Controller

FW Walton INC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

FW Walton INC in Houston, Texas is seeking a Controller to lead the Finance, Accounting and Risk Management functions and provide executive oversight of Human Resources. The role reports directly to the President and will manage the accounting department, ensuring accuracy and efficiency across the organization.

You will supervise staff, build training programs, and promote collaboration across departments to maintain a positive work environment and efficient workflow.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of related experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role
• Experience in construction, contracting or a project-based industry
• Experience managing or overseeing an HR function
• CPA, CMA or SHRM/HRCI certification (preferred, not required)
• Strong knowledge of Excel and financial modeling

Responsibilities

• Manage the accounting department, including AP/AR, job costing, general ledger, payroll and cash flow
• Produce monthly work-in-progress (WIP) schedules and financial statements on time, in compliance with GAAP
• Oversee billing, retainage, change orders, lien waivers and collections
• Coordinate monthly accounting and financial reviews, annual audits and tax returns
• Oversee Human Resources and ensure regulatory compliance across states

Skills

Excel proficiency

Sage 300 CRE

Construction accounting

GAAP knowledge

HR compliance

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Analytical skills

Financial modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or business administration

CPA/CMA/SHRM/HRCI certification (preferred)

Tools

Sage 300 CRE

Job description

Description

The Controller leads the company's Finance, Accounting and Risk Management functions, provides executive oversight of Human Resources, and reports directly to the President. The Controller manages the accounting department and oversees Human Resources operations, ensures accuracy and efficiency, identifies training needs, and builds and maintains instruction and evaluation programs. The Controller also oversees communication within and between departments, promoting a positive work environment and efficient workflow.

Requirements

Finance and Budgeting

• Manage finances and budgeting, reporting to the President and executive team
• Manage cash flow, forecasting, banking relationships, credit lines and bonding capacity
• Provide financial support: reports, analysis, pricing decisions and contract negotiations
• Prepare and monitor the annual operating budget and report variances to leadership
• Monitor project budgets and expenses, including job cost-to-complete and margin forecasts
• Evaluate capital purchases, equipment financing and leases

Accounting and Reporting

• Oversee the Accounting department, including AP/AR, job costing, general ledger, payroll and cash flow
• Produce monthly work-in-progress (WIP) schedules and financial statements on time, in compliance with reporting standards (GAAP)
• Oversee billing, retainage, change orders, lien waivers and collections
• Manage month-end and year-end close, account reconciliations and the chart of accounts
• Coordinate monthly accounting and financial reviews, annual audits and tax returns
• Prepare and maintain accounting policies and procedures
• Maintain business and tax licenses for all states and localities
• Oversee sales and use tax, payroll tax and multi-state compliance

Risk Management and Internal Controls

• Maintain a system of internal controls over accounting transactions to prevent fraud and risks that could endanger the company, including segregation of duties and approval limits
• Manage insurance programs (general liability, workers' compensation, auto, umbrella) and coordinate renewals, audits and claims with brokers
• Administer surety bonding relationships and subcontractor insurance and compliance tracking
• Manage the experience modification rate (EMR) and coordinate with safety on loss prevention
• Support business continuity, cybersecurity and data backup planning for financial systems

Leadership and Compliance

• Oversee Human Resources
• Ensure the company follows local, state and federal government requirements
• Lead, coach and evaluate department staff; set goals and conduct performance reviews
• Promote communication and collaboration with project management, operations, estimating and executive teams
• Evaluate and improve systems, processes and technology to increase efficiency
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills

• Strong knowledge of Excel (required), including pivot tables, lookups and financial modeling
• Experience with Sage 300 CRE (preferred) or comparable construction accounting software
• Knowledge of construction accounting: job costing, WIP, percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, retainage and progress billing
• Working knowledge of GAAP, payroll and multi-state tax compliance
• Working knowledge of HR practices and employment law
• Excellent verbal, written and communication skills, including presenting financials to executives, lenders, sureties and auditors
• Strong leadership and excellent management skills, with the ability to build and develop a team
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; able to meet deadlines and prioritize competing demands
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, sound judgment and high integrity in handling confidential information

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting or Business Administration (preferred)
• 10 or more years of related experience (required), including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role
• Experience in construction, contracting or a project-based industry (preferred)
• Experience managing or overseeing an HR function (preferred)
• CPA, CMA or SHRM/HRCI certification (preferred, not required)