Controller

Hiltz Propane Systems, Inc.; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Hiltz Propane Systems Inc. in Pennsylvania seeks a Controller to lead accounting operations in a project-based manufacturing environment, ensuring accurate financial records, cash flow, and strong internal controls.

You will manage close processes, budgeting, and job costing, supervise a small accounting team, and coordinate audits and tax filings, while driving automation and system improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred.
• 4+ years progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years in construction, manufacturing, or other project-based industries.
• Experience with job costing and WIP schedules.
• Excellent managerial, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes (target: 7–10 business days).
• Prepare accurate financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow).
• Oversee balance sheet reconciliations (A/R, A/P, WIP, inventory, debt).
• Lead the annual budgeting process and rolling 12-month cash flow forecasts.
• Supervise accounting staff in A/P, A/R, and Inventory.
• Administer current accounting system and prepare for ERP implementation; ensure data accuracy.
• Drive improvements and automation across billing, time entry, payables, receivables, and reporting workflows.
• Provide KPI dashboards and support estimating with cost analysis.
• Evaluate financial implications of make-vs-buy decisions, lease-vs-purchase, and capex.
• Support long-term planning and growth initiatives.

Skills

Financial management

Job costing

WIP schedules

Leadership

Communication

MS Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Job description

Hiltz Propane Systems Inc is a family-owned and operated company specializing in complete turnkey propane system design and installation services. With extensive experience in LPG system engineering, plant connection, and maintenance, the company is dedicated to delivering comprehensive solutions for new facilities and expanding operations.

Position Description

The Controller is the financial leader responsible for the daily management of accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance within a fast-paced construction and manufacturing environment. This hands-on position ensures the accuracy of financial records, effective cash flow management, reliable job costing, and adherence to regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate thrives in a small-team setting, excels at process improvement, and understands the financial dynamics of project-based revenue and inventory.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Financial Management and Reporting

• Manage the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes (target: 7–10 business days).
• Prepare accurate financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow).
• Oversee balance sheet reconciliations, including A/R, A/P, WIP, inventory, and debt.
• Analyze past, present, and forecasted financial performance; identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide leadership with short- and long-term financial objectives and policies.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local tax filings (sales/use tax, 1099s, etc).
• Coordinate annual audits, financial reviews, and tax preparation with external CPA firms or other agencies.
• Uphold strong internal controls, including segregation of duties, approval workflows, and documentation standards.
• Maintain working knowledge of general insurance programs and their role in risk mitigation.

2. Operational Accounting, Job Costing and Systems Oversight

• Maintain a robust job costing system, tracking labor, materials, subcontractors, equipment, overhead, and project phases.
• Analyze variances between estimated and actual costs; proactively identify overruns.
• Lead the annual budgeting process, collaborating with department heads and key employees.
• Prepare rolling 12‑month cash flow forecasts.
• Supervise accounting staff in A/P, A/R, and Inventory functions.
• Administer the current accounting system and help prepare the organization for a future ERP implementation; ensure data accuracy and provide system oversight.
• Drive improvements and automation across billing, time entry, payables, receivables, and reporting workflows.

3. Strategic and Cross-Functional Support

• Provide KPI dashboards and performance metrics (e.g., backlog, gross margin by division, equipment ROI).
• Support estimating team with historical cost analysis.
• Evaluate financial implications of make‑vs‑buy decisions, lease‑vs‑purchase scenarios, and capital expenditures.
• Support long‑term planning, operational efficiency, and organizational growth initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position at our Marietta, PA office. Standard days and hours of work are 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Additional hours may be required to complete work.

Travel

Some travel may be required.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred.
• 4+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years in construction, manufacturing, or other project‑based industries.
• Demonstrated proficiency in job cost accounting and WIP schedules.
• Excellent managerial, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Highly accurate math and accounting capabilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar tools.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.

Preferred

• Experience supporting or preparing for ERP implementation or migration.
• Familiarity with inventory valuation methods (standard costing, LIFO/FIFO).
• Understanding of equipment depreciation schedules and Section 179/179D deductions.
• Experience with AIA billing, retainage, and change orders.
• Strong knowledge of revenue recognition, prevailing wage requirements, and certified payroll.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.