Controller

ControllerLocation: Columbus, OH — On-siteReports to: President   Employment Type: Full-Time, ExemptAbout the RoleWe are seeking an experienced Controller to lead the accounting function for our $20M commercial and industrial painting contracting business. As the senior finance leader in the organization, you will own financial reporting, job costing, and internal controls, while serving as a key advisor to ownership on financial strategy and business performance.This is a hands-on role suited to someone fluent in construction accounting — comfortable managing WIP schedules and job cost detail as well as advising leadership on the bigger financial picture. As an ESOP company, we're looking for someone who takes ownership (literally and figuratively) of the company's financial health and communicates results clearly to employee-owners.Key ResponsibilitiesConstruction & Job Cost AccountingPrepare and maintain the monthly Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedule; manage percentage-of-completion revenue recognition across active jobsOversee job costing by project, tracking labor, materials, subcontractor, and overhead costs against estimatesReview and process change orders, ensuring accurate contract value updates and cost trackingManage progress billing/AIA-style billing, retainage tracking, and lien waiver processesPartner with project managers and estimators to reconcile job cost reports and flag margin variances earlyMonitor backlog reporting and underbilling/overbilling positionsCore Accounting & ReportingOwn the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring accurate and timely financial statementsManage AP, AR, payroll (including certified payroll/prevailing wage if applicable), general ledger, and bank reconciliationsDevelop and maintain internal controls and accounting policiesPrepare budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections; monitor performance against planServe as primary point of contact for external auditors, sureties, bonding agents, and banking relationshipsEnsure compliance with tax filings, multi-state payroll/sales tax, and regulatory requirementsESOP & LeadershipSupport the annual ESOP valuation process, working with the trustee and third-party appraiserHelp communicate company financial performance to employee-owners in an accessible wayManage and mentor accounting staff; oversee outsourced bookkeeping or payroll functions as applicableEvaluate and improve accounting systems, job costing tools, and processesQualificationsBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA strongly preferred7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including prior Controller or senior accounting leadership experienceConstruction industry accounting experience required — strong working knowledge of WIP schedules, percentage-of-completion accounting, job costing, change orders, and retainageExperience with Deltek ComputerEase or similar construction-specific accounting software (e.g., Sage 300 CRE, Foundation, Viewpoint) strongly preferredFamiliarity with surety bonding and banking relationships in a contractor settingESOP company experience a plus, though not requiredStrong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standardsExcellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial results to project managers, field leadership, and employee-owners alikeHigh level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential financial informationWhat We OfferBase salary: $110,000 – $150,000, commensurate with experience, plus potential bonusEmployee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) — build long-term wealth as a company ownerHealth/dental/vision benefits.401(k)15 days PTO plus paid holidays.Opportunity to be the senior financial leader of a growing, employee-owned contracting businessMartin Painting & Coating Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.