Controller

ThinkingAhead Executive Search
Bridgeton, MO

We are partnering with the CFO at a well-respected construction company in Bridgeton, MO, to hire a Controller for their growing accounting and finance team. The organization is a long-standing, employee-owned design-build mechanical contractor with over 70 years of success delivering HVAC and process systems across commercial, industrial, healthcare, and mission-critical environments nationwide.


With approximately $70M in annual revenue and a strong reputation across the Midwest and beyond, the company offers the stability of an established contractor combined with a collaborative, team-oriented culture. As an ESOP, employees directly benefit from the success of the business.


The Controller is positioned as the successor to the CFO and will lead and develop a team of five across AP, AR, payroll, and general accounting, while enhancing financial reporting and visibility across the organization.


This is a fully onsite role based in Bridgeton, MO.


Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 5 accounting professionals across AP, AR, payroll, and general accounting

• Oversee full cycle accounting, including month-end and year-end close processes

• Manage job cost accounting, WIP schedules, and revenue recognition in a construction environment

• Ensure accuracy of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP

• Perform and review account reconciliations, accruals, and balance sheet activity

• Partner with project managers and operations to analyze job performance and cost tracking

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis

• Maintain and improve internal controls and accounting processes

• Assist with ERP optimization, including current use of Sage 300 CRE and potential transition to Sage Intacct

• Collaborate with executive leadership on financial strategy and reporting improvements

• Support audit and compliance activities as needed


Qualifications

• Years of progressive accounting experience

• Construction accounting experience required, including WIP and job costing

• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and project-based accounting

• Proven leadership experience managing or mentoring a team

• Experience with Sage 300 CRE required; exposure to Sage Intacct is a plus

• CPA strongly preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Excellent interpersonal and team-building abilities

• Ability to partner cross-functionally with operations and leadership


What’s In It For You

• Full-Time Direct Hire Permanent Position

• Competitive base salary plus performance-based bonus

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

• Strong long-term career growth with a clear path toward senior leadership

• Direct mentorship and succession opportunity under the CFO

• Stable, well-established company with a 70-year+ track record

• Collaborative, team-oriented culture with strong employee retention

• Exposure to large-scale, complex construction and data center projects

• Opportunity to impact systems, reporting, and financial strategy

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