Title:

Controller Location:

Pensacola, FL Job Description•

Controller Reports To:

Vice-President of Finance About ESA South ESA South is a veteran-owned design-build and construction management firm headquartered in Pensacola, Florida. Since 1999, we have been delivering construction solutions across healthcare, federal, mission-critical, industrial, administrative, and infrastructure markets throughout the United States. We are seeking a Marketing & Communications Specialist to join our growing marketing team. This role is ideal for a creative, organized marketing professional who enjoys turning ideas into action and helping execute campaigns that support company growth, recruiting, business development, and brand awareness.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Controller is responsible for directing and managing all accounting, financial reporting, government contract compliance, budgeting, cash management, and internal control functions of the company. This role ensures compliance with U.S. Government contracting regulations, including Federal Acquisition Regulations (R), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) requirements, Davis-Bacon Act and other applicable federal regulations. The Controller provides financial leadership to support strategic decision-making, operational efficiency, profitable project execution, and corporate growth. The ideal candidate combines strong construction accounting expertise with strong knowledge of federal government contracting and project-based financial management.

• Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  Financial Leadership & Accounting Management
• Direct all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and financial reporting.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Maintain accounting policies and procedures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes.
• Develop and monitor internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure financial integrity. Government Contract Compliance
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations, including: o Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) o Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) o Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) requirements o Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) requirements o Federal Acquisition Supplement Regulations (e.g., DFARS) o Davis-Bacon Act
• Develop and maintain indirect cost rate structures.
• Coordinate and manage financial audits conducted by DCAA, DCMA, and other federal agencies.
• Ensure proper treatment and segregation of direct and indirect costs. Construction Project Accounting
• Oversee project accounting for all construction contracts.
• Monitor project budgets, labor costs, equipment costs, subcontractor expenses, and materials expenditures.
• Review and analyze work-in-progress (WIP) schedules and revenue recognition.
• Partner with project managers to evaluate project profitability and forecasting.
• Ensure accurate billing under fixed-price, cost-plus, time-and-materials, IDIQ, and task order contracts.
• Monitor contract funding limitations and compliance with contract requirements. Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning
• Lead annual budgeting and strategic financial planning processes.
• Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts.
• Analyze operating results and provide recommendations to executive management.
• Prepare financial models and forecasts to support business planning and growth initiatives.
• Monitor key financial and operational performance indicators. Payroll & Labor Compliance
• Oversee payroll processing and labor accounting.
• Ensure compliance with: o Davis-Bacon Act requirements o Certified payroll reporting o Prevailing wage regulations
• Monitor labor charging practices and timekeeping compliance. Audit & Risk Management
• Coordinate annual financial statement audits and tax filings.
• Manage internal and external audit activities.
• Assess financial risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Maintain documentation supporting regulatory compliance and audit readiness. Leadership & Team Development
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and finance personnel.
• Promote a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Establish departmental goals and performance standards.
• Support succession planning and employee development initiatives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration required.
• CPA designation strongly preferred.
• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred. Experience
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
• 5+ years in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role.
• Significant experience in construction accounting and federal government contracting.
• Experience managing project-based accounting environments. Technical Knowledge
• Expert knowledge of: o GAAP o FAR o CAS o DCAA compliance o Government contract accounting o Construction accounting principles o Revenue recognition standards o WIP reporting o CMMC Level 2 controls
• Familiarity with ERP/accounting systems such as Deltek ComputerEase, Costpoint, Acumatica, Sage Intacct, or similar.
• Advanced Microsoft Office 365, Excel and financial modeling skills.
• Key Competencies
• Financial leadership
• Strategic thinking
• Government contract compliance expertise
• Construction industry knowledge
• Analytical and problem-solving ability
• Attention to detail
• Risk management
• Organizational effectiveness
• Communication and presentation skills
• Team leadership and development
• Ethical decision-making
• Performance Metrics
• Timely and accurate financial reporting
• Successful DCAA and external audit outcomes
• Indirect rate management and compliance
• Project profitability performance
• Cash flow management effectiveness
• Budget accuracy and forecast reliability
• Reduction of compliance findings and financial risk
• Timely submission of required government reporting
• Work Environment
• Office environment with periodic travel to project sites and customer locations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain any required government security clearances.
• Occasional travel for audits, contract reviews, and business meetings.

Pay:

$120,000.00

• $130,000.

00 per year

Work Location:

In person