What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at United Dredging?
Position Summary:
The Controller is responsible for all financial operations of United Dredging Company, including accounting, job costing, payroll, budgeting, and financial reporting. This role plays a key part in providing accurate financial insights to support strategic decisions and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The Controller works closely with leadership and field operations to maintain cost control, optimize cash flow, and improve financial processes company-wide.
Key Responsibilities:
Accounting & Financial Management
- Oversee all daily accounting functions, including AP, AR, GL, bank reconciliations, and month-end close.
- Maintain an accurate chart of accounts aligned with operations, equipment, and project activity.
- Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow projections.
Job Costing & Project Financials
- Implement and maintain effective job costing systems to track labor, equipment, and material costs per project.
- Work with operations and project managers to develop job budgets and monitor variances.
- Provide profitability analysis and cost control recommendations.
Budgeting & Forecasting
- Lead the annual budgeting process and collaborate with department heads on expense planning.
- Provide regular financial forecasts and “what-if” scenario modeling.
- Monitor budget adherence and recommend corrective action as needed.
- Drive proactive financial planning, including year-end (EOY) close preparation and reporting.
Payroll & Compliance
- Oversee payroll processing and ensure compliance with labor laws, tax filings, and benefit reporting.
- Manage multi-state payroll tax requirements and worker classifications for field crews.
- Coordinate with external accountants for annual tax filings and audits.
Tax Responsibilities
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local tax laws, including income, sales, use, and property taxes.
- Prepare and file monthly, quarterly, and annual tax returns or work with external CPA firms to do so.
- Maintain documentation and records for audits and tax reporting.
- Monitor changes in tax laws and assess their impact on the company.
- Oversee contractor/vendor 1099 filings and annual tax document distribution.
Purchasing & Acquisition Oversight
- Supervise purchasing functions to ensure cost-effective sourcing of parts, equipment, materials, and subcontracted services.
- Review and approve large or capital purchases in alignment with budget controls.
- Coordinate with the Shop and Operations teams to align purchasing with job schedules and equipment readiness.
- Maintain oversight of vendor relationships, contract terms, and inventory impacts on financial reporting.
Cash Management & Financial Controls
- Manage company cash flow, credit lines, and banking relationships.
- Monitor collections and manage accounts receivable aging and risk.
- Ensure financial controls and procedures are in place and functioning properly.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred but not required).
- 5 years of experience in accounting, with at least 2 in a construction, excavation, or heavy equipment environment.
- Experience with job costing and multi-site/project-based accounting.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and applicable state and federal regulations.
- Proficient in NetSuite and Excel; experience with construction ERP or job costing software a plus.
Key Traits:
- Detail-oriented and highly organized.
- Strong communicator who can collaborate with field and office teams.
- Resourceful, dependable, and proactive in identifying problems and solutions.
Work Environment:
- Office-based with occasional field visits for audits, support, and collaboration.
- Must be comfortable working in a dynamic, family-oriented environment.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $104,198.00 - $110,786.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Supplemental Pay:
- Bonus opportunities
Experience:
- Accounting/Finance: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Ellsworth, WI 54011 (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Ellsworth, WI 54011: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $104,198 - $110,786