Operational Controller

POSITION SUMMARY: The Operational Controller will report to the CFO, and work closely with senior management of the Company's self-perform entities. This role will support the entire financial operation of various self-perform entities and equipment yard operations.

COMPENSATION: $150K-$190K

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide financial leadership and oversight for five self-perform operating entities, partnering closely with operational leadership to improve financial performance, consistency, accountability, and decision-making.

• Establish, standardize, and continuously improve financial and accounting best practices across the self-perform entities, including cost processing, vendor management, subcontract/contract administration, purchasing, commitments, change management, billing, and cost controls.

• Lead the Project Accounting function, including organizational structure, staffing levels, recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, development, performance management, succession planning, and, when necessary, corrective action or termination.

• Develop and maintain consistent project financial controls and reporting standards to ensure that timely, accurate, and complete project financial information is available to operations and Corporate Accounting.

• Participate in business planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance reviews for the self-perform entities and assist operating leadership in evaluating financial results against plans and expectations.

• Actively participate in project forecasting and financial review meetings, providing financial insight, challenging assumptions where appropriate, identifying emerging risks and opportunities, and improving the quality and reliability of project forecasts.

• Support Corporate Accounting in the preparation and validation of job profit forecasts, including estimated cost at completion, margin projections, contingency usage, cost-to-complete assumptions, revenue recognition considerations, and identification of forecast changes.

• Partner with project managers, operations managers, and business leaders to strengthen financial acumen, including training and coaching on project financial management, forecasting, cost control, contract economics, cash flow, margin management, and effective use of the company's accounting and project management systems.

• Perform ad hoc financial analysis and special projects to support business operations and management decision-making, including profitability analysis, make-versus-buy evaluations, equipment or capital investment analysis, productivity studies, business-case development, new system implementation and other operational finance initiatives.

• Evaluate and improve internal controls and financial processes while balancing appropriate financial discipline with the practical needs of field and project operations.

• Promote consistency and scalability across the self-perform entities, identifying opportunities to consolidate processes, eliminate unnecessary variation, leverage technology, and establish common financial operating standards.

• Serve as the primary financial liaison between self-perform operations and Corporate Accounting, ensuring operational activity is appropriately reflected in the company's financial reporting while helping Corporate Accounting understand business-specific activities and issues.

• Provide supplemental support to Corporate Accounting, as business needs and capacity allow, including assistance with quarterly and annual financial reporting, year-end close activities, financial statement preparation, audit support, and other reporting requirements.

• Provide flexible financial leadership and project support across the organization, particularly during peak reporting periods, major system or process initiatives, acquisitions or business changes, and other situations requiring additional financial expertise.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Standing/Walking/Sitting: workday is combination of standing, walking and sitting

• Must be able to climb stairs: 5% of day

• Hands/Arms: constant use of hands/fingers for mouse/keyboard/computer use

• Sight: visual acuity in near, mid and far range vision. Color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, hand/eye coordination

• Hearing: sufficient to hear conversational levels in person and over the telephone

• Speech: sufficient to make oneself heard in person, speak in front of groups, and be understood over the telephone

• Bending/Twisting: minimal

• Kneeling/Crouching/Crawling: minimal

• Constant mental alertness, accuracy, and attention to detail required

• Must be able to work independently, make decisions, and follow through on all assignments

• Must use creativity, independent judgment, and organizational and problem-solving skills to determine best method to accomplish desired results

• Must be able to plan and organize work

• Must possess strong organizational and computer use skills and have a high level of competency to read/write/speak English, interpret construction related documentation and communicate with coworkers

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• 7-10 years of progressively responsible financial and accounting experience, preferably within the construction industry or another project-based industry with advanced project/job costing requirements.
• BA/BS in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or another related field required.
• CPA license, active or inactive, preferred but not required.
• Strong demonstrated knowledge of U.S. GAAP required.
• Demonstrated experience with project accounting, job cost reporting, forecasting, cost-to-complete analysis, revenue and margin analysis, and project financial controls preferred.
• Experience developing, implementing, monitoring, and improving financial processes, internal controls, and operating procedures to enhance accuracy, consistency, efficiency, and financial performance.
• Experience partnering directly with operations and project management personnel to analyze financial performance, identify risks and opportunities, and improve business decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to challenge financial assumptions constructively and communicate financial issues effectively with project managers, operational leaders, accounting personnel, and senior management.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively at the intersection of accounting and operations, balancing strong financial controls with an understanding of the practical needs of project and field teams.
• Experience working within a complex ERP and project accounting system to manage the financial operations of a multi-entity or multi-business-unit organization preferred.
• Experience managing, developing, and leading a staff of five or more employees preferred, including responsibility for hiring, training, coaching, performance management, and employee development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial and operational information, identify underlying issues, and develop actionable recommendations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, Teams, and related business technology.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, competing demands, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial matters clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships across accounting, operations, project management, and senior leadership.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to coach, influence, and hold others accountable while maintaining productive working relationships.
• Must be a strong team player, self-starter, and adaptable leader who can operate with a high degree of independence, exercise sound judgment, and work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ownership mentality, attention to detail, and ability to proactively identify issues and drive them through resolution.
• Ability to work effectively in a changing environment and support broader organizational priorities, special projects, and reporting needs as required.