Controller

Allied Electric, Inc; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Allied Electric, Inc. is seeking a Controller to lead accounting and financial reporting, working with the CFO to ensure accurate GAAP-based results for construction projects.

You will manage close cycles, analyze financials, and drive process improvements across systems including Kojo and Sage 300. You will oversee project accounting, revenue recognition, budgeting, and internal controls while partnering with operations to optimize margins and project performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• CPA required.
• 5+ years progressive accounting/finance experience; 7+ years preferred.
• Leadership or management experience preferred.
• Experience in electrical contracting or specialty contractor is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
• Prepare and review financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Ensure GAAP and construction accounting standards compliance.
• Oversee general ledger, reconciliations, and journal entries.
• Analyze results, variances, trends, and KPIs; report to CFO and leadership.
• Oversee job costing, WIP, revenue recognition, and project reporting.
• Monitor cash flow, budgeting, forecasting, and backlogs.
• Oversee AP and purchasing controls; optimize Kojo and systems.

Skills

GAAP

WIP reporting

Job costing

Excel

Sage 300

Timberline

Kojo

Leadership

Financial analysis

AI/LLMs

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA

Tools

Sage 300

Timberline

Kojo

Job description

About Allied: At Allied Electric, we’re building an electrical company designed for growth, opportunity, and impact. For over 55 years, we’ve delivered high-quality electrical and low voltage solutions across industrial, commercial, and institutional markets – but what sets us apart today is where we’re going next. Guided by our mission, “Bringing Power to Possibilities,” Allied Electric is investing in our people, our technology, and the future that our services help bring to life. We partner with leading general contractors, owners, and developers across the Midwest and beyond, delivering complex, high-impact projects that power critical infrastructure and essential operations. Our team is made up of driven, team-first individuals who take pride in their work, continuously improve, and show up in a positive way. Whether in the field or the office, we are committed to creating an environment where great people can grow, develop, and build meaningful careers.

Job Summary

The Controller is responsible for leading Allied Electric’s accounting and financial reporting functions, including construction accounting, job costing, WIP reporting, revenue recognition, cash flow, internal controls, and financial analysis. This role works closely with the CFO and operational leadership to ensure accurate financial reporting, improve processes, identify financial trends and risks, and provide insight to support business decisions and continued company growth.

Financial Reporting & Accounting:

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.


• Prepare and review financial statements and supporting schedules.


• Ensure accurate reporting in accordance with GAAP and construction accounting standards.


• Oversee general ledger activity, reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and prepaid expenses.


• Analyze financial results, variances, trends, and key performance indicators.


• Provide financial reporting and analysis to the CFO and leadership team.

Construction Accounting & WIP

• Oversee job costing and monthly Work in Progress reporting.


• Ensure accurate revenue recognition and project financial reporting.


• Review project costs, estimates, change orders, committed costs, and forecasts.


• Monitor project margins and significant cost variances.


• Partner with project managers and operations to ensure accurate project financial performance.


• Oversee AIA, T&M, progress, retainage, and lump-sum billing.

Cash Flow, Budgeting & Analysis

• Monitor cash flow, accounts receivable, collections, and working capital.


• Support annual budgeting and periodic forecasting.


• Analyze budget-to-actual results and significant variances.


• Develop financial models and analyses to support operational and business decisions.


• Provide insight into backlog, margins, labor costs, overhead, and other key business metrics.

Purchasing & Systems

• Oversee accounts payable and purchasing-related financial controls.


• Partner with operations and purchasing teams to ensure accurate committed cost tracking.


• Support and optimize the use of Kojo for purchasing, material management, and purchase orders.


• Manage and optimize Sage 300 and other accounting systems.


• Identify opportunities for automation, improved reporting, and stronger system integration.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Maintain and improve internal accounting controls.


• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting, tax, and construction-related reporting requirements.


• Support external audits, bonding requirements, and banking relationships.


• Identify financial and operational risks and recommend improvements.

Team Leadership

• Lead, develop, and support the accounting team.


• Establish clear responsibilities, expectations, and accountability.


• Provide training and cross-functional support.


• Work closely with operations, project management, payroll, HR, and purchasing.


• Communicate financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial leaders.

Qualifications

Job Requirements:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.


• CPA required.


• 5+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience required, 7+ years preferred.


• Accounting leadership or management experience preferred.


• Electrical contracting or specialty contractor experience is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of GAAP.


• Knowledge of ASC 606 cost-to-cost revenue recognition, including contract assets and liabilities.


• Strong experience with job costing, WIP reporting, and revenue recognition.


• Experience with Sage 300 / Timberline strongly preferred.


• Experience with Kojo preferred.


• Tech-savvy with experience using emerging technologies, including AI and large language models (LLMs), to improve productivity, analysis, and process efficiency.


• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.


• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and financial reporting.

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Strong financial and business acumen.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Ability to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.


• Strong organizational and communication skills.


• Ability to work effectively with executive and operational leadership.


• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

Compensation & Benefits

At Allied Electric, we believe great people should be well compensated and supported as they grow their careers. We offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience and skill level.


• Health, dental, and vision insurance.


• 401(k) with company match.


• Paid time off and holidays.