Senior Business Unit Controller
Lawrence, KS
Full Time
Metalworks
Senior Manager/Supervisor
Do you believe no challenge is too complex to solve? You’ll fit right in at U.S. Engineering. We deliver award-winning mechanical contracting, construction, service, and maintenance solutions with a focus on performance and innovation. Our team of skilled and collaborative professionals drives every project from preconstruction through final testing, always aligned with our clients’ goals.
Senior Business Unit Controller
Serves as the senior financial leader for Metalworks, providing strategic financial oversight and serving as a key advisor to executive leadership in the development and execution of financial and operational strategies. This role holds full ownership of accounting operations, financial planning, and internal controls, while leading the accounting team and influencing cross-functional decision-making at the highest levels of the organization.
Principal Duties and Accountabilities:
Experience:
Benefits and Compensation:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without requiring future sponsorship for employment visa status.
U.S. Engineering is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and shall provide equal employment opportunities to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.
U.S. Engineering is compliant with the Drug Free Workplace Act, and all offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and job specifications required of employees so classified. U.S. Engineering reserves the right to revise as needed. The job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
Senior Business Unit Controller
Serves as the senior financial leader for Metalworks, providing strategic financial oversight and serving as a key advisor to executive leadership in the development and execution of financial and operational strategies. This role holds full ownership of accounting operations, financial planning, and internal controls, while leading the accounting team and influencing cross-functional decision-making at the highest levels of the organization.
Principal Duties and Accountabilities:
- Metalworks is a wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. Engineering Company Holdings (“Holdings”), with plant locations in Johnstown, Colorado and Lawrence, Kansas. As the senior financial officer for Metalworks, this role maintains a strategic partnership with the Holdings accounting department, actively shaping financial policy and leveraging shared resources across all subsidiaries to drive enterprise-wide value.
- Oversees all revenue and expense categories with a senior leadership perspective; directs preparation of monthly financial statements, in-depth variance and performance analysis, rolling cash and revenue forecasts, and competitive benchmarking to proactively identify risks and opportunities.
- Partners with executive leadership as a trusted strategic advisor to drive financial and operational transformation, establish and govern financial policy, and lead the design and implementation of advanced financial performance dashboards and KPIs that support data-driven decision-making.
- Directs and optimizes cost accounting for all production lines; holds senior accountability for the integrity of all financial and accounting functions including the general ledger, pricing strategy, billings, cash management, asset management, overhead allocation, budgeting, and the design and enforcement of a robust internal controls framework.
- Leads the development and presentation of multi-year financial plans, annual operating budgets, and long-range strategic financial models; translates complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for executive audiences.
- Synthesizes and interprets financial metrics at a senior level to drive executive-level priority setting, measure operational improvement, and proactively surface areas of financial concern; serves as the go-to financial authority for cross-functional business leaders.
- Leads complex ad hoc financial analysis and high-impact special projects that directly inform executive decision-making; champions a culture of analytical rigor and continuous financial improvement across the organization.
- Ensures supply chain for production supplies and consumables is managed to achieve best price, quality, and delivery performance; either performs this responsibility directly or delegates to and oversees the appropriate team members.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business required; Master’s degree (MBA or MAcc) preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, and/or audit, with demonstrated growth into senior or lead financial roles.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) strongly preferred; active licensure is a significant differentiator for this senior role.
- Significant experience within the manufacturing or industrial services industry strongly preferred; demonstrated understanding of cost structures, production economics, and operational finance in a manufacturing context.
- Senior-level leadership presence with the ability to elevate team performance, foster a high-accountability culture, and influence outcomes across functions and organizational levels.
- Advanced analytical, critical thinking, and strategic application skills, with a demonstrated track record of translating financial insights into executive-level business recommendations.
- Expert-level knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and financial reporting standards, with the authority to interpret and apply them in complex business situations.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to present complex financial information clearly and persuasively to executive and non-financial audiences.
- Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and financial modeling tools; working knowledge of ERP systems and business intelligence platforms preferred.
- Exceptional attention to detail balanced with the ability to operate strategically and maintain a big-picture perspective across the business.
- Exceptional communicator and senior relationship builder with a demonstrated ability to create executive-level influence, navigate organizational complexity, and align diverse stakeholders around shared financial goals.
- Unwavering commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality of sensitive financial, personnel, and strategic information; models the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity.
- Superior service orientation with the ability to build trusted partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders, anticipating needs and delivering high-quality financial support proactively.
- Relentless focus on delivering high-impact results with precision and within deadlines; capable of driving multiple complex initiatives simultaneously without loss of quality or rigor.
- Thrives in a dynamic, continuously evolving environment; demonstrates senior-level composure, sound judgment, and decisive action under ambiguity or pressure.
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities at an executive pace, rapidly pivoting to address emerging business needs while maintaining strategic focus and operational continuity.
- Frequent sitting, use of keyboard, monitor, 10-key and telephone.
- Ability to travel as needed; frequent travel to regional offices and/or plant locations.
Benefits and Compensation:
- The range for this position has been established at $118K to $166K salary and is U.S. Engineering good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of the posting. The compensation offered to the finalist selected for this role will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
- Your total compensation will go beyond the number on your paycheck. Team members are eligible for a year-end bonus based on company and/or individual performance as well as paid time off. An industry-leading benefits package, including health, dental, and vision plans, matching retirement contributions, and matching 529 contributions all add to your bottom line.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without requiring future sponsorship for employment visa status.
U.S. Engineering is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and shall provide equal employment opportunities to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.
U.S. Engineering is compliant with the Drug Free Workplace Act, and all offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and job specifications required of employees so classified. U.S. Engineering reserves the right to revise as needed. The job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
Apply for this position
Required*