Chief Financial Officer / Controller
Industrial Electrical Contractor | Union Shop | 350+ Employees | $130M+ Revenue | ESOP Structure
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and highly strategic Chief Financial Officer / Controller to lead and manage all financial operations for a large-scale industrial electrical contracting firm. This role requires a hands-on financial leader with deep expertise in construction accounting, union payroll administration, job costing, AIA billing, ESOP financial reporting, and monthly financial reporting.
The ideal candidate will be highly proficient in Sage software systems and have strong experience in union shop financial operations, particularly within construction, electrical contracting, or industrial services industries.
This position is both strategic and operational—responsible for financial leadership while also directly overseeing day-to-day accounting and bookkeeping activities. The company operates under an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) structure, requiring strong understanding of ESOP compliance, valuation support, and the preparation of financial documentation for third-party administrators, valuation firms, auditors, and trustees.
This role has no direct reports and requires a self-driven professional who can independently manage a complex financial environment.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Reporting
- Prepare and present accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
- Manage general ledger, month-end close, reconciliations, and financial reporting
- Develop and maintain cash flow forecasting and working capital management
- Monitor company financial performance, profitability, and job cost reporting
- Support executive leadership with financial planning and strategic recommendations
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and industry-specific financial requirements
ESOP Financial Management
- Support all financial requirements related to the company’s ESOP structure
- Prepare financial statements, valuation support documents, and reporting packages for third-party ESOP administrators, valuation firms, auditors, trustees, and legal advisors
- Coordinate annual ESOP valuation processes and required financial disclosures
- Maintain compliance with ESOP reporting requirements and fiduciary obligations
- Partner with ownership and leadership on ESOP-related financial planning and long-term strategy
Payroll & Union Administration
- Oversee full-cycle payroll processing for 350+ employees
- Manage complex union payroll requirements including prevailing wage, certified payroll, and fringe benefit reporting
- Ensure compliance with union agreements, labor requirements, and reporting obligations
- Coordinate payroll tax filings and related compliance
Construction Accounting
- Manage AIA billing, progress billing, retainage tracking, and contract billing compliance
- Review and support bid forms, financial qualification packages, bonding requests, and contractor prequalification documents
- Oversee WIP (Work-in-Progress) reporting and job cost accounting
- Support project managers with financial tracking and contract administration
Accounting & Bookkeeping Oversight
- Oversee all bookkeeping activities including AP, AR, reconciliations, and vendor management
- Maintain internal controls and financial process improvements
- Ensure accuracy of all accounting transactions and supporting documentation
- Coordinate with external CPA firms, auditors, bonding agents, banks, and ESOP advisors
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred)
- 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience
- Strong background in construction accounting, preferably industrial electrical contracting
- Extensive experience in union payroll administration and certified payroll compliance
- Advanced proficiency in Sage (required)
- Experience working within an ESOP company structure and understanding of ESOP reporting requirements
- Deep knowledge of AIA billing, WIP reporting, job costing, and bid financial documentation
- Strong understanding of GAAP, financial controls, and audit readiness
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently in a high-responsibility environment
Preferred Experience
- Experience within industrial electrical contracting or specialty trade contracting
- Experience working in a union shop environment
- Experience supporting ESOP valuation and third-party reporting requirements
- Familiarity with bonding, contractor prequalification, and banking relationships
- CPA designation strongly preferred
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a strong financial operator who thrives in a fast-paced construction environment, understands the realities of union labor, ESOP ownership structures, and project-based accounting, and can confidently manage both high-level strategy and detailed financial execution.
Pay: $150,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
