Controller

Location: Beltsville, Maryland

Employment Type: Full-Time | In-Office

Overview

An established project-based construction services organization is seeking an experienced Controller to lead the company’s accounting function and ensure the accuracy, discipline, and reliability of all financial reporting.

This role reports directly to executive leadership and serves as the senior accounting professional responsible for maintaining financial integrity within a cost-driven, project-based operating environment.

The Controller will oversee accounting operations, manage a small accounting team, and ensure that financial statements, job cost data, and work-in-progress reporting accurately reflect operational performance.

This position is hands-on and operational, focused on financial oversight, accounting discipline, and process improvement rather than corporate strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close Management

• Lead and manage the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes

• Prepare and deliver accurate financial statements in a timely manner

• Maintain integrity of the general ledger, including accruals and deferrals

• Perform account reconciliations and resolve discrepancies

• Maintain and refine the company’s chart of accounts

• Coordinate with external accounting partners regarding financial reviews and tax filings

The Controller is accountable for ensuring financial reporting remains consistent, accurate, and operationally meaningful.

Construction Accounting & Project Cost Oversight

This organization operates in a cost-based project environment where accurate job costing is essential to financial visibility.

Responsibilities include

• Prepare and maintain monthly Work-In-Process (WIP) schedules

• Apply percentage-of-completion revenue recognition

• Monitor and analyze over/under billings

• Ensure job cost data is accurate and properly coded

• Review cost-to-complete projections provided by project leadership

• Investigate inconsistencies or unusual financial results

• Support executive leadership during periodic WIP reviews

The Controller is responsible for the accuracy and structural integrity of all project financial reporting.

Cash Management & Financial Controls

• Monitor accounts receivable and support collection efforts

• Ensure billing processes are accurate and timely

• Oversee accounts payable and receivable operations

• Perform bank reconciliations and cash monitoring

• Maintain effective internal financial controls

• Support external banking and insurance relationships when required

The Controller plays a key role in protecting the organization’s financial assets through disciplined oversight.

Accounting Team Leadership

• Supervise and develop accounting personnel

• Establish clear expectations for accuracy and performance

• Improve accounting workflows and operational efficiency

• Maintain organized financial systems and documentation

• Cross-train team members to ensure continuity of essential functions

The Controller sets the standard for professionalism and financial accountability within the accounting function.

Candidate Profile

Experience

• Prior Controller or senior accounting leadership experience within a construction, contracting, or project-based services environment

• Experience working within organizations generating $10M in annual revenue

• Strong understanding of cost-based construction accounting

• Demonstrated experience managing WIP schedules and project cost reporting

• Practical knowledge of percentage-of-completion accounting

• Experience with construction accounting software platforms (Sage, Timberline, or similar preferred)

• Experience supervising accounting staff

This position is best suited for a hands-on accounting leader who values structure, financial accuracy, and operational discipline.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required

• CPA designation preferred but not required

Professional Characteristics

• Highly analytical with strong attention to detail

• Calm and composed in operational environments

• Comfortable questioning inconsistencies and challenging assumptions

• High personal accountability and professional integrity

• Thrives in lean, performance-focused organizations

Requirements

• Prior Controller or senior accounting leadership experience within a construction, contracting, or project-based services environment

• Experience working within organizations generating $10M in annual revenue

• Strong understanding of cost-based construction accounting

• Demonstrated experience managing WIP schedules and project cost reporting

• Practical knowledge of percentage-of-completion accounting

• Experience supervising accounting staff

Benefits

Compensation

• Base salary commensurate with experience

• Performance-based bonus potential

• Comprehensive benefits package