Controller

Job Description

Overview:

Since 1978, Keeley Construction has been a trusted leader in industrial and commercial construction across Chicagoland. As a family-owned company, we take pride in fostering a culture built on relationships, integrity, and innovation. Our unwavering commitment has made us the preferred construction partner for businesses ranging from local clients to Fortune 50 companies.

Keeley Construction is a leader in design-build services, working closely with top designers, architects, and engineers to implement the latest innovations into every project. We leverage the latest technology and modern construction methods to deliver high-quality, efficient solutions. Our team is dedicated to delivering excellence in every project, from cutting-edge industrial facilities and manufacturing plants to high-end office renovations and large-scale redevelopment efforts. With a reputation built on quality and trust, much of our business comes from repeat clients and referrals—a testament to the work we do and the people who make it happen.

Keeley Construction is seeking a highly skilled and driven Controller to join our dynamic team. This role is ideal for a professional with proven construction accounting experience. The Controller will play a key role in maintaining financial stability and supporting our continued growth, reporting to the CFO and leading the accounting team.

Responsibilities:

· Manage accounting operations including Progress Billings, A/R, A/P, GL, Inventory Accounting, and Revenue Recognition

· Establish, implement and oversee proper financial procedures and policies to maximize the performance of the company

· Prepare and analyze monthly financial reports such as: Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet, Trial Balance, Cash Flow, Loan Balance, WIP

· Prepare and maintain quarterly reporting for bonding

· Perform monthly bank reconciliations and monitor banking activity including account balances and cash management

· Coordinate with banking representatives

· Provide month-end project closeouts

· Prepare and process monthly progress payment applications

· Supervise the payment process to vendors and subcontractors and confirm lien waivers are properly collected

· Prepare monthly and year-end financial reports and assist CPAs in year-end review/audit and corporate tax returns

· Review project control budgets with project managers at the start and throughout the project to ensure all costs are accounted for and all subcontracts are issued.

· Participate in the annual insurance bid review and negotiation process, ensuring all bids are received and compared. Prepare the annual insurance audit.

· Manage and comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings.

· Oversee the accounting department, ensuring staff engagement, training and productivity. Establish, implement and improve processes and systems to achieve the proper balance between accurate information and efficiency.

· Manage accounting staff needs for upcoming and existing work. Act as the primary interface for accounting staff recruitment. Participate in establishing position expectations for existing roles and new hires. Clearly communicate and implement those responsibilities to employees.

· Manage employee capabilities to ensure the correct blend of personnel for each project.

· Provide training and leadership to the accounting staff.

· Develop and participate in a comprehensive employee review process that allows the firm to provide regular comprehensive performance reviews to help employees, understand their strengths and weaknesses and set realistic goals to improve their skillset and advance their careers.

· Participate in P&L responsibility. Keep leadership informed of any financial variances from the budget for both the company and individual projects.

· Work with Executive Leadership to improve our operating system and create an Accounting Operations Manual that will serve as a basic training guide for our standard accounting procedures. This includes a regular review of process improvement for incorporation into the Accounting Operations Manual.

· Develop reporting tools, in conjunction with Executive Leadership that allow summary review of project payment applications, accounts receivables, aged accounts, insurance compliance, lien waiver compliance, project closeout, change order management, client satisfaction, cash flow, and operating system compliance.

· Work closely with the Executive Leadership to plan capex expenditures within the context of the company’s annual budget. Prepare, review, and analyze budgets to ensure a balanced budget is maintained.

· Constantly evaluate and recommend improvement to policies related to financial and accounting procedures.

· Enforce insurance and risk management policies. Ensure all signed contracts and change orders are in place and compliant certificates of insurance are received in accordance with company policy.

· Assist in the planning process of high-risk projects. Ensure planning is taking place on other (smaller/less risky) projects.

· Collaborate with project managers to ensure all subcontracts and change orders are issued and executed.

· Participate in the Monthly Cost Reporting process to ensure project and corporate financial health.

· Review and approve all project related invoices and expenses. Manage the invoice process for overhead and projects.

· Review accounts receivable and follow up on client payments.

· Process bi-weekly payroll.

· Conduct annual review of benefit plans for cost and effectiveness.

· Participate in safety administration, training and promoting a safety first culture for the company.

Qualifications

· BS in Accounting or finance is preferred

· Minimum 5 years of construction project accounting experience and 3 years leading accounting teams.

· Fluent in Sage 300 accounting software

· Proficiency with auditing and certified payrolls is required

· Proficiency in Word, Excel and Outlook and all forms of data entry

· Ability to prepare financial reports

· Experience in general ledger accounting and proficient in general ledger reconciliation

· Ability to forecast and analyze financial data

· Understanding of debits and credits

· Familiarity with Construction Accounting

· Corporate accounting experience managing accounts receivable/accounts payable

· Working experience with Procore Financials

· Ability to work on tight deadlines

· Ability to communicate with all levels of staff

Full-time