Regional Controller (Construction)

Our client located in the Parsippany, NJ area is looking to hire a Regional Controller due to the growth of the organization in its US Operations. The Regional Controller MUST have CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY experience! The Regional Controller will play a pivotal role in overseeing the financial operations, reporting, and controls of the US business unit. This position will be a STAND ALONE position. This position emphasizes financial reporting accuracy, risk mitigation, insurance management, collections, and HR collaboration. Reporting directly to the UK-based Global CFO, the role ensures financial discipline across project execution, promotes compliance, and supports regional payroll and benefits administration in partnership with the Global HR team and a Professional Employer Organization (PEO).

Financial Controls

• Lead regional accounting activities, ensuring accurate revenue recognition and work-in-progress (WIP) reporting.
• Manage lien waiver processes to ensure timely payments from customers while adhering to contractual and state-specific requirements.
• Oversee joint check agreements to mitigate risks related to subcontractor payments.
• Conduct credit checks and financial risk assessments for new projects and clients.
• Review project gross profit, analyzing costs, revenue recognition, and profitability adjusted for risk.

Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), & Collections

• Oversee all regional AR and AP functions to ensure financial accuracy and efficiency.
• Monitor customer invoicing, payment terms, and credit limits, ensuring compliance and timeliness.
• Implement strategies to optimize AR collections and improve cash flow.
• Manage vendor payments and negotiate supplier agreements to ensure effective cash management while maintaining strong vendor relationships.
• Enforce internal controls and policies to minimize risks in AR/AP processes.

Contractual Risk Mitigation

• Review and analyze Master Supply Agreements, project contracts, purchase orders, and vendor agreements to align with financial and operational goals.
• Identify and address financial or legal risks in customer contracts, including payment terms, liability clauses, and retention payments.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies, negotiating key contract terms with stakeholders.
• Partner with legal counsel and commercial teams to ensure contracts align with state and federal compliance.

Insurance Management

• Oversee insurance policies including general liability, worker’s compensation, professional liability, and project-specific coverages.
• Assess insurance needs to ensure adequate risk coverage across contractual and operational areas.
• Ensure compliance with certificate of insurance (COI) requirements for vendors and subcontractors.
• Liaise with insurance brokers and carriers to review policies, negotiate terms, and manage claims.
• Track renewals, premium costs, and coverage adjustments as the business scales.

Financial Reporting & Management

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements aligned with US GAAP and corporate reporting guidelines.
• Manage project-based cash flow forecasting, including customer payments and supplier obligations.
• Collaborate with the UK finance team to ensure reporting alignment and consistency.

Budgeting, Forecasting, & Financial Planning

• Support annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting for the North American region.
• Generate detailed financial analyses, including pricing strategies, cost controls, and contract profitability.
• Develop dashboards and financial models to provide real-time insights into project finances.

Compliance & Risk

• Ensure compliance with state and federal tax regulations, financial reporting standards, and lien laws.
• Manage external audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting processes, acting as the primary liaison with auditors and advisors.
• Implement internal controls to protect assets and minimize risks.

HR Collaboration & Administration

• Serve as the primary link between the regional team and Global HR, ensuring compliance with US employment laws and alignment with corporate HR policies.
• Oversee payroll administration in coordination with a PEO, ensuring precise tax withholdings and accurate payroll processing.
• Collaborate with the Global HR team to administer competitive employee benefits packages that comply with US labor regulations.
• Support employee relations and address HR compliance concerns in partnership with legal advisors.
• Manage employee expense reimbursements to ensure compliance and accurate documentation.

Business Partnering & Leadership

• Provide financial insights to regional leadership, supporting improved profitability and risk-adjusted decision-making.
• Collaborate with project managers, sales, operations, and HR teams to ensure alignment between financial goals and business growth strategies.
• Drive process improvement initiatives in financial reporting, risk analysis, contract management, and HR administration.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.
• Comprehensive experience in CONSTRUCTION or project-based accounting and finance.
• Proficiency in managing lien waivers, joint check agreements, and contract finance.
• Proven expertise in reviewing contracts, assessing financial risks, and executing mitigation strategies.
• Hands-on experience in insurance policy management, risk assessment, and AR/AP processes.
• Strong familiarity with US GAAP and financial compliance standards.
• Experience coordinating with HR teams and PEOs to support payroll and benefits administration.
• Advanced knowledge of ERP systems and tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Microsoft BC, Power BI).
• Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and leadership skills with a demonstrable ability to influence key business decisions.