Controller

Position: Controller

Company Overview:
A private, PE-backed organization in the renewable energy construction sector is seeking a highly experienced Controller. This company has been in operation for over two decades, specializing in large-scale utility and solar projects. With new leadership and a strong focus on expansion, the business is poised for continued growth.

Location and Work Environment:

• On-site presence preferred 4-5days per week
• Collaborative office environment with close interaction between field and office teams

Role Summary:
The Controller will serve as a senior financial executive, overseeing all financial operations and reporting. This includes the month-end close process, compliance with accounting standards, and managing revenue recognition using percentage of completion (POC) accounting. The ideal candidate will bring extensive construction industry experience, leadership skills, and a proven ability to build and manage high-performing finance teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Leadership & Strategy

  • Direct and manage overall financial operations, including accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis.
  • Provide strategic insights to senior leadership to drive business performance and profitability.

• Financial Reporting & Accounting

  • Oversee monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
  • Manage the preparation of financial statements and handle audit processes in accordance with GAAP.

• Percentage of Completion (POC) Accounting

  • Lead POC accounting for construction projects, ensuring accurate revenue and expense recognition.

• Staff Management & Development

  • Recruit, mentor, and oversee finance team members, aligning staff structure with organizational goals.
  • Foster a culture of growth and professional development within the department.

• Internal Controls & Compliance

  • Establish and maintain robust internal controls to ensure regulatory compliance and financial integrity.

• Budgeting & Forecasting

  • Oversee the annual budgeting process and provide accurate forecasts based on project pipelines.
  • Collaborate with department heads to track and adjust performance against budget.

• Stakeholder Collaboration

  • Partner with operations, project management, and executive teams to provide financial insights for decision-making.
  • Present financial updates to senior leadership and the board as needed.

• Process Improvement

  • Drive initiatives to streamline financial processes and enhance reporting accuracy.
  • Evaluate and implement new systems or frameworks to optimize efficiency within the finance function.

• Risk Management

  • Identify financial risks related to construction projects, contracts, and overall operations.
  • Develop strategies to mitigate risks and protect the organization's financial health.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements:

• Education & Certifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
  • CPA (or equivalent certification) preferred; advanced degree (MBA, Master's in Accounting) preferred.
• Experience
  • 10-15 years of progressive finance and accounting experience, ideally within construction or project-based industries.
  • At least 5 years in a leadership role managing teams and overseeing financial operations.
  • Strong background in POC accounting and managing large-scale construction projects.
  • Previous experience with a Big 4 accounting firm is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills
  • Deep knowledge of GAAP and construction-specific accounting regulations.
  • Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel for financial modeling.
• Leadership Skills
  • Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and develop high-performance teams.
  • Strong communication skills for effectively engaging with executives, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Soft Skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities for complex financial scenarios.
  • Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality.
  • Collaborative approach to decision-making in a deadline-driven environment.

Physical Requirements:

• May be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands/fingers for computer or phone use.
• Close vision needed due to computer work.
• Light to moderate lifting/carrying of up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to tolerate moderate office noise levels.
• Potential for extended periods of sitting at a computer.

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned financial professional to shape and elevate the financial infrastructure of a rapidly expanding renewable energy construction organization. The Controller will play a pivotal role in driving growth, ensuring compliance, and fostering a strong financial culture across the enterprise.