What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at Southern Spear Ironworks LLC?
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Controller to oversee all aspects of financial management within our construction business. This pivotal role combines traditional accounting responsibilities with strategic financial leadership. The ideal candidate will not only have strong financial acumen but also an understanding of the construction industry’s unique accounting requirements, including project-based cost tracking, WIP reporting, and contract billing.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Management & Reporting
- Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, general ledger, job costing, and bank reconciliations.
- Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
- Lead month-end and year-end closing processes.
- Manage cash flow forecasting and budgeting processes.
- Construction-Specific Accounting
- Implement and manage job cost accounting systems to ensure accurate project-level financial tracking.
- Prepare and analyze Work-in-Progress (WIP) reports and percentage-of-completion revenue recognition.
- Ensure compliance with construction contracts, including change orders, retainage, and lien waivers.
- Collaborate with project managers and estimators to align financial data with project schedules and budgets.
- Controls & Compliance
- Develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets.
- Ensure compliance with GAAP and relevant state and federal regulations.
- Coordinate external audits and act as the primary point of contact for auditors, banks, and insurance providers.
- Strategic Leadership
- Provide financial insights and recommendations to executive leadership to support decision-making and business growth.
- Help optimize financial systems and processes to support scalability and efficiency.
- Mentor and manage accounting team members, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or CMA preferred).
- 5 years of experience in accounting or finance, with 2 years in a Controller role.
- Experience in the construction industry or a project-based business is required.
- Proficiency with construction accounting software (e.g., Sage 300 CRE, Viewpoint, Foundation, or similar).
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, job costing, WIP reporting, and percentage-of-completion accounting.
- Excellent analytical, leadership, and communication skills.
- Experience with leading year end CPA audits
