Operations Controller

Pepper Construction - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Chicago, IL

Construction of Buildings

About the position

The Operations Controller for Pepper Construction is a pivotal role within the leadership team, tasked with driving growth and profitability for the organization. This position requires a close collaboration with the Vice President and other operations leaders to analyze all project-related financial data. A key responsibility is to identify and communicate areas of financial risk, ensuring that the company remains on a path of sustainable growth. The Operations Controller will manage a project accounting team, which includes two managers and ten accountants, overseeing their work to ensure accuracy and compliance with internal control procedures. In this role, the Operations Controller will oversee project cash flow and process all job costs in accordance with established internal control procedures. It is essential to ensure that all projects comply with applicable laws, regulations, and contractual obligations. The Operations Controller will also coordinate client audits and partner with the corporate finance team during the month-end close process. A critical aspect of this position is to ensure the accuracy of project financial statements, which includes reviewing Cost to Complete (CTC) reports, identifying revenue and profit changes, and providing comprehensive financial analysis. Additionally, the Operations Controller will work closely with operations teams to define project goals and objectives, collaborating with the VP and business unit leaders to develop annual business plans and quarterly projections. This role also involves estimating and monitoring Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) spending, ensuring that the financial health of the projects aligns with the company's strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage a project accounting team consisting of two managers and ten accountants.
• Oversee project cash flow.
• Process all job costs in accordance with internal control procedures.
• Ensure project compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and contractual terms/obligations.
• Coordinate client audits.
• Partner with corporate finance team on the month-end close process.
• Ensure accuracy of project financial statement information including reviewing Cost to Complete (CTC) reports, identifying revenue and profit changes, and providing financial analysis.
• Partner with operations teams to help define project goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with VP and business unit leaders to develop annual business plans and quarterly projections.
• Estimate and monitor SG&A spending.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting.
• CPA preferred.
• At least ten years of progressive accounting and finance experience including experience managing a team.
• Minimum of three years in the construction industry.
• Strong understanding of accounting controls.
• Working knowledge of finance law and regulatory standards (GAAP).