Controller
Position Overview
We are seeking a versatile, business-administration-trained professional to serve as our Controller / Office Manager. This hybrid role combines traditional controller responsibilities (financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, compliance, and systems) with hands-on office management, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, vendor/contractor oversight, and process improvement across the fire protection operations and related entities.
The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in business administration, proven multi-entity or project-based accounting experience, and the ability to implement and optimize modern systems.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Planning, Analysis & Reporting
- Manage and analyze operating and capital budgets, including forecasting, variance analysis, and clear reporting to ownership and leadership.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements with meaningful analysis.
- Develop operational and financial performance metrics and dashboards that support planning, reliability of field operations, and leadership decision-making.
- Support tax preparation and work closely with external accountants/auditors.
- Provide day-to-day leadership and management of the office and administrative team, including coaching, performance feedback, workload prioritization, and fostering a positive, high-accountability culture.
- Serve as a primary professional point of contact for customers on billing, accounts receivable, collections, and related financial or service inquiries, handling interactions with clarity and a solutions-oriented approach.
- Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with customers, vendors, and internal teams to support smooth operations and positive experiences.
Job Costing, Project & Contractor Oversight
• Oversee job/project cost accounting for installation, service, and inspection work (including work-in-process schedules and accurate cost-to-complete tracking).
• Manage purchase orders, validate invoices, monitor contractor/subcontractor costs and productivity, and ensure contract compliance.
• Prepare cost estimates and forecasts for larger projects and reconcile job costs to the general ledger.
Cash, Treasury & Working Capital
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and liquidity.
• Oversee accounts receivable and accounts payable, including aging analysis, collections support, vendor relations, and cash-flow forecasting.
• Evaluate and manage financial risk and banking arrangements as needed.
Payroll, HR Administration & Compliance
• Oversee accurate and timely payroll processing (regular, overtime, bonuses, deductions) and ensure full compliance with federal, state (ME/NH), and local regulations, including tax reporting and labor laws.
• Handle related employee records, benefits administration support, and coordination during payroll or financial audits.
• Maintain strong internal controls and support regulatory compliance (financial, tax, and industry-related).
Systems, Process Improvement & Office Operations
• Evaluate, implement, and maintain accounting software and supporting systems (QuickBooks IES / advanced QuickBooks environments, project management tools, dimensional/cost accounting structures, etc.).
• Streamline office processes, improve data integrity, and reduce manual work.
• Coordinate effectively with operations, field leadership, engineering/design, estimation, and external partners (accountants, auditors, contractors).
• Handle day-to-day accounting reconciliations, month-end closes, vendor relations, contracts, and inventory/parts tracking as needed.
This role requires someone comfortable operating at both strategic and tactical levels in a mid-sized specialty contractor environment.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration (or closely related business field). Master’s in business administration (MBA) strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive, proven experience in accounting, office management, controller, or equivalent financial leadership roles (construction, specialty contracting, multi-entity, or project-based service businesses highly preferred).
• Strong proficiency with QuickBooks (Online experience a significant plus), advanced Microsoft Excel, and the ability to learn/implement additional industry or project software.
• Demonstrated experience with job costing, work-in-process, budgeting/forecasting, AR/AP, and payroll compliance.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, clear written and verbal communication, and the ability to work collaboratively with ownership, field leadership, and external professionals.
• Willingness and demonstrated ability to drive process improvement and systems modernization.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience managing financials for multiple related entities or businesses.
• Background in construction, mechanical/specialty trades, or service contracting (fire protection, electrical, plumbing/HVAC, etc.).
• Hands-on experience implementing or significantly upgrading accounting systems and processes.
• Knowledge of Maine and New Hampshire tax, labor, and prevailing-wage / certified-payroll considerations (helpful given public and federal work).
• CPA, CMA, or similar credential a plus but not required.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with education and experience (market range for similar hybrid Controller / Office Manager roles in the Bangor / greater Maine construction and specialty-contractor space typically falls in the $100,000–$140,000+ range depending on depth of experience and credentials).
Full benefits package includes employer-paid healthcare, 401(k) with company match, profit sharing, paid holidays and vacation, life and short-term disability coverage, and other standard benefits consistent with our field-team offerings. Company culture emphasizes focused work, systems that reduce unnecessary paperwork, and opportunities for growth.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience to cmaheux@mefirepro.com.
Maine Fire Protection Systems is an equal-opportunity employer.