Controller

We are seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Controller for a newly acquired portfolio company that is a manufacturer of special-order structural fasteners, formed and precision-machined metal components, and embedded metal hardware for heavy-duty applications.

The company is located in Houston, TX.

This pivotal role will serve as the primary owner for all financial and accounting processes and functions, including tax and insurance, directing the fiscal performance of the organization in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and industry best practices.

The successful Controller will partner closely with the CEO on operational issues to help drive the overall value creation plan for the company.

This role holds direct responsibility for the accounting books and records, and will be directly involved in transitioning the business to best practice accounting methodologies.

Responsibilities include comprehensive oversight of the accounting function, encompassing accounts receivable, accounts payable, financial and accounting internal controls, and all other related duties as determined.

The ideal candidate will have experience working within private equity-backed companies, possessing a strong understanding of lender relationships and compliance requirements, including those related to a leveraged balance sheet and bank covenant reporting.

The Controller will maintain critical internal relationships with other leadership team members, the private equity investors, and all levels of employees within the collective organization.

Externally, this role will manage relationships with banking partners, insurance brokers, independent accountants, income tax preparers, and other key support vendors.

As a senior executive on-site, the Controller will also play an active role in fostering a culture of financial discipline and accountability across the organization.

Essential Functions Management:Serve as a key member of the leadership team, actively participating in strategic initiatives, operational modes, and execution decisions.Maintain primary day-to-day responsibility for all financial-related activities of the company, including accounting, finance, forecasting, strategic planning, and compliance.Provide sound financial advice and analysis on the implications of business activities to management.Deliver timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial reports, and financial trends to assist the CEO and other management members in their responsibilities.Represent the company to all financial partners, including financial institutions, investors, executives, auditors, and public officials.Provide direct oversight of the company’s accounting functions and all external vendors supporting finance, tax, and audit activities.Actively engage staff in developing and fostering the company's culture.

Financial Strategic Direction:Plan, implement, manage, and control all financial activities to meet both short-term and long-term strategic financial objectives.Develop and implement strategies and initiatives to continuously improve the financial performance of the company.Direct and implement financial strategic plans for all accounting and financial activities.Provide recommendations to strategically enhance financial performance and overall business activities.

Transactional Excellence:Oversee the management of short-term working capital and cash flow planning, ensuring the availability of funds as needed.Ensure accurate and timely processing of accounts payable, efficient collection of accounts receivable, and completion of monthly bank reconciliations.Crucially, manage all loan payments, rigorously monitor loan provisions, and ensure strict compliance with all debt covenants.Optimize relationships with credit card, bank, and cash deposit institutions, and maintain a robust system of internal controls over all accounting transactions.Oversee project costing, profitability analysis, and manage financial aspects of complex contracts, including billing milestones.

Financial Planning, Analysis, and Reporting:Evaluate and advise on the financial impact of strategic plans, business development initiatives, and operational actions.Ensure the credibility of the finance and accounting department by providing timely and accurate month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial statements.Develop, manage, and ensure accurate processes for financial forecasting, planning, budgeting, and comprehensive reporting to the company and its stakeholders.Lead financial reporting for large-scale projects, including applying percentage-of-completion revenue recognition and managing significant project backlogs.Play a leading role in preparing and developing board meeting presentations; actively participate in and contribute to all board meeting financial reviews.Coordinate the preparation of the corporate annual report.Recommend, prepare, and manage key financial and operational metrics.Calculate variances from the budget and report significant issues and insights to management.Develop and prepare a system of management cost reports to support operational efficiency.Provide ad hoc financial analysis as needed, including, but not limited to, capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations.

Compliance:Develops, implements, and enforces a documented system of accounting policies and procedures, including effective checks and balances for internal controls.Ensure full compliance with GAAP and all applicable city, state, and federal regulatory laws for financial and tax reporting.Ensure the timely filing of all tax documents and returns.Coordinate the provision of information to external auditors and ensure timely completion of all audits.

Qualifications Education / Training:Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required.Successful completion of the Uniform Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Exam is preferred.

Experience:A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience.Proven expertise in managing leveraged balance sheets and ensuring compliance with bank covenant reporting.Previous experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment .Experience in the oil & gas, heavy industrial, or large-scale construction sectors is strongly preferred, particularly with projects involving long-term contracts and complex revenue recognition.

Personal Attributes:Possesses a high level of integrity and dependability, coupled with a strong sense of urgency and a robust work ethic.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and manage relationships across all levels of the organization.Exceptional problem-solving and assessment skills; ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions based on accurate and timely analysis.Results-oriented; driven and engaged to manage accounting and finance functions, and to develop and mentor individual contributors as needed.Adaptable and capable of handling multiple projects and work streams efficiently.

Skills:Must possess strong financial acumen, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and strong mathematical abilities.Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook; working knowledge of general accounting software programs is required.

Experience with ERP systems is a preferred.Must be able to manage confidential information with the utmost integrity and discretion.

Selection Process Interested candidates are invited to submit resumes and cover letters.

Candidates with appropriate backgrounds will be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Selected candidates will then be invited to proceed to phone and in-person discussions.

Compensation will be competitive and based on candidates’ skills, qualifications, and experience.