Controller in South Ogden, Utah at GMRE

JOB SUMMARY

The Controller is responsible for leading the Company's accounting operations while ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and scalable accounting processes that support GMRE's continued growth.

This is a hands-on Controller position responsible for both leading the accounting function and actively participating in day-to-day accounting operations. The successful candidate will be comfortable balancing strategic responsibilities with detailed transactional work while building scalable processes to support the Company's continued growth.

This position serves as the Company's technical accounting leader, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, and scalable accounting operations. The Controller partners closely with the Director of Finance to strengthen the accounting function, improve operational efficiency, and build processes capable of supporting a growing government contractor.

This position requires a collaborative leader who combines strong technical accounting expertise with a practical, hands-on approach to developing people, improving processes, and supporting a rapidly growing organization. While government contracting experience is preferred, GMRE values candidates with exceptional accounting fundamentals, a CPA designation, and a demonstrated ability to quickly learn complex industries.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting Operations

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and supporting schedules.
• Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and financial analyses.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the Company's balance sheet through timely reconciliations, account analysis, and resolution of outstanding items.
• Continuously improve close procedures and accounting workflows.
• Support cash management activities through timely reconciliations, banking administration, and coordination with the Director of Finance.

Technical Accounting & Compliance

• Serve as the Company's technical accounting expert.
• Research and apply new accounting guidance.
• Support annual financial statement preparation and external audits.
• Coordinate annual tax preparation with external CPA firms.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements.
• Support indirect rate development, monitoring, annual incurred cost submissions, and compliance with government contracting requirements.

Payroll, Tax & State Compliance

• Provide oversight of payroll accounting and related reconciliations.
• Monitor payroll tax compliance across multiple states.
• Resolve payroll tax notices and state compliance issues.
• Oversee multi-state business registrations, annual filings, payroll tax compliance, business tax filings, and regulatory reporting.
• Work closely with Payroll and Human Resources to strengthen payroll controls and compliance processes.

Benefits & Financial Administration

• Oversee the financial administration of the Company's employee benefit programs, including the 401(k) plan, self-funded medical plan, and insurance programs.
• Coordinate with Human Resources and third-party administrators to ensure accurate funding, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Maintain financial controls and compliance related to employee benefit programs.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Strengthen internal controls throughout the accounting cycle.
• Identify process improvement opportunities that reduce risk and improve efficiency.
• Develop scalable accounting policies and procedures.
• Build accounting processes capable of supporting the Company's growth while maintaining accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Lead accounting process design and support implementation of ERP systems, financial automation, and other technology initiatives.
• Promote segregation of duties and best accounting practices throughout the organization.

Team Leadership

• Mentor, coach, and develop accounting staff.
• Provide technical accounting guidance and training.
• Develop the skills and capabilities of the accounting personnel.
• Foster accountability, continuous learning, and professional development.
• Develop and strengthen the accounting team to support the Company's continued growth.

Business Partnership & Financial Planning

• Support strategic finance initiatives and cross-functional business improvement efforts.
• Support the annual budgeting and forecasting process by developing accounting-related assumptions, validating financial data, and collaborating with the Director of Finance and Program Finance Manager to ensure accurate financial planning.
• Provide accounting guidance for new business initiatives, organizational growth, and strategic decision making.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the Finance organization.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on accounting matters affecting the business.

WHY WORK FOR GMRE?

GMRE is a small veteran-owned company who cares about our employees. We offer health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), vacation, Paid Time Off (PTO), or Paid Sick Leave (PSL) based on state laws, paid holidays, and life insurance to all permanent full-time employees. GMRE’s mission is to provide high quality engineering and technical services to help our customers grow and succeed.

GMRE is an equal opportunity employer. GMRE is committed to making employment decisions based on valid requirements, without regard to age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local laws.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP.
• Excellent understanding of accounting controls and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for continuous improvement and process development.
• Ability to research complex accounting issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting systems.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Minimum of 3 years in an accounting leadership role.
• Experience managing the month-end close process.
• Experience preparing financial statements and managing audits.
• Experience with multi-state tax compliance.
• Experience mentoring and developing accounting professionals.

Preferred

• Experience in government contracting.
• Working knowledge of FAR, CAS, DCAA, and DCMA requirements or the demonstrated ability to quickly learn government contracting regulations.
• Experience with ERP implementations or financial system improvements.
• Experience supporting a rapidly growing organization.

SECURITY CLEARANCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Driving or renting a car for company business is expected with some frequency. For insurance purposes, a valid driver’s license is required.
• Ability to successfully pass required background screening.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Will Initially supervise one accounting professional and is responsible for coaching, mentoring, performance management, and developing the accounting function as the Company grows.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

TRAVEL REQUIRED

• Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position for meetings, trainings, and/or site visits.
• Position will travel up to 10% of the time.