Controller | Detroit | Construction

Detroit, Michigan Permanent USD100,000 - USD125,000 per year View Job Description
A well-established, privately held organization in the construction space is seeking a Controller to lead its accounting function across multiple entities. This is a highly visible, hands-on role reporting directly to executive leadership.The position is ideal for someone who thrives in a "roll-up-your-sleeves" environment and wants the opportunity to own the full accounting function, while positioning themselves for long-term growth into a leadership role.
  • Opportunity to own the accounting function end-to-end
  • Established organization with a strong project pipeline and growth trajectory

About Our Client

A well-established, privately held organization in the construction space is seeking a Controller to lead its accounting function across multiple entities. This is a highly visible, hands-on role reporting directly to executive leadership.

The position is ideal for someone who thrives in a "roll-up-your-sleeves" environment and wants the opportunity to own the full accounting function, while positioning themselves for long-term growth into a leadership role.

Job Description

  • Own and execute the month-end and year-end close processes
  • Prepare financial statements, reconciliations, journal entries, and supporting schedules
  • Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal policies
  • Oversee accounting operations across multiple entities
  • Manage job cost accounting across a high volume of active projects
  • Partner with project and operations teams to monitor:
    • Budgets vs. actuals
    • Change orders
    • Cost-to-complete and margin analysis
  • Maintain accurate project financials and support percentage-of-completion (WIP) reporting
  • Oversee progress billing (AIA-style billing) and related documentation
  • Ensure accuracy of receivables and contract-based billing
  • Support cash flow visibility and working capital management
  • Prepare schedules and documentation to support external audits and tax filings
  • Partner with leadership on financial reporting and third-party requests
  • Ensure proper documentation, coding, and internal controls
  • Work within ERP/accounting systems to manage and improve financial processes
  • Identify and implement process improvements, automation, and reporting enhancements
  • Strengthen internal controls and scalability as the business grows
  • Lead and mentor a small accounting team
  • Partner closely with operations, project managers, and executive leadership
  • Support ad hoc analysis and strategic initiatives

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

The Successful Applicant

  • Strong accounting leadership experience
  • Construction or project-based industry experience
  • Deep knowledge of:
    • Job cost accounting
    • WIP / percentage-of-completion accounting
    • AIA billing and payment applications
  • Experience with ERP/accounting systems (Sage experience strongly preferred)



What's on Offer

  • Opportunity to own the accounting function end-to-end
  • Direct exposure to executive leadership and business decision-making
  • Clear runway for career progression into senior finance leadership (Controller/CFO path)
  • Established organization with a strong project pipeline and growth trajectory



Contact
Andrew Noll
Quote job ref
JN-062026-7035498

Job summary

Sector
Accounting
Sub Sector
Financial Controller
Industry
Industrial / Manufacturing
Location
Detroit
Contract Type
Permanent
Consultant name
Andrew Noll
Job Reference
JN-062026-7035498