Controller - wilmington, nc

Tongue & Groove is seeking a seasoned financial professional to lead and elevate our accounting operations. This role will oversee all financial functions across a fast-growing, multi-entity luxury design-build and real estate firm headquartered in Wilmington, NC, with expanding operations in Raleigh and Florida.

This is not simply a bookkeeping role or a traditional back-office accounting position. The Controller will serve as a hands-on financial leader responsible for building systems, improving financial discipline, and providing the insights necessary to guide strategic growth.

Working directly with ownership and senior leadership, this role offers the opportunity to shape the financial infrastructure of a dynamic company and grow into a future CFO position.

The Controller is responsible for managing all financial functions of the organization, including accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, payroll, internal controls, and construction accounting oversight.

This position ensures financial integrity across multiple entities while providing leadership with clear insights into performance, job costing, margins, and cash flow. The Controller will lead the accounting function, supervise staff, and collaborate closely with project managers and leadership to ensure financial discipline across the company.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates exceptional leadership, and has strong experience with construction accounting and multi-entity operations.

The Controller will be responsible for building and maintaining strong financial systems and reporting across the organization, including:

• Monthly financial close process with a target of a 10-day close
• Construction WIP schedules and percentage-of-completion accounting
• Multi-entity financial consolidation
• Cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning
• Job cost accuracy and margin visibility
• Oversight of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and accounting staff
• Implementation of internal controls and financial process improvements
• Financial reporting for leadership and strategic decision making

Accounting Operations

• Process accounts payable daily and issue payments weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly
• Maximize vendor and subcontractor discounts, rebates, and credit card rewards
• Maintain accurate vendor records and ensure all required documentation is current
• Manage accounts receivable, including issuing client invoices and tracking collections
• Oversee accounting operations across Tongue & Groove and affiliated companies
• Maintain accurate general ledger records and financial systems
• Prepare and distribute monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports including:
  • Profit & Loss statements
  • Balance Sheets
  • Budget vs. actual comparisons
  • Labor burden rates
• Lead monthly financial review meetings with senior leadership
• Analyze company performance and provide recommendations to improve profitability

Construction Accounting

• Maintain accurate job cost tracking and reporting
• Prepare and manage WIP schedules
• Ensure proper percentage-of-completion accounting
• Collaborate with project managers to maintain accurate cost forecasting and margin visibility

Payroll & Compliance

• Manage payroll processing including onboarding, time tracking, and compliance
• Maintain labor burden calculations and annual updates
• Prepare and pay monthly, quarterly, and annual taxes
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and company policies

Cash Management & Budgeting

• Manage company cash flow forecasting and reporting
• Collaborate with leadership on annual and preliminary budgeting
• Monitor financial performance and provide strategic recommendations
• Complete monthly bank, credit card, and vendor reconciliations
• Identify opportunities for financial process improvements and system upgrades
• Manage rental property accounting including receivables, payables, and lease oversight
• Support leadership in evaluating financial performance across divisions

• High level of integrity and accountability
• Strong attention to detail and financial accuracy
• Ability to lead, teach, and elevate the accounting function
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset
• Strong…