Controller

Jilian Booth, LLC.; Chelmsford (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Company in Chelmsford, MA seeks an experienced Controller to lead accounting and financial operations for a growing painting services business. You will own A/P, A/R, GL, month‑end close, budgeting, and cash flow while delivering timely financial reports and insights to senior leadership.

This hands‑on, strategic role also supports HR and office functions, drives financial controls, and partners with operations to improve profitability and performance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive finance and accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Own the day‑to‑day accounting function including A/P, A/R, reconciliations, GL, and financial reporting.
• Lead monthly close, prepare statements, and manage budgeting and cash flow.
• Partner with senior leadership to provide insights and strategic guidance.

Skills

Construction accounting

U.S. GAAP

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Gravity Software

Job description

We are representing a top-notch painting service that tailors to specific requirements of educational institutions, large habitational property owners, high-end retailers, and other commercial clients with complex painting needs.

Their comprehensive range of services includes interior and exterior painting, wall coverings, occupied renovations, and more. With a strong focus on quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, they utilize the highest-quality materials and industry-leading techniques to achieve flawless finishes that leave a lasting impression.

Position Overview

They are seeking an experienced, hands‑on Controller to lead and oversee the company's accounting and financial operations. This individual will serve as a key business partner to the Senior Leadership Team, providing accurate financial reporting, meaningful business insights, strategic guidance, and strong financial controls to support the company's continued growth and profitability.

The Controller will have ownership of the day‑to‑day accounting function, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, general ledger management, financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow management, compliance, and financial analysis.

In addition to accounting responsibilities, this role will help develop and manage the Finance & Accounting function while supporting select HR and office and Business responsibilities. The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands‑on, someone who can confidently manage the details of the accounting function while also stepping back to understand the bigger picture and help leadership make informed business decisions.

This is an excellent opportunity for a results‑oriented financial leader who enjoys working in a growing, entrepreneurial environment and wants to have a meaningful impact on the success of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Minimum of 5 years of construction accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of construction accounting practices, including Work-in-Progress (WIP) reporting, retainage, job costing, and related processes.
• Own the accuracy, timeliness, and completion of all accounting and finance activities.
• Execute, manage, and monitor accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, credit cards, and bank reconciliations.
• Maintain the general ledger and chart of accounts while ensuring proper application of U.S. GAAP.
• Lead the monthly financial close process and prepare accurate monthly financial statements and management reporting packages.
• Provide financial insights and analysis to help leadership understand business performance and make informed decisions.
• Develop, maintain, and analyze key financial metrics and KPIs.
• Manage and oversee company cash flow, including cash forecasting and working capital.
• Lead the development of the annual budget in partnership with the Senior Leadership Team.
• Maintain, monitor, and update the annual budget throughout the year.
• Identify financial risks, trends, and opportunities to improve profitability and operational performance.
• Prepare bank reporting, financial reporting, and compliance certificates as required.
• Partner with the Operations team on financial analysis, project and operational reporting, budgeting, and performance management.
• Maintain a documented system of accounting policies, procedures, internal controls, and financial checklists.
• Proactively identify opportunities to streamline, automate, and improve finance and accounting processes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal financial and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with the company's external CPA firm and provide necessary information and support for annual reviews, tax filings, and other financial requirements.
• Ensure the integrity and security of financial data and records.
• Perform other related duties as necessary or assigned.

Financial Leadership & Business Partnership

• Serve as a trusted financial advisor and business partner to the Senior Leadership Team.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement a monthly finance scorecard.
• Establish, measure, and continuously improve financial KPIs and performance metrics.
• Lead bi-weekly and monthly financial meetings with members of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Translate financial results and data into clear, actionable business recommendations.
• Proactively identify opportunities to increase revenue, improve margins, control costs, and increase overall profitability.
• Actively participate in annual strategic and financial planning.
• Provide financial best practices and recommendations to support the company's growth.
• Partner with Operations and other departments to ensure financial goals align with operational objectives.
• Help create a culture where Finance & Accounting is viewed as a proactive business partner rather than simply a back‑office function.
• Establish, develop, manage, and grow the Finance & Accounting function.
• Mentor, coach, and develop the Staff Accountant and other Finance & Accounting team members.
• Establish clear expectations, goals, and performance standards for the Finance & Accounting team.
• Create performance plans, assess employee performance, and provide ongoing feedback and coaching.
• Promote accountability, accuracy, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the finance function.
• Build strong relationships across the organization and encourage cross‑functional collaboration.

HR & Office Administration

• Support and oversee designated HR and office administration functions as needed.
• Assist with payroll administration and ensure payroll processes are accurate, timely, and compliant.
• Maintain appropriate employee and payroll records and documentation.
• Support onboarding, employee administration, benefits coordination, and other HR‑related processes as assigned.
• Help ensure compliance with applicable employment, payroll, and workplace regulations.
• Coordinate office‑related administrative responsibilities and vendor relationships as needed.
• Partner with leadership on administrative policies, procedures, and employee‑related initiatives.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including experience in a Controller, Accounting Manager, or senior finance leadership role.
• Proven experience managing the accounting function and financial operations of an organization.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, accounting principles, internal controls, and risk management practices.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow management, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data and translate findings into actionable business recommendations.
• Experience developing and managing financial KPIs and performance metrics.
• Strong leadership and people‑management skills, with the ability to mentor and develop team members.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and customer‑service skills.
• Strong strategic planning, organization, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Highly analytical and detail‑oriented, with a strong understanding of numbers and financial concepts.
• Results‑oriented strategic thinker who can balance day‑to‑day execution with long‑term business objectives.
• Proficiency with QuickBooks Online, Gravity Software, or comparable accounting systems.
• Proficiency with payroll software and payroll administration.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365, particularly Excel, as well as Google Docs and Google Sheets.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with senior leadership and cross‑functional teams.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, discretion, and integrity.
• Commitment to The Company's core values and a high standard of professionalism.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will be more than an accountant, they will be a business‑minded financial leader who understands how financial performance connects to operations, people, customers, and long‑term growth.

We are looking for someone who:

• Takes ownership and follows through.
• Is highly organized and exceptionally detail‑oriented.
• Can move comfortably between strategic planning and hands‑on accounting.
• Communicates financial information clearly to both financial and non‑financial team members.
• Is proactive in identifying problems before they become issues.
• Uses data to drive decisions rather than simply reporting numbers.
• Builds strong relationships and earns the trust of leadership and employees.
• Is comfortable working in a growing, fast‑paced environment.
• Understands that profitability is the result of strong financial management, operational execution, and disciplined decision‑making.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to The Company's core values.

Why Join this Company?

You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a growing commercial painting company. This role offers the opportunity to work directly with senior leadership, influence financial and operational strategy, build and develop the finance function, and help establish the systems and processes that will support the company's next stage of growth.

If you're an experienced financial leader who enjoys taking ownership, solving problems, developing people, and helping a business become more profitable and successful, we'd love to hear from you.

The Company is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.