Senior Construction Accounting & Finance Leader

Cogent Analytics; Lapel (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Cogent Analytics in Indiana is seeking a Controller to lead accounting, finance, and HR for a construction-focused firm. This hands-on role delivers accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, cash flow management, and payroll/HR administration while supporting growth.

The successful candidate will direct all accounting operations, manage month/year-end closes, oversee job costing and WIP, coordinate audits, and partner with project managers on budgets and variances, within a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting experience.
• At least 2 years of construction accounting experience.
• Experience with job costing, WIP reporting, and project accounting.
• Experience managing payroll and human resources.
• Strong GAAP and internal controls understanding.
• Proficiency with Excel and accounting software.

Responsibilities

• Direct all accounting and financial operations.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Close month-end and year-end processes.
• Analyze financial performance for leadership.
• Maintain internal controls and policies.
• Coordinate audits and tax preparations.
• Oversee job costing and WIP schedules.
• Review budgets, forecasts, and variances with PMs.
• Manage cash flow and working capital.
• Prepare rolling cash flow forecasts.
• Oversee banking relationships and financing.
• Monitor A/R, collections, and A/P.
• Supervise accounting, payroll, and admin staff.
• Standardize financial and admin processes.
• Improve accounting and HR systems.
• Liaise with auditors, banks, insurers, and legal counsel.
• Participate in strategic planning as part of leadership.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field

Tools

QuickBooks

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for leading the accounting, finance, and human resources functions for a construction company. This hands-on leadership role ensures accurate financial reporting, sound internal controls, effective cash flow management, and efficient human resources administration while supporting the company's continued growth.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Direct all accounting and financial operations.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage the month-end and year-end close process.
• Analyze financial performance and present results to executive leadership.
• Establish and maintain internal controls and accounting policies.
• Coordinate annual audits and tax preparation.

Construction Accounting

• Oversee job costing and project accounting.
• Prepare and review Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules.
• Monitor project profitability, change orders, retainage, and committed costs.
• Partner with Project Managers to review budgets, forecasts, and cost variances.

Cash Management

• Manage company cash flow and working capital.
• Prepare rolling cash flow forecasts.
• Oversee banking relationships, credit facilities, and financing.
• Monitor accounts receivable, collections, and accounts payable.

Leadership & Administration

• Supervise accounting, payroll, and administrative personnel.
• Develop standardized financial and administrative processes across all business units.
• Evaluate and implement improvements to accounting and HR systems.
• Manage relationships with auditors, banks, bonding companies, insurance providers, legal counsel, and outside consultants.
• Participate in strategic planning and operational decision-making as a member of the leadership team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Quickbooks experience
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience.
• At least 2 years of construction accounting experience.
• Experience with job costing, WIP reporting, and project accounting.
• Experience managing payroll and human resources.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and internal controls.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting software.

$85,000 - $95,000 a year