Controller

Vaco by Highspring

Chattanooga (TN)

On-site

USD 95,000 - 110,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

A professional services company is seeking a Controller in Chattanooga, TN, to oversee all financial operations across multiple entities. This role involves managing all accounting operations, supervising staff, and leading budgeting and compliance tasks. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, CPA/CMA preferred, and significant experience in a similar role within construction or contracting environments. Base pay ranges from $95,000 to $110,000 annually, with additional benefits.

Qualifications

5+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience.
At least 2 years in a controller or senior accounting role.
Strong background in construction or mechanical services.

Responsibilities

Manage all accounting operations including AR, AP, GL, and payroll.
Oversee job costing and project accounting for construction projects.
Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.

Skills

Job costing

WIP reporting

Leadership skills

Detail-oriented

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field

CPA/CMA

Tools

Sage 50

Dynamics GP

Coins

Job description

Vaco is assisting its client in Chattanooga, TN in the search for a Controller. This position will be a hands-on leader overseeing all financial operations across multiple entities, including construction projects, leasing, and rental properties. This role is critical to ensuring accurate accounting, compliance, and financial decision-making. The right candidate will be comfortable wearing many hats, digging into day-to-day transactions, and partnering with leadership in a fast-paced contracting environment.

Key Responsibilities

Manage all accounting operations: AR, AP, GL, payroll, tax compliance, and month-end close.
Oversee job costing, WIP reporting, and project accounting for construction/retrofit projects.
Ensure accuracy of certified payroll and AI contract compliance.
Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
Monitor cash flow, working capital, and manage banking relationships.
Supervise and develop accounting staff.
Work with ERP/accounting systems (currently Sage 50; future focus on Dynamics GP or Coins).
Coordinate external audits and maintain strong internal controls.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
CPA/CMA strongly preferred.
5+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience; at least 2 years in a controller or senior accounting role.
Strong background in construction, contracting, or HVAC/mechanical services.
Experience with job costing, WIP, and percentage-of-completion accounting.
ERP/Accounting software experience (Sage 50, Dynamics GP, or Coins).
Stable work history and ability to adapt to a small business.

Soft Skills

Hands-on, detail-oriented, and willing to dive into daily transactions.
Strong leadership and communication skills.
Comfortable in a small company environment where flexibility is key.
Culturally aligned with an along-tenured team.

Base pay range: $95,000.00/yr - $110,000.00/yr.

Compensation notes: Determining compensation for this role depends upon a wide array of factors including skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, and other business needs. The role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and participates in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company 401(k) retirement plan.

Seniority level