Divisional Controller

Starlite Building Services•Boston, MA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Starlite Building Services is a construction services operation that serves clients throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York City, Miami, Bentonville, AR and Los Angeles. Our team is made up of hundreds of talented and dedicated craft workers providing valuable assistance with project scope, budgeting, scheduling, site logistics, and materials. Join our team to bring exceptional building experience via assurance, control, efficiency, cost and time savings, quality, and—of course—safety. The Divisonal Controller partners with leadership to ensure sound business decisions are made on contract terms, manages financial and legal risk, and ensures financial compliance. This role supports operational leaders in navigating contract requirements, interpreting and mitigating risk, and implementing efficient processes that protect margin and cash flow. Please note: this person is required to work from the Boston office at least 3x per week at a minimum.

Requirements

15+ years of finance/accounting experience with at least 5 years management experience.
Experience leading the finance function for a self-perform division of a general contractor or a larger subcontractor required. Deep understanding of construction contracts and lien law.
Education: Bachelors’ Degree in Finance/Accounting or related field required.
Strong business acumen, strategic thinker and ability to influence senior leaders.
Ability to build relationships and collaborate with internal and external clients and all levels.
Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment, high sense of urgency and ownership of deliverables. Demonstrated ability to manage to deadlines.
Demonstrated understanding of project accounting concepts and application in a changing environment.
Demonstrated people and team management skills, proven ability to develop others.
Technical mastery in the following areas: Understanding cash flow, cost to complete reporting, owner contracts, construction accounting, job cost recovery, budgeting, insurance, financial statements and other key financial indicators.

Responsibilities

Financial business partner to Divisional Leadership Team and member of Finance Leadership team.
Oversight of financial controls for external Starlite work, ensuring strong controls are in place over both financial processes and systems.
Partner with Operations, Legal and within Finance to evaluate, negotiate, and manage contract terms that align with company goals and risk tolerance. Ensures alignment between internal stakeholders and adherence to company policy.
Work closely with Project Management and Accountants to monitor project billing, retention, and lien waivers, ensuring compliance with contractual and statutory requirements.
Collaborate with operational leaders to interpret contract language, assess risk exposure, and determine when to escalate issues to Legal, Risk and Head of Business Finance.
Develop and maintain processes, templates, and tools that improve consistency and accountability in finance, contract administration and risk management.
Implements and enforces policy, processes and standards to ensure the financial stability of projects, and to make informed decisions on how to manage financial risk. Act as a business operations advisor, helping teams make informed, pragmatic decisions that protect profitability and support project success.
Accountable for funding due diligence on new projects, determines credit worthiness of potential clients and escalates decision making within SDC policy. Ensures Starlite has valid lien rights and protects ability to file liens as needed.
Ensures that all Starlite external reporting is accurate and in compliance with GAAP and companywide standards.
Oversight of WIP and project financial reporting.
Drives accurate project forecasting of revenue, profit, cash flow and risk & opportunity.
Consistently and across all external projects, implements and enforces company policy, processes and standards to ensure the maximum cash flow across the region.
Drive a robust CTC (Financial Health) meeting for all active external projects, ensuring Finance has a lense into potential financial risks and opportunities. Monitors monthly budgets, costs, and cash flow. Review job cost data.
Oversees all project and tax audits in conjunction with internal partners (Contract & Audit Manager, Tax Department, etc)
Works to ensure that the special relationship that exists between SDC and the Sub community is maintained while ensuring that sub financial issues are effectively managed.
Develops key relationships with clients at the appropriate levels to drive business results and mitigate risk.
Drives the performance, growth and development of finance staff in the division.
Inspires, educates and coaches team to deliver superior client service, profitably.
Establishes annual performance goals for each direct report.
Collaboratively creates individual development plans with direct reports that integrate the business needs of Shawmut, the career objectives of the staff member, and the staff member’s strengths and weaknesses. Provides ongoing support and feedback as plan is implemented.
Actively participates in meetings, group and company-wide training and initiatives (e.g. initiatives to improve processes and systems, etc.) to support and promote the value to others of involvement and to further company goals.
Collaborates with other directors and corporate functions to maintain consistency in reporting and find efficiencies in processes.