Controller

Our client, a growing construction-related organization, is seeking an experienced Interim Controller to provide hands-on leadership across accounting, financial reporting, project accounting, and operational finance. This onsite role (in the Columbia, TN, area) will oversee day-to-day accounting activities while partnering with leadership to monitor project performance, manage cash flow, support forecasting, and improve financial visibility across multiple ongoing projects. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in construction accounting, including expertise with work-in-progress (WIP) schedules, job costing, project profitability analysis, subcontractor management, and revenue recognition.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting and financial reporting functions during the interim engagement.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Manage WIP reporting, job cost tracking, and project profitability analysis.
• Monitor project budgets, forecasts, and cost performance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Partner with operations and project managers to identify cost overruns, margin risks, and financial opportunities.
• Ensure timely processing and payment of contractors, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Review contract billing, change orders, retainage balances, and project-related cash flow.
• Prepare management reporting, financial statements, and key performance metrics.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning initiatives.
• Strengthen internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial processes.
• Assist with system enhancements and process improvement initiatives as needed.

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. 8+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership responsibilities. Prior Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting leadership experience within construction, engineering, contracting, or project-based industries.

Strong knowledge of:

• Work-in-Progress (WIP) accounting
• Job costing and project accounting
• Percentage-of-completion accounting
• Revenue recognition principles
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Cash flow management

Experience partnering with project managers and operational leadership teams. Advanced Excel skills and experience working within ERP/accounting systems. CPA preferred but not required.