Controller / Finance Manager

PrimECS•Accokeek, MD

88d•Remote

About The Position

PrimECS is seeking a hands-on Controller / Finance Manager to build and own the finance function of its growing infrastructure construction and engineering business. The role brings financial structure, discipline, visibility, and leadership to the organization, supporting profitable growth and better business decisions. It works directly with the President and collaborates with administrative staff, project managers, engineering staff, project controls personnel, accounting support, external bookkeeping resources, and the company’s CPA. The position is described as part-time at 20–30 hours per week, with the possibility of expanding its responsibilities and hours. It is focused on building and improving financial systems and processes rather than simply performing bookkeeping or maintaining existing accounting processes. The Controller / Finance Manager will own the company’s financial operating system, supervise accounting processes, coordinate internal and external financial resources, improve financial visibility, and translate financial information into actionable recommendations. Key outcomes include reliable reporting, dependable cash forecasting, visibility into project performance, stronger controls and accountability, executive dashboards, and reduced day-to-day finance involvement by the President. The role encompasses financial close and reporting, forecasting and budgeting, treasury and cash management, accounts receivable and collections, compliance and audit coordination, executive reporting, systems and process improvement, and team leadership. The successful candidate will build scalable systems, improve workflows and reporting, use technology and automation to reduce manual work, and partner with leadership and operations to improve cash flow, efficiency, and profitability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
At least 5 years of progressive experience in financial management, construction accounting, project accounting, engineering consulting, or similar industries.
Demonstrated experience with job costing, cash flow forecasting, financial reporting, budgeting, project profitability, and treasury management.
Experience building or improving finance functions rather than simply maintaining existing accounting processes.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Experience with QuickBooks Online.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Comfort working in a small, entrepreneurial, fast-moving organization.
Ability to remain calm under pressure and balance hands-on execution with strategic thinking.
Ability to take ownership, solve problems independently, communicate clearly with leadership, and make recommendations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Procore or similar construction/project management software.
Experience in construction accounting, engineering consulting, or heavy civil construction.
Experience with public agency contracts, FAR compliance, cost-reimbursable contracts, AIA billing, WIP reporting, or percentage-of-completion accounting.
Experience with Power BI or similar business intelligence platforms.
CPA, CMA, or MBA.

Responsibilities

Own the monthly financial close process.
Prepare accurate and timely profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, accounts receivable aging, accounts payable aging, and job cost reports.
Review and improve the Chart of Accounts across all divisions.
Monitor labor coding, project costs, subcontractor costs, vendor spending, and overhead allocation.
Ensure financial reporting accurately reflects project performance and company profitability.
Establish and maintain strong financial controls and reporting standards.
Develop and maintain rolling 13-week and 12-month cash forecasts.
Assist leadership with annual budgets and develop project revenue and cost forecasts.
Analyze budget-to-actual performance, identify financial risks, and recommend actions to improve profitability, liquidity, and cash flow.
Own the daily cash position and manage weekly cash planning.
Prioritize vendor payments based on due dates and available liquidity.
Monitor working capital and improve cash conversion.
Assist leadership in evaluating financing alternatives, lines of credit, and project funding opportunities.
Recommend strategies to improve liquidity while minimizing financing costs.
Monitor accounts receivable aging and coordinate with project managers on timely billing, accurate progress billings, change-order invoicing, and collection follow-up.
Reduce slow-paying customers and Days Sales Outstanding, improve billing accuracy and collections, and identify collection risks early.
Maintain General Ledger integrity and conduct internal financial audits to identify errors, inconsistencies, and risks.
Coordinate with the company’s CPA and support annual tax preparation and audits.
Ensure compliance with accounting standards and company policies.
Maintain depreciation schedules, fixed asset records, and overhead allocations.
Prepare executive reporting packages, including daily cash position dashboards, weekly executive financial dashboards, monthly financial review packages, project profitability and KPI dashboards, a financial risk register, cash flow summaries, and action-oriented recommendations.
Build scalable financial systems and improve financial workflows and internal processes.
Reduce manual work through automation, design performance dashboards, recommend software and technology improvements, and improve reporting accuracy, speed, usability, and efficiency.
Supervise and coordinate day-to-day finance operations and review work performed by accounting support staff.
Coordinate with external bookkeeping resources and the CPA.
Establish standardized financial procedures and improve organizational accountability.
Coach and develop finance staff and promote ownership, accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.