Controller

Vaco; SOUTH PLAINFIELD (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great benefits

Onsite five days per week

Job summary

Vaco in New Jersey is seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting operations for a construction-focused organization. The role emphasizes hands-on leadership of a small accounting team, timely close processes, and ensuring GAAP-compliant reporting.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in construction/HVAC accounting, 8+ years total accounting experience with at least 3 years in supervision, and a proactive mindset to improve processes within a private equity-backed environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• At least 5 years of accounting experience within the construction or HVAC construction industry.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience preferred, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or team leadership role.
• Experience with construction accounting principles, including WIP accounting, job costing, and project-based financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements for U.S. corporations.
• Experience managing or supporting the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Previous experience with a private equity-backed company is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate an accounting team.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
• A proactive mindset and the ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiency.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with both accounting colleagues and business leadership.
• Experience with WIP accounting software and accounting systems is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close processes with accuracy and timeliness.
• Prepare and review journal entries, reconciliations, schedules, and supporting docs.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and reporting requirements.
• Oversee the general ledger, accounts payable, payroll recording, fixed assets, and expense reporting.
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of 3-4 accounting professionals.
• Assist with financial reporting for a private equity-backed organization.
• Oversee construction accounting activities including WIP reporting and job costing.
• Monitor data accuracy to inform management decisions.
• Identify opportunities to streamline procedures and strengthen internal controls.
• Support development of accounting systems, processes, and reporting tooling.
• Collaborate with leadership to support operational goals and financial visibility.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

WIP accounting

Job costing

GAAP knowledge

Accounting systems

Job description

Location: New Jersey | Onsite, 5 Days per Week | Local Candidates Only

Join a Growing Construction Organization with a Great Team and Strong Company Culture!

Our client, an established company in the construction industry, is seeking an experienced and hands-on Controller to lead its accounting operations and play an important role in the company's continued growth and success.

This is an excellent opportunity for an accounting professional who enjoys working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment where leadership, accountability, and continuous improvement are valued. The company offers a positive workplace culture, great benefits, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the business while working alongside a dedicated team.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in construction or HVAC accounting, excellent technical accounting skills, and the leadership ability to oversee a small accounting team while maintaining accurate, timely, and reliable financial reporting. Experience working within a private equity-backed organization is highly desirable.

If you are a motivated accounting leader who enjoys improving processes, developing people, and helping a business grow, this could be an outstanding next step in your career.

Controller - Construction

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close processes, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely reporting.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, financial schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and applicable financial reporting requirements.
• Oversee the general ledger and key accounting functions, including accounts payable, payroll recording, fixed assets, and expense reporting.
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of 3-4 accounting professionals, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional development.
• Assist with financial reporting, analysis, and related reporting requirements for a private equity-backed organization.
• Oversee construction accounting activities, including Work in Progress (WIP) reporting, job costing, and project-related financial analysis.
• Monitor the accuracy of financial data and help ensure that management has the information needed to make informed business decisions.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting procedures, strengthen internal controls, and improve the efficiency of financial reporting.
• Support the ongoing development of accounting systems, processes, and reporting tools as the business continues to evolve.
• Collaborate with leadership and other departments to support operational goals, financial visibility, and overall business performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• At least 5 years of accounting experience within the construction or HVAC construction industry.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience preferred, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or team leadership role.
• Experience with construction accounting principles, including WIP accounting, job costing, and project-based financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements for U.S. corporations.
• Experience managing or supporting the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Previous experience with a private equity-backed company is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate an accounting team.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
• A proactive mindset and the ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiency.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with both accounting colleagues and business leadership.
• Experience with WIP accounting software and accounting systems is highly desirable.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Positive Company Culture: Join a collaborative, team-oriented organization that values its people and encourages employees to contribute, share ideas, and work together toward common goals.
• Meaningful Leadership Opportunity: Take ownership of important accounting functions while leading and supporting a dedicated team.
• Opportunity to Make an Impact: Help improve financial processes, strengthen reporting, and contribute to the company's continued success.
• Great Benefits: Enjoy a competitive benefits package designed to support employees.
• Professional Growth: Expand your leadership experience and gain valuable exposure to financial reporting and business operations within a private equity-backed environment.

Ready for Your Next Career Move?

If you have a strong construction accounting background, enjoy leading a team, and are looking for an opportunity where your expertise and contributions will be valued, we'd love to hear from you!

Please note: This is a fully onsite position, five days per week, and is open to local candidates in New Jersey only.

Equal Opportunity Notice

Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] .

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.