Freelance Project Finance Controller Jobs in Colorado

CORPORATE CONTROLLER

Location: Denver, Colorado (Hybrid/Remote Initially)

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer

Direct Reports: Accounting Team (General Accounting, AP, AR, Payroll and Financial Reporting)

Status: Full-Time

POSITION SUMMARY

The Corporate Controller is a key member of the Finance leadership team, responsible for directing all accounting, financial reporting, treasury, internal controls, compliance, and audit activities for the organization. This role provides leadership and oversight for accounting operations while partnering closely with executive management, operations, commercial teams, investors, lenders, and external auditors.

The Controller will ensure the integrity of financial reporting, maintain strong internal controls, oversee budgeting and forecasting processes, and provide financial insight that supports strategic decision-making, capital allocation, operational performance, and growth initiatives. This individual will lead a high-performing accounting organization while establishing scalable processes and systems suitable for a dynamic, growth-oriented company.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Leadership & Accounting Operations

• Lead and manage all accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll oversight, fixed assets, treasury, revenue accounting, and financial reporting.
• Direct the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements.
• Maintain accounting records and financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP, IFRS (where applicable), lender requirements, and company policies.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, systems, and internal controls.
• Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and professional development to accounting personnel while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a trusted business partner to executive leadership and operational management.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting packages for management, investors, lenders, and the Board of Directors.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), operating metrics, profitability analyses, and management reporting dashboards.
• Assist in the preparation of annual budgets, long-range plans, rolling forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Analyze business performance and provide actionable recommendations related to profitability, working capital, capital investments, operational efficiency, and strategic growth opportunities.
• Support financing initiatives, due diligence processes, lender reporting, and investor presentations.

Treasury & Cash Management

• Oversee treasury operations, including cash management, banking relationships, liquidity planning, debt compliance, and cash forecasting.
• Manage working capital and monitor cash flow performance through detailed forecasting and reporting.
• Review and approve significant disbursements, wire transfers, and banking transactions within authorized limits.

Capital Projects & Operational Accounting

• Monitor capital expenditures and project accounting to ensure proper authorization, coding, tracking, and reporting.
• Support operational leaders through project cost analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and variance reporting.
• Ensure accurate accounting treatment of capital projects and fixed assets.
• Experience with project-based industries such as mining, minerals, energy, construction, infrastructure, or industrial services is highly desirable.

Compliance, Controls & Audit

• Maintain a strong internal control environment that safeguards company assets and supports operational excellence.
• Lead annual financial statement audits, lender audits, tax compliance activities, and other regulatory examinations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, tax, and reporting requirements.
• Serve as the accounting owner for SOX compliance and internal control documentation, testing, remediation, and monitoring activities where applicable.
• Coordinate external service providers including auditors, tax advisors, consultants, and valuation specialists.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation, process efficiency, reporting accuracy, and scalability.
• Optimize ERP and financial reporting systems to improve business intelligence and operational effectiveness.
• Partner with IT and operational leaders to implement technology solutions that support organizational growth.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required or strongly preferred.
• MBA, Master's Degree in Accounting, or other advanced degree preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance leadership experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of direct people management experience leading accounting teams.
• Public accounting experience with a national or regional accounting firm preferred.
• Experience within private equity-backed, growth-oriented, multi-entity organizations preferred.
• Public company and IPO experience preferred.
• Industry experience in mining, minerals, natural resources, energy, manufacturing, industrial services, or other project-based environments required.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, audit processes, and corporate compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting banking relationships, debt facilities, lender reporting, and investor reporting.

Technical Skills

• Advanced ERP experience required; NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar enterprise systems preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and Office 365 skills required.
• Strong financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and analytical capabilities.
• Experience implementing process improvements and financial systems enhancements.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Financial Leadership
• Business Acumen
• Executive Communication
• Team Development & Coaching
• Operational Excellence
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Organizational Influence
• Change Management
• Integrity & Accountability

SUCCESS PROFILE

The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting leader who combines strong technical accounting expertise with business partnership skills. They possess the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment while building scalable processes, developing talent, and delivering accurate financial information that drives informed business decisions.