Business Unit Controller

Aspire Professional Talent Solutions; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire Professional Talent Solutions is seeking a Finance Manager/Business Unit Controller to lead the financial performance of a growing project-based unit in Jackson, MS. This senior role partners with executive leadership and operations to drive profitability and strategic growth, combining hands-on accounting with strategic insight.

The ideal candidate will manage complex revenue recognition, project accounting, budgeting, and internal controls while supporting business decisions through

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive finance, accounting, controllership, or project accounting experience.
• Strong expertise in revenue recognition and contract accounting.
• Experience within construction, engineering, utilities, infrastructure, industrial services, specialty contracting, or other project-based environments.
• Deep understanding of project accounting, WIP reporting, job costing, billing, and collections.
• Proven ability to partner effectively with operational leaders.
• CPA preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis.
• Own revenue recognition for project-based contracts, including time-and-materials and fixed-price arrangements.
• Partner closely with operations, project managers, and project controls teams to ensure accurate project financial reporting.
• Analyze business performance and provide financial guidance to operational leadership.
• Drive improvements in profitability, working capital, billing, collections, and cash flow.
• Support strategic decision-making through financial modeling and analysis.
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with accounting standards and company policies.

Skills

Finance leadership

Revenue recognition

Contract accounting

Project accounting

WIP reporting

Billing & collections

Operational partnering

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Title: Business Unit Controller/Finance Manager

Location: Jackson, MS

Schedule: Onsite in Jackson, MS every other week until acclimated and then travel can taper

A rapidly growing project-based services organization is seeking a Finance Manager / Business Unit Controller to serve as the senior finance leader for an emerging business unit.

This is a highly visible role that partners directly with executive leadership and operations management to drive financial performance, improve project profitability, and support strategic growth initiatives. The successful candidate will act as both a business partner and a hands-on financial leader in a fast-paced, operationally focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead monthly financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis.
• Own revenue recognition for project-based contracts, including time-and-materials and fixed-price arrangements.
• Partner closely with operations, project managers, and project controls teams to ensure accurate project financial reporting.
• Analyze business performance and provide financial guidance to operational leadership.
• Drive improvements in profitability, working capital, billing, collections, and cash flow.
• Support strategic decision-making through financial modeling and analysis.
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with accounting standards and company policies.

Ideal Background

• 7+ years of progressive finance, accounting, controllership, or project accounting experience.
• Strong expertise in revenue recognition and contract accounting.
• Experience within construction, engineering, utilities, infrastructure, industrial services, specialty contracting, or other project-based environments.
• Deep understanding of project accounting, WIP reporting, job costing, billing, and collections.
• Proven ability to partner effectively with operational leaders.
• CPA preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems.

Location & Travel

This opportunity supports operations in the greater Jackson, Mississippi market.

Local candidates are preferred; however, candidates located near a direct flight to Jackson will be considered. For non-local hires, travel to Mississippi is expected to be approximately 50% initially, including close periods and operational meetings. Travel will decrease as the individual becomes established in the role and business.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Senior finance leadership role with significant executive exposure.
• Direct partnership with business unit leadership and operations.
• Opportunity to help drive growth.
• High-impact position with autonomy and visibility.
• Strong fit for candidates who enjoy being hands-on and influencing business performance, not just reporting results.