Controller

Smith Arnold Partners; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith Arnold Partners in Stamford is seeking a hands-on Controller to own the accounting function end-to-end. This high-visibility role requires leadership, a partnership with operations, and the ability to drive smarter financial decisions in a fast-paced construction environment.

You will lead a small team of 2 staff, oversee project accounting, monthly closes, financial statements, and budgeting, while collaborating with project managers on bonding, insurance, and contract terms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
• 7–10 years of experience in the AEC industry (Architecture, Engineering & Construction).
• Strong month-end close experience and ability to prepare full financial reports.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented with leadership and process-improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations and maintain strong financial policies, procedures, controls, and reporting systems.
• Own construction project accounting track and maintain all project costs and post journal entries to the GL.
• Review contractor bills for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Oversee treasury functions and approve timecards, reports, and payments.
• Coordinate monthly close, preparation of monthly financial statements, and production of P&L forecasts and budgets.
• Partner closely with Project Managers on bonding, insurance requirements, contract terms, and financial questions related to projects.
• Manage project and company cash flow, ensuring forward visibility and identifying risks or opportunities.
• Conduct job costing reviews, analyze estimates vs. actuals, and ensure proper accounting treatment.
• Support leadership with cash flow projections, revenue recognition issues, and recommended solutions.
• Identify opportunities to simplify financial processes, improve reporting clarity, and increase profitability.

Skills

AEC industry experience

Excel proficiency

Leadership mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Job description

We’re seeking a hands-on, motivated Controller who’s ready to take full ownership of the accounting function. This is a high-visibility role ideal for someone who wants responsibility, wants to lead, and enjoys partnering closely with operations to drive smarter financial decisions.

You’ll oversee a small accounting team (2 staff), streamline processes, collaborate with project managers, and directly influence profitability and financial performance. If you’re a go-getter who thrives in a fast-paced construction environment, this is the opportunity to step into true leadership.

Known for meaningful work and a positive culture. Here’s what employees say:

• “Very productive, helping restore local communities”
• “Great learning environment, they work very hard and positively”
• “From the owner to your co-workers, they are good people”

Title: Controller

Location: Stamford area (on-site)

Potential Compensation: $130,000 to $140,000k

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations and maintain strong financial policies, procedures, controls, and reporting systems.
• Own construction project accounting track and maintain all project costs and post journal entries to the GL.
• Review contractor bills for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Oversee treasury functions and approve timecards, reports, and payments.
• Coordinate monthly close, preparation of monthly financial statements, and production of P&L forecasts and budgets.
• Partner closely with Project Managers on bonding, insurance requirements, contract terms, and financial questions related to projects.
• Manage project and company cash flow, ensuring forward visibility and identifying risks or opportunities.
• Conduct job costing reviews, analyze estimates vs. actuals, and ensure proper accounting treatment.
• Support leadership with cash flow projections, revenue recognition issues, and recommended solutions.
• Identify opportunities to simplify financial processes, improve reporting clarity, and increase profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 7-10 years of experience in the AEC industry (Architecture, Engineering & Construction).
• Strong experience managing month-end close and preparing full financial reports (balance sheet, cash flow, income statement).
• Skilled in Excel and comfortable creating ad hoc reports.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with the desire to lead and continuously improve operations.

Who Will Succeed in This Role? - You will!

• Eager to lead and ready to take ownership
• Motivated to improve processes, not just maintain them
• Comfortable being the financial point person for operations and leadership
• Team-oriented, positive, and excited to work with good people doing meaningful work