Controller

Controller | Construction & Real Estate

Buffalo, NY | On-site | $115,000 to $130,000 + bonus

StraussGroup is partnering with a well-respected, family-owned construction company in the Buffalo area to find their first Controller. Alongside the construction business, the family owns a real estate portfolio of residential rental units and commercial office space. They’ve grown to a point where they need a true finance leader, and this person will become a trusted advisor to the owner.

This is a hands-on seat. You’ll be closing the books yourself, not just reviewing someone else’s work, while building the reporting, controls, and processes that take the company to its next stage.

What you’ll own

Construction

• Monthly close and financial reporting, including job profitability
• Job costing, WIP schedules, and percentage-of-completion revenue recognition
• Progress billing, retainage, and lien waivers
• Union and non-union payroll, fringe benefit remittances, and certified payroll / prevailing wage
• Cash forecasting, bank relationships, and support for bonding and insurance audits

Real Estate

• Separate books for each property entity
• Rent rolls, tenant billing, delinquencies, and security deposits
• Property operating statements and budget-to-actual reporting
• CAM reconciliations, mortgage and escrow tracking, and capex vs. repair decisions

Company-wide

• Consolidation and intercompany accounting across both businesses
• Internal controls and process improvement
• Annual budgets and forecasts
• Working with the outside CPA firm on reviews and tax
• Training and developing a small office team

What we’re looking for

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 in a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or comparable role
• Construction accounting or real estate/property accounting experience. Both are ideal, but strong depth in one will be seriously considered.
• Solid working knowledge of GAAP, including ASC 606 and ASC 842
• Strong QuickBooks and advanced Excel skills
• Someone who’s comfortable doing the detail work, can explain the numbers in plain language, and handles confidential information with discretion

Nice to have

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance
• CPA or CMA
• Experience in a family-owned or closely held business
• Familiarity with construction or property management software
• Knowledge of New York State payroll, sales tax, and landlord-tenant rules

What’s offered

• $115,000 to $130,000 base salary plus a discretionary annual bonus
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off, holidays, and sick leave
• CPE and license reimbursement

This is a full-time, on-site role, Monday through Friday, with extended hours during month-end, year-end, and audit season. A valid driver’s license is required for occasional visits to job sites and properties.

All inquiries are handled confidentially. To learn more, apply here or reach out to Marissa Damba at [email protected].