Controller

Fonson Inc; Brighton (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Bonus plan

Job summary

Fonson Inc., a privately owned heavy civil contractor based in Brighton, Michigan, seeks a Controller to lead payroll, HR, and accounts payable. You will own financial reporting, the annual audit, WIP schedules, and MDOT billing while managing banking relationships and ensuring compliance with tax and payroll requirements.

This is a full-time, in-office role with a strong emphasis on confidentiality and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• 5 years of construction accounting experience, ideally in heavy civil or road construction.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (preferred).
• Supervisory experience leading accounting and administrative staff.
• Knowledge of MDOT/public-agency billing, lien waivers, and project closeout.
• Experience with cash management, investments, and banking relationships.

Responsibilities

• Own financial reporting, annual audit, and year-end WIP schedule.
• Oversee project billing, MDOT compliance, and lien waivers.
• Manage cash, investments, and banking relationships; supervise payroll and HR.
• Administer Foundation Software and support IT-related controls.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Advanced Excel

Financial analysis

Banking relationships

Payroll tax compliance

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Foundation Software

Job description

Fonson is a privately owned heavy civil contractor with 45 years in business, headquartered in Brighton, Michigan. The company specializes in earthwork, road site development, and underground utilities for MDOT, municipal, institutional, and private clients across southeast Michigan.

The Controller Position

The Controller reports to the President and leads a team of three: Payroll, Human Resources, and Accounts Payable.

The Controller owns financial reporting, the annual audit and year-end WIP schedule, cash and investment management, and relationships with the bank, surety, and insurance carriers. The role oversees project billing and MDOT compliance, including pay estimates, subcontractor payments, lien waivers, Form 2124 reporting, and closeout. It also oversees benefits, HR compliance, and equipment records, administers the Foundation accounting system, and shares responsibility for IT.

Desired Experience, Skills, and Abilities

• 5 years of construction accounting experience, ideally in heavy civil, underground utility, or road construction, is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (preferred)
• Supervisory experience leading accounting and administrative staff is required
• Knowledge of GAAP, job costing, and year-end WIP reporting
• Experience with MDOT or public-agency billing, lien waivers, and project closeout
• Experience managing cash, investments, and banking relationships
• Benefits administration and payroll tax compliance experience
• Advanced Excel and financial analysis skills
• Sound judgment, strict confidentiality, and the ability to meet firm deadlines
• Foundation Software experience preferred

Compensation, Benefits and Structure

The Controller position offers a competitive base salary, a bonus plan, health benefits, a 401(k) with employer match, and paid time off. Employment is contingent on a pre-employment background check and drug test. A full-time, in-office presence in Brighton, MI office is required.

Recruitment Process for the Controller Position

The recruitment process includes a combination of preliminary phone screens and interviews, and a pre-employment background check. The process, which is being facilitated through EctoHR, Inc. is designed to ensure that candidates are aligned with our client’s mission and vision.

Fonson is an Equal Opportunity Employer!