Controller

Vaco is hiring for a Controller opportunity in Cincinnati OH.

Direct Hire, Onsite

Salary : 90-110,000 / yr + Bonus

Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Controller to lead the accounting and financial operations for a growing construction company. This role will oversee all accounting functions, manage a small team of two accounting professionals, and partner closely with ownership and project leadership to ensure accurate financial reporting, strong controls, and effective project cost management.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes

Prepare and review monthly financial statements, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow

Ensure compliance with GAAP and industry best practices

Manage general ledger, journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations

Support annual audit, tax filings, and coordination with external CPAs

Construction Accounting & Job Costing

Oversee job costing, WIP schedules, and percent-of-completion accounting

Review project budgets vs. actuals and investigate variances

Monitor contract billing, change orders, retainage, and revenue recognition

Partner with Project Managers to provide timely and accurate financial insights

Ensure proper capitalization and depreciation of fixed assets and equipment

Cash Flow & Financial Controls

Manage cash flow forecasting and working capital

Oversee AP, AR, payroll, and lien waiver processes

Strengthen internal controls and accounting procedures

Ensure compliance with bonding, insurance, and lender requirements

Leadership & Team Management

Manage and mentor a team of two accounting staff (e.g., AP / AR, Staff Accountant)

Assign work, review output, and support professional development

Improve processes and efficiencies within the accounting function

Strategic & Operational Support

Partner with ownership and senior leadership on budgeting and forecasting

Support financial planning, cost control initiatives, and process improvements

Provide ad hoc analysis and reporting to support business decisions

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred but not required)

5–10+ years of accounting experience, with  construction industry experience required

Strong knowledge of job costing, WIP, and construction revenue recognition

Prior experience managing or mentoring staff

Advanced Excel skills

Strong attention to detail with a hands-on, problem-solving mindset

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco / Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco / Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer : Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco / Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco / Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco / Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco / Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.

Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

EEO Notice

Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and / or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal .

By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.

Privacy Notice

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here .

• Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here .
• Residents of all other states may access our policies here .
• Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here .
• Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here .

Pay Transparency Notice

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to :

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.