Financial Controller

Brightpath Associates LLC; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Brightpath Associates LLC in Wisconsin seeks an experienced Financial Controller to own accounting operations, financial reporting, and controls, with a focus on construction cost accounting, job profitability, and cash management.

You will lead the accounting team, partner with executives, manage day-to-day activities, and ensure GAAP compliance, multi-state tax, and ERP optimization. Onsite role in La Crosse, WI with opportunity to mentor staff and drive financial strategy.

Qualifications

• Degree required in accounting, finance or related field.
• 4–7 years progressive accounting experience in construction/contracting.
• Strong US GAAP knowledge and construction metrics.
• Experience with construction ERP platforms and advanced Excel modeling.
• Proven leadership and multi-state tax management experience.
• Ability to work full-time onsite in La Crosse, WI.

Responsibilities

• Direct full-cycle accounting operations including A/R, A/P, payroll, inventory, and GL.
• Own job costing, WIP reporting, and project profitability analyses.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and forecasts.
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and covenant compliance.
• Establish and monitor internal controls and risk management policies.
• Oversee tax compliance across multi-state jurisdictions and oversee audits.
• Administer ERP and accounting systems, driving automation and reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Financial analysis

GAAP knowledge

Stakeholder communication

Excel modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline

Tools

Construction ERP

Excel

Accounting software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Financial Controller to take full ownership of our accounting operations, financial reporting, and fiscal controls. In this role, you will lead the accounting team, partner with executive leadership, and manage day‑to‑day financial activities with a strong emphasis on construction cost accounting, job profitability, and cash management.

The ideal candidate brings deep familiarity with project‑based billing, multi‑state tax compliance, and construction ERP platforms, coupled with the leadership capability to mentor a high‑performing finance team.

Key Responsibilities

• Accounting & General Ledger Management: Direct full‑cycle accounting operations—encompassing A/R, A/P, payroll, inventory, and general ledger reconciliation—ensuring strict compliance with GAAP.
• Job Costing & Project Accounting: Maintain detailed construction job‑cost tracking, work‑in‑progress (WIP) reporting, and project profitability analysis.
• Financial Reporting & Strategy: Prepare timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; build financial forecasts, annual operating budgets, and executive‑level performance dashboards.
• Cash Flow & Banking Compliance: Oversee daily treasury operations, liquidity forecasting, and short‑term debt; ensure ongoing adherence to all banking covenants.
• Internal Controls & Risk Management: Establish and monitor robust internal control policies; review customer contract terms; manage corporate insurance policies and claims.
• Tax & Audit Oversight: Direct multi‑state sales/use tax, property tax, and payroll tax compliance; coordinate external year‑end financial reviews and income tax preparations.
• ERP & Systems Administration: Serve as the functional administrator for internal accounting systems and ERP software, optimizing automated workflows and reporting tools.
• Team Leadership & Compensation: Supervise and mentor accounting personnel; calculate sales commissions and support benefits plan administration.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Experience: 4 to 7 years of progressive accounting experience specifically within the construction, contracting, or heavy‑job‑cost industry.
• Technical Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of US GAAP, percentage‑of‑completion accounting, and construction‑specific financial metrics.
• Systems Proficiency: Hands‑on experience administering construction‑oriented ERP platforms and advanced modeling capabilities in Microsoft Excel.
• Leadership & Organization: Demonstrated track record of leading accounting teams, managing multi‑state tax obligations, and communicating financial insights to non‑financial stakeholders.
• Working Arrangement: Must be able to work full‑time onsite at our La Crosse, WI office.