AVP and Controller

Soni; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Soni’s client seeks an experienced Corporate Controller to lead the Major Projects group’s accounting operations and financial reporting. This hands-on role will supervise monthly close, budgeting, and internal controls while partnering with corporate accounting and field operations.

The candidate should have a strong technical accounting background in project-based environments, CPA preferred, and experience with joint ventures and regulatory reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• 7+ years of accounting/finance experience in project-based environments.
• Hands-on leadership balancing people management with execution.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations for the Major Projects group and shared services hub.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting and analyses.
• Manage month-end close, budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses.
• Support project lifecycle from bidding through completion.
• Oversee JV accounting and partner positions.
• Maintain internal controls and compliance with GAAP and SOX.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Cross-functional partnering

Project-based finance

Regulatory compliance

Month-end close

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

CPA preferred

Job description

Soni’s client is seeking an experienced Corporate Controller to lead accounting operations and financial reporting for its Major Projects group. This hands-on leadership role will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, and accounting processes while partnering closely with corporate accounting and field operations. The ideal candidate brings strong technical accounting expertise, project-based industry experience, and the ability to lead a team while remaining actively involved in day-to-day operations.

Key Responsibilities of the Corporate Controller:

• Lead accounting and financial operations for the Major Projects group and shared services hub.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for site accounting and accounting-related issues.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, including financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses.
• Manage the month-end close process and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting.
• Support construction project teams throughout the full project lifecycle, from bidding through completion.
• Manage financial and accounting activities for joint ventures, including lead and minority partner positions.
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with GAAP, Sarbanes-Oxley, and company policies.
• Oversee government and regulatory reporting requirements and coordinate internal and external audits.
• Lead annual operating budget preparation and implement corporate accounting initiatives.
• Hire, train, develop, and evaluate staff across accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, job costing, and related functions.
• Prepare financial analyses, ad hoc reports, and support special projects as needed.

Qualifications of the Corporate Controller:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• 7+ years of relevant accounting and finance experience.
• Strong hands-on accounting expertise with the ability to balance leadership responsibilities with day-to-day execution.
• Experience in civil construction, rail, general construction, manufacturing, or another project-based environment.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, month-end close, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, Sarbanes-Oxley, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience managing and developing accounting teams.
• Ability to partner effectively with corporate accounting, field operations, and project leadership.
• CPA preferred.
• Canadian accounting or business experience preferred.

This position is ideal for a hands-on accounting leader who combines strong technical expertise with team leadership and enjoys working closely with project and operations teams to strengthen financial reporting, controls, and accounting processes.

Compensation: $200,000–$240,000 + bonus.

Compensation is based on a range of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other job-related qualifications.