Controller

KR WOLFE INC.•Lakeside, CA

About The Position

Reporting directly to the CFO, the Controller will oversee all aspects of accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls. This role oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, and financial systems in a multi-division, project-based environment. An ideal candidate plays a role pivotal in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of our financial systems, particularly as we expand our financial foundation in QuickBase. The Controller will drive financial health by implementing robust controls, analyzing divisional profitability, and mentoring a dedicated accounting team. This position requires a hands-on leader who can navigate complex billing environments, interact professionally with external stakeholders, and contribute to the overall financial strategy of the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification strongly preferred.
Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role (e.g., Controller or Senior Accounting Manager)
Experience with QuickBooks, QuickBase, excel spreadsheets, or relevant databases.
Proven expertise in GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting, with hands-on experience in cash and accrual accounting methods.
Strong proficiency in project-based accounting, particularly using systems such as QuickBase or other databases.
In-depth knowledge of service industry accounting, including progress billings, milestone invoicing, over/under billing reporting, retainage, lien releases, and job costing.
Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret financial statements (P&L, balance sheets, cash flows, ledgers) and perform budget-to-actual variance analysis.
Experience managing billings across multiple client portals and contracts with varying payment terms.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for professional interactions with external stakeholders such as banks, auditors, and insurers.
Proven track record of mentoring and developing accounting teams in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel for advanced financial modeling) and familiarity with data analytics tools.
Ability to work independently while reporting directly to executive leadership.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Accounting.
Experience in multi-state operations, including tax compliance, sales/use tax, and payroll taxes across jurisdictions.
Familiarity with industry-specific regulations
Knowledge of advanced financial tools, such as BI (Business Intelligence) software for enhanced reporting.

Responsibilities

Accounting Controls and Compliance: Design, implement, and continuously strengthen a comprehensive internal control framework to safeguard company assets and ensure financial integrity.
Ensure full compliance with GAAP and applicable regulatory standards
Establish and maintain formal accounting policies and procedures
Monitor risk areas such as retainage, over/under billings, and contract modifications
Lead periodic internal reviews to identify control gaps and implement corrective measures
Ensure documentation standards support audit readiness and scalability
Oversight of Core Accounting Functions: Provide executive oversight and direct leadership of all core accounting operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and operational excellence.
Lead and directly supervise Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) team members, establishing clear performance expectations, accountability standards, and development plans
Oversee the full month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting
Maintain general ledger integrity through rigorous reconciliation review and approval processes
Ensure efficient processing of invoices, payments, collections, and disbursements while strengthening internal controls
Drive cash flow optimization through disciplined AR collection strategies and strategic AP management
Review and approve financial statements, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statements
Conduct detailed budget-to-actual variance analysis and present actionable insights to executive leadership
QuickBase System Development and Enhancement: Serve as the financial leader guiding the evolution of QuickBase as an integrated business management and reporting platform.
Partner with internal development and operations teams to enhance system workflows, reporting capabilities, and financial integration.
Implement system improvements that strengthen job costing, WIP reporting, billing accuracy, and divisional reporting
Drive automation initiatives to reduce manual processes and improve data reliability
Lead financial process design to ensure real-time visibility into project costs, revenues, and profitability
Divisional Financial Analysis and Reporting: Conduct in-depth analysis of financial performance and profitability across key divisions, including Healthcare Renovation, Construction, Installation, AV Integration, and Field Service.
Develop and maintain detailed margin analysis by division and project
Oversee WIP schedules and over/under billing assessments
Analyze labor efficiency, overhead allocation, and cost trends
Deliver financial forecasting and scenario modeling to support operational decision-making
Present executive-level financial insights that support profitability improvement and strategic growth
Contract and Billing Management: Manage complex billing processes across multiple client portals, ensuring alignment with contract terms and schedules.
Ensure accurate processing of progress billings, milestone invoicing, and change orders
Monitor compliance with varying client contract requirements and billing portal systems
Oversee retainage tracking and release processes
Partner with project management teams to align billing schedules with project milestones
Proactively identify billing discrepancies and mitigate revenue delays
External Stakeholder Relations: Serve as the primary financial liaison for external financial and regulatory partners.
Serve as point of contact for external vendors and partners, including banks, auditors, insurance providers, tax authorities, and legal advisors.
Facilitate annual audits, prepare audit schedules, and respond to inquiries with professionalism and precision.
Negotiate terms with financial institutions for lines of credit, loans, or insurance policies, ensuring they align with company needs and risk profiles.
Team Leadership and Development: Build, lead, and continuously elevate a high-performing accounting organization that supports the company’s growth and operational complexity.
Provide strategic leadership to the accounting team, including AR and AP personnel, fostering a culture of accountability, ownership, and operational excellence
Promote cross-functional collaboration between accounting, operations, and executive leadership to ensure financial transparency and alignment
Foster a collaborative environment that encourages professional growth, cross-training, and succession planning to build a resilient finance function.
Strategic Financial Planning: Contribute meaningfully to the company’s long-term financial strategy.
Contribute to executive-level decision-making by providing financial insights on business development, lead budget forecasting, and growth initiatives.
Develop and monitor annual budgets, cash flow projections, and scenario analysis to support growth in healthcare, commercial, educational, and government sectors.