Controller

Hiltz Propane Systems, Inc.; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Hiltz Propane Systems, Inc. is seeking a Controller to lead accounting operations in a fast-paced, project-based environment at our Marietta, PA office.

You will oversee month-end closes, reporting, and tax compliance, with responsibilities spanning AR, AP, inventory, and internal controls. The ideal candidate will have 4+ years of progressive accounting experience in construction or manufacturing, a Bachelor’s in Accounting or Finance, and CPA potential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• CPA certification strongly preferred.
• Progressive accounting experience with a focus on job costing and project-based industries.

Responsibilities

• Manage month-, quarter-, and year-end close within stated timelines.
• Prepare financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) and reconciliations.
• Oversee A/R, A/P, inventory, WIP, and debt; ensure internal controls.
• Lead budgeting, rolling 12‑month cash flow forecasts, and regulatory compliance.
• Support ERP selection/implementation and process improvements across finance workflows.

Skills

CPA

Construction industry experience

Job cost accounting

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA certification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

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.