Financial Controller

DOHERTY STEEL, INC. is seeking a hands-on Financial Controller for its Paola, Kansas location. This on-site role reports to the CFO and blends day-to-day ownership of accounting operations with ongoing financial analysis to support a project-driven structural steel fabrication business.

Role overview

The Financial Controller manages core accounting functions, oversees monthly and annual reporting, and provides guidance to ownership based on financial performance. Responsibilities include budgeting and forecasting, job cost and WIP analysis, cash flow management, payroll oversight, internal controls, and support for audits and tax processes.

Key responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and bank reconciliations
• Prepare 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
• Lead month-end and year-end closing processes
• Monitor and analyze project/job costs, labor utilization, material costs, and profitability
• Partner with project managers and operations personnel to support accurate job costing
• Review WIP schedules and project profitability reporting
• Track production metrics, backlog, and revenue recognition
• Identify cost overruns and recommend corrective actions
• Manage company cash flow and working capital, including cash flow forecasting and liquidity monitoring
• Oversee banking relationships and financing arrangements
• Monitor collections and accounts receivable aging
• Optimize payment schedules and vendor relationships
• Oversee payroll processing and compliance, including employee benefits administration and related reporting
• Ensure compliance with payroll tax requirements and labor regulations
• Support HR functions related to employee records, benefits, and reporting
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements, coordinating 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
• Support business planning with ownership and management, including 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

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a 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

Technologies

• GAAP
• AIA billing
• WIP reporting
• Percentage-of-completion accounting
• Accounting software
• ERP systems
• Microsoft Excel

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match (401(k) 4% Match)
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Profit sharing
• Relocation assistance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off

Preferred

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

Location and work setup

• In person
• Paola, KS
• On-site