Financial Controller

Position Title: Controller

Location: Paola, Kansas (On-Site)

Reports To: CFO

Company: Doherty Steel Inc.

Position Summary

The Controller is a hands-on position, leading a small team, responsible for managing all accounting, financial reporting, cash flow, budgeting, job cost accounting, payroll oversight, and financial controls for a growing structural steel fabrication business. This role serves as a key member of the management team, providing timely financial information and analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate has experience in manufacturing, construction, or project-based accounting environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Manage all day-to-day accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and bank reconciliations.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Maintain financial records in accordance with GAAP.
• Develop and monitor annual budgets and forecasts.
• Analyze financial performance and provide recommendations to ownership.
• Manage month-end and year-end closing processes.

Job Cost Accounting

• Monitor and analyze project/job costs, labor utilization, material costs, and profitability.
• Work closely with project managers and operations personnel to ensure accurate job costing.
• Review work-in-progress (WIP) schedules and project profitability reports.
• Track production metrics, backlog, and revenue recognition.
• Identify cost overruns and recommend corrective actions.

Cash Flow & Treasury Management

• Manage company cash flow and working capital.
• Prepare cash flow forecasts and monitor liquidity requirements.
• Oversee banking relationships and financing arrangements.
• Monitor collections and accounts receivable aging.
• Optimize payment schedules and vendor relationships.

Payroll & Human Resources Support

• Oversee payroll processing and compliance.
• Administer employee benefits and related reporting.
• Ensure compliance with payroll tax requirements and labor regulations.
• Support HR functions related to employee records, benefits, and reporting.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements.
• Coordinate annual tax preparation with external CPA firms.
• Manage sales tax reporting and filings.
• Develop and maintain internal controls and accounting policies.
• Coordinate audits, insurance renewals, and financial reviews.

Strategic & Operational Support

• Partner with ownership and management on business planning initiatives.
• Provide financial analysis for capital investments, equipment purchases, and expansion opportunities.
• Assist in evaluating operational efficiency and profitability improvements.
• Develop KPI reporting for management, including:
• Gross margin by project
• Labor efficiency
• Shop utilization
• Backlog analysis
• Cash flow metrics
• Overhead absorption

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7-10+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• 3+ years in a Controller, Accounting Manager, or senior accounting role.
• Strong understanding of job costing and project accounting.
• Knowledge of AIA billing, WIP reporting, and percentage-of-completion accounting.
• Experience with accounting software and ERP systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred

• CPA designation.
• Experience in manufacturing, construction, or industrial contracting. Experience in structural steel fabrication a plus.
• Experience with ERP systems commonly used in fabrication or manufacturing environments.

Key Competencies

• Financial leadership
• Attention to detail
• Strategic thinking
• Problem-solving
• Process improvement
• Team collaboration
• Integrity and confidentiality
• Ability to work in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Performance-based bonus opportunity.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.

Ideal Candidate Profile: A hands-on Controller who is comfortable operating both strategically and tactically, capable of managing all accounting functions while providing financial insight to support profitable growth in a project-driven structural steel fabrication business.