Job Description

Controller

Chattanooga, TN

Full-Time

Onsite

Southern Spear Ironworks is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee all aspects of financial management within our growing construction business. This pivotal role combines hands-on accounting with strategic financial leadership to ensure the company’s continued success. The ideal candidate is not only a skilled financial professional but also understands the unique nuances of construction accounting — from job costing and WIP reporting to contract billing and project-based revenue recognition.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee daily accounting operations, including A/P, A/R, payroll, general ledger, job costing, and bank reconciliations.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Lead the month-end and year-end close processes.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow to ensure financial stability and performance.

Construction-Specific Accounting

• Implement and manage job cost accounting systems for precise project-level tracking.
• Prepare and analyze Work-in-Progress (WIP) reports and percentage-of-completion revenue recognition.
• Ensure compliance with construction contracts, including change orders, retainage, and lien waivers.
• Partner with project managers and estimators to align financial data with project timelines and budgets.

Controls & Compliance

• Develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and all relevant federal and state regulations.
• Coordinate annual external audits and act as the primary point of contact for auditors, banks, and insurance providers.

Strategic Leadership

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to executive leadership to support data-driven decision-making.
• Optimize financial systems and processes to support efficiency and scalability.
• Mentor and manage accounting team members, fostering a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or CMA preferred).
• 5+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including 2+ years in a Controller role.
• Experience in the construction industry or a project-based business is required.
• Proficiency with construction accounting software (Sage 300 CRE, Viewpoint, Foundation, or similar).
• Strong understanding of GAAP, job costing, WIP reporting, and percentage-of-completion accounting.
• Excellent analytical, leadership, and communication skills.
• Experience leading year-end CPA audits.

Additional Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Must be willing to complete a background check and drug test.
• Onsite position in Chattanooga, TN.

If you’re a detail-oriented accounting professional who thrives on both precision and strategy — and you’re ready to make an impact in a dynamic construction environment — we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today to join the Southern Spear Ironworks team!

Southern Spear Ironworks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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