Controller - Construction

Ferguson Trenching Company; Odenton (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental Insurance

401k Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Life Insurance

Job summary

Ferguson Trenching Co., Inc. in Odenton, MD seeks a Controller to oversee financial operations across multiple entities, deliver accurate GAAP-compliant reporting, and strengthen internal controls to support growth.

Working with the Accounting Operations Manager, the Controller will lead budgeting, forecasting, job costing, and strategic planning, ensuring timely financial information and robust cash management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA, CMA or equivalent certification preferred.
• 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Construction industry experience strongly preferred; multi-entity oversight a plus.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, WIP reporting, job costing, and construction accounting principles.
• Advanced Excel skills and ability to prepare and interpret complex financial reports.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial and accounting operations across multiple entities.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes; prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reports for leadership review.
• Prepare and review financial statements, reports, budgets, and forecasts across multiple business entities.
• Develop and maintain annual budgets and forecasts aligned with company goals, conduct variance and margin analyses.
• Provide financial insight, KPI reporting, and analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Implement and maintain internal controls and compliance with GAAP standards.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement enhanced accounting and reporting efficiencies.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Job costing

Excel skills

Accounting systems

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Job description

The Controller is responsible for overseeing the financial operations across multiple entities, ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective internal controls, and compliance with all accounting and tax regulations.

Working in partnership with the Accounting Operations Manager, this position provides leadership in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, job costing, and strategic financial planning to support company growth and profitability. Together, the Controller and Accounting Operations Manager collaborate to maintain efficient accounting operations, strengthen internal controls, and provide timely financial information that supports informed business decisions.

About Us

For over 60 years, Ferguson Trenching Co., Inc. has built more than underground infrastructure; we've built a reputation for quality, safety, and excellence. Since 1966, we've served and partnered with private developers, utility providers, counties, municipalities, and state and federal agencies to deliver critical underground utility and sitework projects across Maryland.

Our services include natural gas, electric, water, sewer, storm drain, steam, and dry utility installation, as well as directional boring, paving, and sitework. Our experienced team is known for doing the job right, embracing a strong safety culture, and taking pride in the work we deliver every day.

With headquarters in Odenton, Maryland, and a second office in White Plains, we're proud to offer employees the opportunity to build rewarding careers with a company that values integrity, teamwork, and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee financial and accounting operations across multiple entities, including general ledger, job costing, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and fixed assets.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes; prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reports for leadership review.
• Prepare and review financial statements, reports, budgets, and forecasts across multiple business entities.
• Develop and maintain annual budgets and forecasts aligned with company goals, conduct variance and margin analyses.
• Provide financial insight, KPI reporting, and analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Implement and maintain internal controls and compliance with GAAP standards.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement enhanced accounting and reporting efficiencies.

Payroll Process & Compliance

• Ensure accurate and timely weekly payroll processing for all employees.
• Oversee certified payroll and prevailing wage reporting to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Ensure proper and timely reporting of payroll taxes and other payroll-related filings.
• Maintain accurate employee records and support payroll and benefit reporting.

Accounts Payable & Receivable

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices, customer billings, and job cost coding.
• Manage payment schedules to maintain vendor relationships and optimize cash flow.
• Review monthly accounts receivable aging reports, manage collections, and collaborate with operations to resolve delinquent accounts.
• Review and approve employee expense reports in accordance with company policies.
• Ensure proper accruals, 1099 reporting, and compliance with multi-state sales and use tax regulations.

Tax, Risk, & Compliance

• Oversee compliance with all tax obligations, including payroll, sales/use, property, and income taxes.
• Coordinate with external tax consultants, auditors, and regulatory agencies as needed.
• Ensure adherence to internal controls, corporate policies, insurance and bonding requirements.
• Maintain documentation and readiness for annual audits, reviews, and financial examinations.

Cash Flow & Treasury

• Monitor cash flow across multiple entities; manage daily banking activity and weekly cash flow forecasting.
• Reconcile bank accounts and maintain proper documentation of cash transactions.
• Manage fraud risk through effective controls and continuous process improvements.
• Assist with banking relationships, capital investments, and financing activities.
• Work collaboratively with the Accounting Operations Manager to provide leadership, guidance, and support to the accounting team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer service.
• Partner with division managers and operational leadership to strengthen financial reporting, job cost management, and budget accountability.
• Support the implementation of new accounting technologies, enhancements, and best practices.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to senior leadership to support strategic planning and company growth.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA, CMA, or equivalent certification preferred.
• 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Construction industry experience is strongly preferred; experience overseeing multiple entities a plus.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, WIP reporting, job costing, and construction accounting principles.
• Proficiency with accounting systems.
• Advanced Excel skills and ability to prepare and interpret complex financial reports.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Health and Dental Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance

Ferguson Trenching Co., Inc. is a Drug-Free Workplace. All applicants will be required to submit to drug screening prior to being hired and will be subject to random drug screens.

Ferguson Trenching Co., Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.