Controller / Senior Accountant

Polaris Search Group, LLC; Poulsbo (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Polaris Search Group, LLC is seeking a detail‑oriented Controller/Senior Accountant to lead financial operations and align accounting practices with the company’s growth goals. You will supervise a small internal team, partner with Project Managers, and serve as the financial gatekeeper for executive leadership.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of progressive accounting experience in manufacturing, construction, or related real estate sectors, plus strong ERP and Excel skills to implement

Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete month-end and year-end closing processes to generate accurate balance sheets and income statements.
• Manage AP, AR, and Payroll operations.
• Investigate monthly fluctuations and provide explanations for variances.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Maintain fixed asset register, ensure correct capital expenditure classifications, and oversee proper recording of depreciation.
• Provide information requested for audits, taxes, financial reviews, and external reporting requirements.
• Manage small accounting team providing direction and leadership to ensure deadlines are met with quality work.
• Prepare, review, and analyze monthly Work-in-Progress (WIP) reports for revenue recognition and margin analysis.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for accounting activities and establish internal controls.

Job description

Our client is seeking a detail-oriented, hands-on Controller/Senior Accountant to lead their financial operations and accounting functions. You will supervise a small internal team, partner closely with Project Managers, and serve as the financial gatekeeper for our executive leadership. This opportunity is for an experienced Accountant (5+ years public and/or industry) that is ready to take on increased responsibilities and contribute to a fast-growing company. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on fixer who thrives on creating structure, standardizing accounting processes, and transitioning the company into clean, real‑time financial health.

Core Responsibilities:

General Accounting, Financial Reporting & Operations

• Oversee the complete month‑end and year‑end closing processes to generate accurate balance sheets and income statements.
• Manage AP, AR, and Payroll operations.
• Investigate monthly fluctuations and provide explanations for variances.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Maintain fixed asset register, ensure correct capital expenditure classifications, and oversee proper recording of depreciation.
• Provide information requested for audits, taxes, financial reviews, and external reporting requirements.
• Manage small accounting team providing direction and leadership to ensure deadlines are met with quality work.

Project & Cost Accounting

• Prepare, review, and analyze monthly Work‑in‑Progress (WIP) reports to ensure accurate revenue recognition and margin analysis.
• Monitor real‑time project costs, compare actual expenditures against baseline estimates, and flagging potential overruns early.
• Oversee billing processes

Process Improvements & Internal Controls

• Evaluate company’s existing financial processes and make improvements that will improve efficiency and accuracy going forward.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for accounting activities.
• Establish and audit internal controls to protect corporate assets, manage payroll, and oversee AP/AR operations.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Flow

• Assist with the annual budget and quarterly forecasts.
• Assist with cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning to manage operational capital across various active projects.

Professional Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting strongly preferred. Will consider a concentration in Finance, with 21+ hours in accounting.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably with 2+ years within a manufacturing, construction, construction‑related, or real estate company.
• High proficiency with ERP software with advanced Excel skills.

Core Competencies

• Ability to communicate financial data clearly to non‑financial team members.
• Comfortable rolling up your sleeves for day‑to‑day entry while simultaneously advising on high‑level financial strategy.