Client Opening - Controller

Corrigan Krause; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Corrigan Krause is seeking a hands-on, strategic Controller to lead financial, administrative, and operational functions for a well-established commercial construction company in Cleveland, Ohio. You will partner with leadership to drive financial performance, improve processes, and develop the team.

The role requires a BA in Accounting, 5+ years in strategic financial leadership, and strong expertise in job costing, WIP, and Foundation Software. You will oversee payroll, HR, and ERP initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting is required.
• At least 5 years in strategic financial leadership.
• Proficient with Excel.
• Experience in construction or consulting is a plus.
• Strong communication and analytical skills; capable of leading teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations including GL, budgeting, forecasting, and tax coordination.
• Prepare monthly financial statements and job-costing reports.
• Provide profitability insights and cost-control recommendations.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, and project expenditures.
• Oversee AP/AR and banking relationships.
• Lead ERP initiatives and IT/process improvements.
• Direct payroll, HR functions, and performance management.
• Develop and mentor accounting/administrative staff.

Skills

Financial leadership

Excel

Team leadership

Communication skills

Project accounting

Budgeting and forecasting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

Foundation Software

Job description

Description

Corrigan Krause is assisting their client in the search for a hands-on, strategic Controller to lead the financial, administrative, and operational functions of a well-established commercial construction company. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across the organization while partnering closely with leadership to drive financial performance, operational efficiency, and team development.

This is an ideal opportunity for a leader who thrives in a general contracting environment, understands the nuances of job costing and project-based accounting, and is confident operating within Foundation Software.

Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Lead all accounting operations including general ledger, budgeting, forecasting, and tax coordination
• Prepare and present monthly financial statements, job costing reports, and variance analyses
• Provide leadership with insights on profitability, margins, and cost control

Cash Flow & Project Operations

• Manage cash flow, working capital, and capital expenditures to support ongoing projects
• Oversee accounts payable/receivable to maintain strong cash positioning
• Partner with leadership on banking relationships and financing needs

Construction Accounting Focus

• Reviewand analyze Work in Progress (WIP) schedules with project managers
• Ensure accuracy in job costing, percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, and project reporting
• Support billing and compliance requirements for public sector projects (municipal, county, and state)

Systems, IT & Process Improvement

• Oversee day-to-day IT operations, including vendor relationships and employee equipment
• Lead ERP initiatives, including Foundation Software management, optimization, and integration

Payroll & HR Leadership

• Own and oversee weekly payroll processing across field and office employees
• Ensure compliance with payroll regulations, including construction-specific requirements
• Lead HR functions including onboarding, offboarding, employee relations, and performance management
• Support compensation, benefits administration, and policy development

Team & Organizational Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting and administrative team, providing guidance while staying close to day-to-day processes
• Conduct regular check-ins, feedback, and performance conversations
• Step in to support AP/AR workflows when needed, especially during peak periods

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
• 5+ years in a strategic financial leadership role (a significant role in a public accounting firm may meet this requirement).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel.
• Experience in consulting or construction/development helpful.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and work within teams and a directive leadership style that encourages results-driven, task-oriented collaboration.

People are at the core of everything we do at Corrigan Krause. We welcome all people and are against all forms of discrimination.

Starting compensation typically ranges from $130,000–$150,000, offered as a comprehensive package with opportunity for growth.

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