Controller

The Encompass Group; West Caldwell (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Encompass Group is seeking an experienced Controller to lead its accounting and finance operations from its New Jersey base. This role focuses on improving processes, accuracy of reporting, and overall financial oversight for a growing construction services organization.

Ideal candidates bring extensive construction accounting background, strong leadership, and hands-on expertise in AIA billing, WIP, and contract accounting to drive immediate impact and business growth.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of accounting and finance experience.
• 3–5 years in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting leadership role.
• Strong expertise in WIP reporting, job costing, revenue recognition, and cost-to-complete forecasting.
• Experience with AIA billing, retainage, and change order management.
• Hands-on experience with Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate required.
• Strong understanding of AR, AP, payroll, purchasing controls, inventory, and cash flow management.
• Proven experience leading and developing accounting teams.
• Advanced Excel and financial reporting skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily accounting and finance operations, including AR, AP, payroll, purchasing, and inventory accounting.
• Manage, mentor, and develop the accounting team, including remote international employees.
• Oversee WIP reporting, job costing, revenue recognition, and cost-to-complete forecasting.
• Manage AIA billing, retainage, change orders, and construction contract accounting.
• Oversee month-end close, financial reporting, cash flow management, and internal controls.
• Partner with executive leadership to provide financial insight and support business growth.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Skills

WIP reporting

Job costing

Revenue recognition

Forecasting

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

Sage 300 Construction & Real Estate

Job description

The Encompass Group is partnering with a well-established fire protection and construction services organization to identify an experienced Controller to lead its accounting and finance operations.

The ideal candidate brings extensive construction accounting experience, strong financial leadership skills, and the ability to make an immediate impact through process improvements, accurate reporting, and financial oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily accounting and finance operations, including AR, AP, payroll, purchasing, and inventory accounting.
• Manage, mentor, and develop the accounting team, including remote international employees.
• Oversee WIP reporting, job costing, revenue recognition, and cost-to-complete forecasting.
• Manage AIA billing, retainage, change orders, and construction contract accounting.
• Oversee month-end close, financial reporting, cash flow management, and internal controls.
• Partner with executive leadership to provide financial insight and support business growth.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of accounting and finance experience.
• 3–5 years in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting leadership role.
• Strong expertise in WIP reporting, job costing, revenue recognition, and cost-to-complete forecasting.
• Experience with AIA billing, retainage, and change order management.
• Hands-on experience with Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate required.
• Strong understanding of AR, AP, payroll, purchasing controls, inventory, and cash flow management.
• Proven experience leading and developing accounting teams.
• Advanced Excel and financial reporting skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.