Controller

IFG US; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

IFG US in Chicago's western suburbs seeks a Controller to oversee all financial and accounting operations, drive strategic planning, and partner with ownership to improve profitability and efficiency. The role covers budgeting, cash flow, job costing, and internal controls, with oversight of payroll and audits. Strong leadership and expertise in construction accounting are required, along with advanced Excel and ERP/CM software experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field is required.
• 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience is required.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of construction accounting principles is essential.
• Experience with job costing, WIP reporting, retainage, and contract accounting is essential.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills are required.
• Experience with accounting software systems is required.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll oversight, fixed assets, and banking relationships.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Monitor cash flow and liquidity requirements.
• Develop and maintain annual budgets and financial forecasts.
• Analyze financial performance, identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Oversee construction job costing and project profitability analysis.
• Review WIP schedules and percentage-of-completion reporting.
• Track project costs, change orders, subcontractor payments, and retainage.
• Review project budgets and collaborate with project managers on cost performance.
• Ensure proper revenue recognition for construction contracts.
• Maintain internal accounting controls and company policies.
• Coordinate annual reviews, audits, and tax preparation with outside CPA firms.
• Ensure compliance with tax requirements and manage sales tax filings and reporting.
• Oversee insurance audits and workers' compensation reporting.

Skills

Construction accounting

Job costing

WIP reporting

Retainage

Contract accounting

Advanced Excel

Supervisory experience

Accounting software systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

ERP software

Construction management software

Job description

The Controller is responsible for managing all financial and accounting operations of a fast growing organization in the western suburbs. This position oversees financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow management, job costing, payroll oversight, compliance, and internal controls. The Controller serves as a strategic business partner to ownership by providing financial analysis and recommendations that support profitability, growth, and operational efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilitie

• sDirect and manage all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll oversight, fixed assets, and banking relationships
• .Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• .Monitor company cash flow and liquidity requirements
• .Develop and maintain annual budgets and financial forecasts
• .Analyze financial performance and identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• .Oversee construction job costing and project profitability analysis
• .Review work-in-progress (WIP) schedules and percentage-of-completion reporting
• .Track project costs, change orders, subcontractor payments, and retainage
• .Review project budgets and collaborate with project managers regarding cost performance
• .Ensure proper revenue recognition for construction contracts
• .Maintain internal accounting controls and company financial policies
• .Coordinate annual reviews, audits, and tax preparation with outside CPA firms
• .Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements
• .Manage sales tax filings and reporting
• .Oversee insurance audits, workers' compensation reporting, and bonding requirements

Leadership & Administratio

• nSupervise accounting personnel
• .Implement process improvements and accounting best practices
• .Support ownership with strategic planning and business decision-making
• .Prepare reports and presentations for management meetings

Required Qualification

• sBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• .Minimum 7-10 years of progressive accounting experience
• .Minimum 3 years of management or supervisory experience
• .Strong knowledge of construction accounting principles
• .Experience with job costing, WIP reporting, retainage, and contract accounting
• .Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• .Experience with accounting software systems

Preferred Qualification

• .Experience with ERP or construction management software
• .Understanding of prevailing wage and certified payroll processes