Controller

Company Description

Since 1975, Western Builders has built lasting relationships and sustainable buildings across New England. We bring deep expertise in preconstruction, general contracting, and construction management, focusing on projects that strengthen communities.

As a subsidiary of The O’Connell Companies, we offer the stability of a large organization, while delivering the personal attention and responsiveness of a close-knit team. Our clients count on us for straightforward communication, reliable execution, and a collaborative approach that drives every project to success.

At Western, we evaluate our work by more than schedules and budgets because we see the people who live, learn, and work in our buildings. This perspective drives everything we do as “Partners in the Process”.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the President of Western Builders and the Chief Financial Officer of The O’Connell Companies, the Controller will lead and manage the accounting department for Western Builders, a mid-size construction management firm with annual revenues between $30M and $60M. This position is part of the executive team and plays a key role in the company’s strategic direction.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Lead and oversee all accounting and financial operations to ensure alignment with corporate policies, timely reporting, and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Responsibilities include job cost accounting, billing, accounts payable and receivable, general ledgers, financial statements, and related reporting in accordance with company procedures and timelines. Prepare cash flow projections as requested.
• Review and analyze ongoing financing activities and transactions to ensure contractual and procedural compliance, required approvals, and early identification of adverse or unfavorable activity that may impact the company.
• Create and monitor financial dashboards to track and analyze key company performance indicators.
• Actively participate in weekly Executive Team meetings, collaborating within the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) framework.
• Establish and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets. Oversee policies and procedures for processing accounts payable invoices, ensuring all payment requirements are met, and monitor subcontractor and vendor compliance.
• Implement and supervise policies and procedures for processing accounts receivable invoices, including review of owner requisitions. Maintain and report outstanding receivables to project managers and identify potential cash flow constraints.
• Review weekly payroll to ensure proper approvals and accurate processing.
• Collaborate with the accounting team to provide ongoing support, training, and leadership.
• Oversee petty cash management with field staff and reconcile monthly bank statements.
• Serve as a liaison with the Operations team to develop and enter cost control budgets for each project. Support Project Managers with monthly cost-to-complete projections to ensure accuracy and quality.
• Review job performance with Operations and Estimating, highlighting material cost and quantity variances, job-level working capital shortfalls, and other areas of concern. Maintain a working understanding of project performance, risks, and opportunities through analysis of job cost reports.
• Coordinate with external auditors on annual financial statement preparation and with corporate tax staff on tax filings. Conduct periodic internal audits as needed.
• File prequalification statements with governmental agencies and monitor the company’s tax activities.
• In conjunction with the President, prepare annual operating and capital budgets.
• In conjunction with the Corporate CFO, monitor Insurance and bonding requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or business administration or equivalent business experience.
• Construction industry experience required.
• CPA or CMA preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience.
• Ability to interpret and communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong work ethic, self-starter, team-oriented, and detail-focused.
• Ability to work to a deadline with exceptional time management skills.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and other relevant accounting standards.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with Sage required; experience with accounting system migrations preferred.
• Exhibits the company’s core values: integrity, determination, and accountability.

BENEFITS

Western Builders is an employee-owned (ESOP) company offering a competitive benefits package, including:

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) plan with up to a 4% company match
• Life and AD&D Coverage
• Disability Coverage
• Health Care FSA
• Dependent Care FSA
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional Identity Theft Protection
• Optional Pet Insurance
• Travel Assist through Reliance Standard
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Fitness & Wellness Benefit
• PTO