS in Accounting or Finance.
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. GAAP.
• Construction industry accounting/finance experience.
• Solid working knowledge of financial statements, financial analysis, and general ledger / ERP systems.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to research and reconcile cash, credit card / merchant, A/P, and A/R accounts.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, project management, and communication skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Detail oriented and highly organized.
• Skilled in time management and the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Excellent critical thinking skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, with versatility, schedule flexibility, and enthusiasm for constantly changing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA; master’s degree.
• At least 10 years' experience in accounting (construction industry experience is a plus).
• Hands-on experience with percentage-of-completion / WIP accounting, job costing, AIA billings, and retention.
• NetSuite (or comparable ERP) experience.
• M&A and post-close integration experience.
• Experience in a private-equity-backed or audit-ready environment, including building toward SOX-level controls.

BENEFITS:

• SageWater offers great pay with annual reviews and a commitment to career growth!
• Vacation leave, sick leave and select paid holidays
• 401(k) match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Life and long-term disability insurance
• On-the-job training and professional development

Salary Range: $175,000 – $225,000 per hour based upon experience and qualifications

READY TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS AMAZING OPPORTUNITY AT SAGEWATER?

If you’re ready to take the next step and make a real difference in your life and career, don’t wait—apply today!

Employment Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States and must be able to confirm their employment eligibility via E-Verify at the time of hire. We are unable to sponsor employment at this time.

No recruiters or agencies, please.