Controller

Our client, a PE-backed project-based custom metal fabricator in the South Portland suburbs, is seeking a Controller to step into a highly visible, high-impact role at a pivotal point in the company's evolution. As the business scales, the organization requires a leader who will take full ownership of the accounting function and establish a higher level of accuracy, accountability, financial discipline, and adherence to sound reporting standards. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role is designed for someone who goes beyond managing the close and reporting historical results. The Controller will be responsible for ensuring the integrity of the financials, applying

U.S. GAAP

with precision, including POC accounting, and building confidence in the numbers as a foundation for informed decision-making. This environment requires someone who brings an informed point of view, strong critical thinking, and the willingness to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and correct inconsistencies. Day-to-Day as

Controller:

• Own and execute the full month-end, quarterly, and annual close processes in accordance with US GAAP, with the expectation of quickly taking independent ownership and ensuring accurate, timely financials.
• Drive audit-ready standardization across the accounting function, implementing disciplined documentation, internal controls, and compliance practices to ensure financials are accurate, consistent, and defensible.
• Lead all aspects of project-based accounting, including WIP, percent-of-completion (POC), deferred revenue, and job cost analysis.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and diligence requests, preparing schedules, supporting documentation, and ensuring a smooth, well-managed audit process.
• Oversee and develop a small accounting team, setting expectations around detail orientation, accountability, and critical thinking.
• Step into a leadership role in an in-progress ERP implementation, becoming the internal point of ownership and ensuring a successful transition.
• Serve as a proactive financial partner to the CEO, translating financial data into insights and leading forward-looking initiatives across FP&A, forecasting and cash flow planning as the business grows.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance from an accredited institution required, with 10+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• CPA (active or inactive) and/or public accounting experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency serving as the POC for external audits.
• Strong US GAAP orientation and auditor-level familiarity in how financial information is structured, documented, and reported.
• Proven experience with WIP, POC, deferred revenue, project-based accounting, and inventory in environments such as construction or manufacturing.
• Ability to assess and strengthen financial reporting, identifying gaps and inconsistencies and taking corrective action to improve accuracy and reliability.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, including pivot tables, XLOOKUPs, and advanced functions.
• Experience with project-based ERP systems, including leading or owning implementation efforts and the ability to query, extract, validate, and analyze financial data.
• Experience operating in a PE-backed environment strongly preferred, with a clear understanding of the pace, reporting expectations, and level of accountability required.
• Willingness to work fully on-site 100% of the time in the South Portland suburbs.

This role offers a competitive base salary plus bonus potential and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person